A loud knocking noise interrupted. Cherie saw Maggie roll her eyes as she moved to a small door at the back of the yellow kitchen and opened it.

Out stepped a thin, gangly old man with stooped shoulders, a shock of white hair, and a long mustache. His thick, bushy eyebrows were knit together into a frown. Cherie could not make out the color of his eyes. His wrinkled jeans and faded flannel shirt smelled of cigarette smoke.

The basement apartments cold, he snarled to Maggie. I had to come up. Im making myself coffee before I go out to rake up leaves.

Youd best be quick about it before the missus starts her hollering. Maggie moved back to allow the old man into the kitchen.

Well, whos that? he asked pointing a thumb at Cherie making her feel like a child.

Shes Karl Kendalls new wife and my weekend relief. You know theyre moving into the old carriage house out back. Cherie, this is Clarence, the chauffeur, gardener, and handyman. He lives in the basement apartment. And he can also fix his own meals down there.

Clarence quivered visibly at her last remark. You women want me to starve to death down there I swear. Ive worked for this family for years, and is entitled to a decent home cooked meal every now and then, he muttered before meandering over to the counters coffee maker.

I think youve been taking enough of your meals with Mrs. Kendall lately. For the amount of work you do around here, youre well provided for Id say. Maggies stance widened.

Cherie could tell Clarence was about to say something but put up a hand instead. If you hear anything strange in this house, you come and get me, you hear. Just pound hard on the basement door. I may be hard of hearing but my minds not gone, and---

Sh, Maggie interrupted raising a finger. Thats enough for right now, Clarence. Get yourself coffee and get your work done. Dont bother this young woman, Okay?

Clarence scowled. Look, Woman, did Mrs. Kendall say if she needs me to drive her anywhere?

No, go rake the leaves then you can watch TV for the rest of the day, Maggie hissed. Im sure shell tell me to get you if she needs you.

Cherie watched Maggie irritably tap her foot while Clarence went over to the cabinet, and began to make himself coffee. He glanced sideways at her, making Cherie wonder why her husband had never cautioned her about the nutty characters in this house.

Youre in a real fine mood today, arent you? You women. Clarence made a face while he grumbled.

Cherie, I think I best be tending to my duties. You seem like a nice girl, and Im so glad you came today. I feel I can relax now on my weekends at church knowing that youre here. Maggie cocked her head in the direction of the hallway, motioning for Cherie to follow her.

Dont forget to tell her all about that room, Clarence called with a chortle.

Cherie simply bit her tongue wondering what Clarence thought was so funny. Maggie glared at him.

Of course, you can always help yourself to anything in the house that you want to eat when youre here. But be sure youre around if she needs any help walking or rising from her chair. She needs help with her walker too and gets frustrated easily. So please be careful. I dont want anything happening to her. Now, I want to emphasize to you to do your best to keep her happy. Maggie uncrossed her arms and leaned against the doorwell. And good luck with the rest of your packing. I hope youll enjoy living here on the estate.

Maggie, you said not to go into that room at the end of the hall? Cherie inhaled deeply after asking the question.

Maggie lowered her voice. Thats right. Mrs. Kendalls babies died in that room. And a young woman working for Mrs. Kendall stayed in that room but disappeared one night years ago. So Mrs. Kendall keeps it locked always, Cherie. Please do not go in there.

Cherie lowered her head quickly thinking that shed have to be crazy to want to go into that room. But how could someone just disappear into the night? It made no sense.