The Janitor's Requiem

uffed deep in his pockets and his head a whirlpool of conflicting feelings. He was eager to leave. He wanted his feet to take him

s, who hardly looked up. The door of the lead automobile opened, and an old lady, despite her advanced age, came out with a c

strangely warm as she

ed at her. "Am I ac

yes, the lady gave a little grin. "Young mas

er? You have the wrong man, lady. I am not the maste

r in her voice. "You must accompany me. It's time you di

scepticism as he looked back

e," she sta

Thomas's lips. "Who am I? Thank

h. Let's have a conversation in a peaceful place. You are free to leav

ng about her demeanour and presence that called for notice.

onded in a reluctant

pated as he got into the backseat. The room smelt like leather and something somewhat flowery. A

in the hazy city lights. part of him was certain that this was some kind of complex jo

lls and elaborate gates, the estate in front of him resembled a fortress. Although he had previously

complete the statem

horne family's estate," as

perty's splendour. With its windows gently shining against th

nded with the warm, pleasant air within. Employees walke

ridors and said, "You are a guest here.

that," Thomas whi

d to go on forever and walls covered in elaborate tapestrie

said, "Freshen up." "After dinner i

stated, "No." "Dinner is not nece

a while, the lady nodded

orridor, the shiny flooring turning to stone. As the temperature

gly unaltered room was revealed. The room was packed with shelves with antiquated book

our family's history," she

He saw faces staring back at him, some familiar, some

nd gave it to him, saying

n down to the strong jawline and piercing ey

ble above a whisper as he

andpa. "One of the most significan

edulity. "It's not possible. My granddad worke

, your parents kept you hidden to keep you safe. from anyone who could have

ice, he repeat

heir to the Blackthorne legacy." "And as th

ugh, to think she was making all of this up. But it was difficult

rom the corridor before he could reply. The

one, she said, "W

sprang open. Although a cowl covered their fac

echoed, the lady grabbed Thoma