Anyway, house. I spoke to Miss Monique and Mr. Kieran. I know where to start. I found a beauty of a home ten minutes from Mr. Dupart’s. Pictures attached.
Gated, fenced perimeter, single level, six bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, master suite with private patio, office, gym, rehabilitation room. Maid’s suite—good in case you need medical staff. Home has natural light and multiple windows. Wide plank oak floors, lap pool, patio and covered lanai, five-car garage. Two-bedroom detached guesthouse/attached two-car garage. Also has a 1200 square-foot ancillary structure suitable for operations center. Another 800 square-foot structure suitable for grounds management. Four-stall stable, small office, tack room and a two-bedroom apartment suitable for house staff. Two horses included. Vet inspection complete—one mare, one gelding, healthy. New landscaping. Security inspection performed by Mr. Minor and Ms. Fitz.
With your okay, the home will be available to move in on or about June fifth. Let me know.
Owen
“I’ll talk to Julian. Thanks, Owen,” Troy whispered.
“Tim, take a look at this.”He showed him the home.
“Holy shit. One level. Lap pool, gym. Room for staff without being intrusive. And it’s in your range? No-brainer.”
When they were done talking about the house, he closed his computer and headed to the back of the plane. “I’ll check on Gwen.”
* * *
Gwen’s eyes fluttered open,her face dewy from sleep. “Hi.”
“I didn’t mean to wake you up.” Troy sat on the bed’s corner. “Are you hungry?”
“Did you eat?” she worried, adjusting her position. Her leg throbbed to the beat of her heart.
“Yes. You need to.” He pressed his lips together.
She pushed up on her elbows. “I’m a little queasy.”
“Grilled cheese? Peanut butter and jelly? Saltines and chicken soup?”
“I don’t want to be a bother,” she whispered.
Troy lifted his chin. “Which one?”
“Peanut butter and jelly, please.” Her lips formed a sad smile.
Troy placed the order. “Do you mind some company? I need your opinion.”
“Sure.” She patted the bed beside her.
Troy changed position and rested against the headboard. “May I?” He pointed to his shoes.
“Of course. What do you need my opinion about?” She forced her tired eyes to open wider.
“Have you given any thought to where you want to live?”
“I’m still getting over the idea of staying with Julian. I haven’t gotten that far. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if this was a long-term assignment. Everyone else told me otherwise, but…?” she asked nervously.
Troy gave her a look of exasperation. “It’s a long-term assignment unless you’re writing me off or expecting miracles. I will need your help for a while.”
Her heart fluttered. “I didn’t mean it that way,” she stumbled over her words. When she looked up at Troy, she saw he was amused.
“The company’s decorator appears to have found inspiration. He did some house hunting for me.” Troy opened the email and showed Gwen.
She thought she had an idea of what to expect. This didn’t come close. “Troy, this is incredible. If you want to know whether I like it, how could I not? Horses. A pool. It’s private. It’s secure. It’s on one floor.” She looked at him and saw his brows crunched. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No. But it’s an awful lot for one person. I know this is presumptuous, but the guest house has its own entrance, garage and privacy. Would you be interested?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Gwen asked.
