A Christmas Horror Story. Sebastian Gregory

for twenty years. His old, comfortable furniture was a stark contrast to the reception area.

      Perhaps interpreting Janice’s appraising glance, he said with a smile, “Miss Banner persuaded me to update her equipment and office furniture. She insisted that I should make a better impression on prospective clients. She’s been my right arm for over fifteen years, so I let her have full sway in the outer office, but I balked when she tried to change my office.” His eyes twinkled like a mischievous child when he added, “I’m too set in my ways to want a lot of new furniture.”

      From a small refrigerator concealed behind a screen, Mr. Santrock brought a pitcher of tea and some glasses. He poured a glass each for Janice and Brooke, then one for himself. He placed a tray of cookies within their reach, saying, “This is Miss Banner’s little touch. Help yourself.”

      After he’d seen to their immediate comfort, the lawyer said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t on hand to meet you last week, but it was one of those uncontrollable situations. I’m at your service today. I have all the papers ready for your signature to turn John Reid’s assets over to you. The local bank will help you transfer the money to a banking institution of your choice.”

      “I intend to leave everything in the local bank.”

      “Wouldn’t it be more convenient for you to have the money in Willow Creek?”

      “Not when I intend to live in Stanton.”

      The lawyer stared at her, a look of horror evident on his face. Suddenly, he was speechless, although he’d been quite talkative before.

      “Besides the house, how much cash is there?” Janice asked. “I don’t mean to sound mercenary, but I need to know where I stand before I start renovating the house.”

      Concern replaced incredulity on Mr. Santrock’s face, and his heavy eyebrows lifted. In a fatherly tone, he said, “My dear child, you can’t live at Mountjoy.”

      Flushing, Janice said, “That’s been my intention since I learned I’d inherited the property, though I’ll admit I was discouraged when I took a quick look at the house from a distance. It may be beyond repair, but if it is, I’ll sell it and use the money to buy a house in town.”

      “I haven’t been in the house for a long time, but I’m sure it’s a wreck.”

      “You’re probably right, but I won’t know until I look over the place. Will you give me the key so I can check it out?”

      “I don’t have a key, and I doubt you’d need one anyway. I don’t suppose the house has been locked for years. Most people hereabouts never lock their doors. If there is a key, Henrietta Cunningham might have it.”

      “Who’s Henrietta Cunningham?”

      “Your uncle’s housekeeper. She took care of him for several years. In exchange for her services, he gave her the house he owned in Stanton.”

      “If you think the house is unlocked, I won’t bother Mrs. Cunningham.”

      “But you shouldn’t go to the property alone. I don’t know how stable the floors are, and you might fall and hurt yourself. It will be several days before I’m free to go with you.”

      “I don’t want to wait that long.”

      Shrugging his shoulders, Mr. Santrock said, “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

      Remembering the letter she’d received telling her to stay away from Stanton, a cold chill tingled down Janice’s spine. She wondered if there was some danger at the house, and the lawyer was trying to protect her. She had the distinct feeling that he didn’t want her moving to Mountjoy, although he’d seemed glad to see her today. But was that because he thought she’d be leaving Stanton? When he hadn’t kept his appointment with her before, she’d questioned if he was deliberately avoiding her. But Mr. Santrock seemed helpful enough now, and Janice knew she had to curb her suspicious nature. He was probably only concerned with her safety. Remembering that Miss Caroline was praying for someone to advise her, she thought Loren Santrock might be that person, when he continued in a kindly tone.

      “Now about the rest of your inheritance—your uncle had some government bonds, as well as several accounts in the local bank worth about fifty thousand dollars. Add the property to that, and you’ve come into a tidy fortune. Of course, the house and land aren’t worth a great deal.”

      “I thought the land might be valuable even if the house isn’t much good.”

      He shook his head. “Except for the spot where the house stands, the rest of your property consists of a few acres of hilly land that isn’t fit for development. At one time the Reids owned several hundred acres in this county, but most of it was sold years ago. I’ll be glad to help you find a real estate agent if you decide to sell, but don’t expect it to bring a high price.”

      “I’ll appreciate any help you can give me,” Janice said.

      “Let’s call Miss Banner in to notarize your signature on some documents and I’ll send copies to the local bank. I’m chairman of the bank’s board of directors, so come to my office either Monday or Tuesday, and I’ll take you to the bank and introduce you. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

      “No, thank you,” Janice said as she stood. “I’ll see you Monday morning.”

      “I’ll have Miss Banner put you on my appointment list for ten o’clock. It’s my pleasure to serve you as I did your uncle.”

      Frustrated at the delay in exploring her inheritance, Janice wondered when she could go to Mountjoy. She didn’t intend to wait a week to see her property even if she had to go alone. But she didn’t want to take Brooke to the property until she’d checked out the place, so she’d have to wait until Monday when Brooke was in school.

      As they went down the stairs from the lawyer’s office, Janice said, “Let’s walk to the school now, and see if there’s anything you need before Monday. I’ll find out from the guidance counselor if there are any rules about clothing, and then we’ll go to the mall outside of town and buy some clothes for you.”

      A smile brightened Brooke’s small features, and she said, “I have enough clothes, but it would be great to have one or two new outfits.”

      Janice’s pulse quickened as they entered the school. Would Lance be in his office? The secretary in the reception room took them to the guidance counselor’s office. Janice was pleased with the efficiency of the school staff. The counselor was sensitive to Brooke’s position as a new student and when they left the building, Brooke had no fear of starting to school on Monday. Janice wished she was as confident of the future.

      After dinner they went to the motel and carried their suitcases to their spacious room. Brooke was fascinated by the large pictures, the spacious bathroom, the two phones, the entertainment center and the advertising brochures on the desk. She hadn’t stayed in a motel, although Janice had been in motels a few times when she was a child before her father had squandered all of his inheritance. Brooke was intrigued by the many channels available on the cable station and she quickly scanned all of the available programs.

      The past two weeks had been traumatic for Janice, and she felt as if she’d reached the end of her tether. The responsibility of making decisions about her sister’s future weighed heavily on her mind. While Brooke watched the Disney Channel, Janice stretched out on the bed and dozed until the ringing phone awakened her.

      Startled, she reached for the phone receiver.

      “Turn the volume down, Brooke.” Hoping Mr. Santrock was calling to say he’d take her on a tour of Mountjoy, she said, “Hello.”

      “Miss Reid, this is Lance Gordon. I’m sorry I missed you at school today. Did the staff take care of you?”

      She sat up in bed and shoved a couple of pillows behind her back. Pleased by his call, Janice said, “Yes, very well. Brooke is excited about starting school.”

      “What