Spliced

Previous day...

“Kasssss.”

The voice trickled through the walls. Kass spun. Echoes travelled like the wind through this house. Echoes that shouldn’t exist.

Kass shook her head and reminded herself to focus.

“So who did you say owned this place?” she asked.

“Used to own,” Tony replied, then added, “Some old lady. Her sons inherited it. And now they’re fighting over it.”

They walked around another corner. This house had so many.

“None of them want it,” he added as they wound their way further into the house.

“And we’re here because?”

“Michael, the realtor, wanted the place checked out. Get a few pictures taken. He’s told the sons he reckons he can sell it. Which would make things easier. It would solve the small issue of the missing will. There’s supposed to be a copy here somewhere but I don’t like our chances of finding it. Figured I’d make a show of looking though, take the pictures while we’re here and then we can put both on their tab as separate items.” He flashed her a quick grin before taking a moment to brush a speck of dust off the front of his suit.

“So what do you need me for?”

Another cheesy smile followed by a wink. “Thought it would brighten up the view.”

Kass shifted uncomfortably then quickly rolled her eyes as if she wasn’t bothered at all. But Tony had already turned back around as he continued to walk down the corridor. “Plus we can charge them for the extra hands.”

“I didn’t specialise in probate law Tony. I have my own work to do.” Which she would be doing, if only her boss hadn’t caved to Tony’s request that she accompany him. Alas, there was more money in the dearly departed than there was in the common criminal, and so Kass’s case files would have to wait.

“Relax” Tony replied in that peacockish tone of his. “I figured it might also be useful to have a second pair of eyes. Not that I’m superstitious or anything but it’s rumoured some really messed up stuff happened in this place. And places like this tend to attract all sorts of crazy people. Given the size of this house I wouldn’t be surprised if we came across some squatters. The especially nutty kind. If anyone jumps out at us not only do we have two professionals with good standing in the community to report what happened we’ve got two telekinetics to fight them off as well.” He gave the empty air what for with two rapid haymakers. Then he straightened up and smoothed out his suit again. With his back to her he added, “Besides no one specialises in a town this small. You want to practice case law, move to the city.”

Before Kass could say anything her cellphone rang.

“I’ll just take this,” Kass said as she pushed open one of the glass doors along the hall.

“Uh huh,” Tony nodded absently, and continued down the hall peering into rooms.

Kass stepped outside into the garden. It was a beautiful day. The overgrown lawn gleamed dark green in the hot sun. A gentle breeze hinted at the cooler months to come. A topiary squirrel, in bad need of a haircut, watched her from beside a stand of fir trees.

“Hello,” Kass answered.

“Hey Kass,” Amanda’s voice echoed down the line. “Got any plans this weekend? Coal has a job.”

“No, sounds great.” She figured she could use a weekend out of town anyway. Take a proper break, even if it was doing a different kind of work. At least it would likely be out of reach of any calls from the office, or if it wasn’t she could pretend it was.

“Great. We’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, around 8:15.”

“Kay.” Kass nodded even though Amanda couldn’t see her.

“See you then,” Amanda said, and hung up.

Kass put her phone back in her pocket, noting how late in the day it was. She walked back towards the house, stepped back through the white wood-rimmed glass door, and looked down the hall for Tony.

“Tony?” she called walking a few steps in the direction he had gone. No answer. “Tony?” she called louder. She sighed. Maybe he had gone home already. She wandered back through the house only taking a wrong turn a couple of times. This house was like a maze. There were several staircases that didn’t go anywhere. It was as if the designer just couldn’t stop building.

Eventually she found her way back to the front entrance. Tony’s car was still in the driveway. Well it was late, and the house was huge. Tony could find his own way out. A bit relieved to be done for the day, and to not have to deal with Tony for at least a couple more, Kass got into her own car and turned on the radio. Easy-listening music played softly out of the speakers. With one last glance up at the big house she took her foot off the brake, and pulled out, wheels spinning on the chalky gravel.