FILE 22: THE LARGE MANSION OF DUNMORE PARK PART 3

The next morning everything had returned to normal. I examined Jonathan as we dressed, but he was his usual annoying self. I lost my grip on my white gloves after he slapped me on the back. Stay calm, stay calm.

"I see that you're a fast learner. Just yesterday you could barely dress and make your bed before the meetup," he laughed as he kept damaging my spine.

I managed a smile as we left for the boarding room where the butlers and servers were assigned their tasks.

"What's up?" Lea greeted us as we met up by the door. She had on her maid outfit. The blonde hair flowing down her back and the hazel eyes peering at me intensely through her pale skin made her look incredibly cute. 

"Why are you looking at me like that? Did you think I'd be fired or something?" I teased her as we took our places. Her lack of an answer gave me confirmation. I felt offended.

"I can't believe you think so lowly of a professional like me," I mumbled, hurtfully. The head butler gave us all our duties for the day, and lo and behold, Lea and I were sent to the same room, the second guest room.

I smirked while she grimaced at her bad luck. My revenge is looming on the horizon. Once we were dismissed, I had Lea lead me up to the guest room as I had no idea where it was.

"Don't try anything stupid while we're alone," she hissed as we ascended the staircase. I blinked innocently. "Whatever do you mean?"

"You know what I mean! Just don't try it!" she snapped.

"Oh my. All I thought of was how to solve my case if I was too busy cleaning out a dirty room, yet here you are thinking of those things. What a dirty mind you have," I mocked the now blushing Lea.

"You–you bastard! Dammit!" she stormed off, with me hurrying behind her. My eyes shone with mischief. Messing with her was so much fun.

I pulled out the cleaning equipment stored in the hallway while Lea scowled beside me and we got straight to work. I vacuumed the floor while she aired out the room. 

The silence was awkward so I started a conversation with her. "I almost forgot. You have yet to answer my question."

"What question?" she seethed. What a she-wolf.

"Is there anything strange going on here?" I implored through gritted teeth. She stopped polishing the bedside table and sighed.

"What did Madam tell you?" she wanted to know. I leaned the vacuum cleaner against the wall and sat on the bed. I motioned for her to sit beside me.

"Only that her husband possesses certain employees each night. But there's more to this story, isn't there? I'd love for you to tell me the whole story," I smiled enticingly. She gave me a weird look before sitting down.

"I hope you'll take responsibility." I nodded eagerly. I sensed an entertaining story. She took a deep breath and started;

"Since I began working here her husband, Baird Alpin, has possessed a person and neared her room. It was startling, but we became used to it. 

However, the people he dominated changed not long after. Their characteristics, habits and even personalities will ultimately transform, and they never return to normal no matter how we try to bring them back to their senses."

She peered forward thoughtfully as she spoke. "Each person changes into a contrasting personality, but retains similar manners. Some became aggressive, others timid or cruel. A woman who was possessed was amiable and shy at the same time. Yet afterwards she became arrogant and insufferable."

Huh? I hope she wasn't implying anything. She gave me a sideways, mischievous look. Definitely, she did.

"It caused quite a stir, so Madam took steps. Under the watchful eye of her steward, the Possessed, as they came to be known, were sent to work in a villa she owned but barely visited out in the country.

I expect the cheerful Jonathan to change by this time tomorrow into someone else." Meh, I don't really mind all that much. He was annoying anyway.

"Can you do something about all this? Would you be able to fix this like you always brag about?" she pleaded.

"I'm the Otherworld Investigator. Just who do you think I am?" I presented a tiny salute.

We finished our assignment and headed back to the hallway where I returned all the equipment. Lea peeked at her phone and said softly, "We're to head to the dining room next with Jonathan and Gerard. They want us to set the table for lunch."

I want to quit. I hate setting the table. Upon offering my arm, I was greeted with a small smile in return. Great, I haven't lost my touch!

Lea and I were the first ones to reach the dining room. The expensive decor stared me in the face as we delicately picked up the crystal glasses. Jonathan entered next with Gerard. To our amazement they were arguing.

"I told you to be careful. It's great that Madam forgave you this time, but if you break another vase, you could be fired!" the tall, red-haired man reproached Jonathan.

He didn't seem to appreciate Gerard's warning. "I know that! You don't have to tell me what to do. Stop being such a bother," he snarled angrily. Lea and I glanced at each other. She gave a tiny nod.

Ah, so it has happened. "Calm down, Jonathan. Come and help us set the table," I persuaded him gently. He swirled to face me. "Don't you start as well. All of you shut up. Just SHUT UP!" He stomped away furiously.

Gerard scratched his head in confusion. "What's up with him?" he asked while gathering a tablecloth. I groaned. Jonathan was annoying before, but now he's just plain unbearable. 

After two hours of suffering, the table was set for lunch. The measuring still boggled me. There is no way they will notice, I am certain. I stood with the others as the guests piled in and sat at their reserved places. 

My stomach growled as we brought in the food and served tea and coffee. Being a butler is so cruel. Before chatting with her visitors, Vanora glanced at me once. I guess that was a signal to 'get on with it'.

I was going to use the Spell of Release, but I have to make sure first. Time to make a phone call to my dear old father.