Laura's Big Win (11 page)

“Please, potty break first. I
mean….sorry, that just sort of came out. I’ve been around little
kids a lot the last few years. I guess it didn’t sound very mature
or adult.”

Roger enjoyed a good laugh at her
discomfort. “Our kids have been out of the house for probably
twenty years now, and we still refer to it as a potty break. Old
habits die hard. And, besides, you’re right; good as that coffee
is, it’s coffee in, coffee out. Why don’t we take a little break,
then head out for a brief tour of the place?”

“Great. I’ll be just a
moment.”

“As will I” Ryan commented. “I’m going
to run over and get my shades. Sun’s a little bright for me
today”

A few moments later found the group
reassembled and headed towards Suite A. The kids were getting up
from the naps they didn’t need, and were ready to go some more.
Roger suggested they walk the tour since it wouldn’t take very long
and he needed to stretch his legs a bit. Laura realized her kids
probably knew this place better than she did, partly because she
had only seen the outside in the dark of night when they arrived
the previous evening. As they headed out the back visitor door, she
was greeted by the myriad of colors on the grounds. The flower beds
were beautiful, along with a manicured lawn all edged neatly and a
deep green throughout. Glancing back, she realized Windmere was
once a private home in the grand style known as a Painted Lady,
with gingerbread work on the gables, and real shutters, all painted
to both contrast and blend with the surroundings. The room
additions blended with the original house so well they looked
perfectly natural.

Hosting the tour, Roger commented:
“Anything you would like to ask, please feel free. If you don’t
mind, I’ll sort of do a little travelogue as we stroll. First of
all Windmere was a private residence at one time, built by a very
wealthy family. As you can see, they liked to have guests during
the summer, and made it convenient by building extra rooms during
the original construction. Later on, they added the small houses
you see along the roadway here, sort of guest cottages for people
who were staying a little longer, possibly for their children and
their families to visit. Some of what we believe is mostly
guesswork since there is no written history on the estate. The
heirs who sold it were only interested in divesting, not history.
Anyway, the cottages are two bedroom and really complete living
units, as Alice can confirm. She has lived here for a number of
years, originally just because she didn’t want to deal with a big
empty house, and later because we managed to get her pulled into
our conniving and plotting.”

Alice enjoyed the banter as they went
along, and responded in kind. “Sure, right about that. I’m still
not quite sure how I managed to become an employee. That said, it
doesn’t hurt my feelings, and I can’t say I mind living next door
to these gentlemen, well most of the time anyway.”

Nearing the two story carriage house,
Laura noticed what appeared to be a large dog run, or maybe ponies
she thought as she considered the size and height of the
fence.

“Mommy, doggy!” Amanda quickly pointed
out the rather obvious. She was obviously remembering something
more. The fence gave no indication of what it held in, or out, but
Laura was soon to discover what Amanda already knew.

“That’s right Amanda. Did you play with
the doggies today?” Roger asked.

“Yep. Doggies, come out!” she yelled,
startling Laura, but the sound had its effect. Laura had never seen
German Shepherds like the two creatures that padded out of their
den and into the run. ‘My God’ she thought; ‘they could pass for
Great Danes in the dark, except for the long bushy tails’. The pair
had been sleeping in the cool of their den inside the carriage
house when they heard Amanda, but roused themselves quickly in case
there was a good scratching available.

Roger continued. “Meet Bruno and Daisy,
our night time security staff. They were probably penned last night
when you arrived, since the guys knew you were coming. Otherwise
you would have become acquainted a little quicker, and on a lot
scarier terms. Of course, there’s the chance they were down at one
of the water hazards swimming,” Roger added, “But no one seems to
want to find out the hard way. Here, let me introduce you
properly.” and he unlatched the gate, letting the dogs run free.
“Bruno, here.” was all he had to say, and the huge dog trotted over
and promptly sat where Roger pointed. Daisy, in the mean time, was
already sitting in front of Amanda and Jack, eyes closed, getting
her ears scratched. “Now, Laura, I assume you will be with us for
at least a few days, so here’s how we make sure these two don’t
mistake you for lunch some evening. No, it’s okay; come closer to
him, put one hand over his eyes, and with the other, cup his chin;
that’s right, reach right in, he doesn’t bite, much. Now, very
gently, blow on his muzzle three times.” Roger knew she was
perfectly safe at this point but was amused at the look of mild
fear at what he was instructing her to do. Still, she screwed her
courage up and did as she was instructed, gently blowing three
times at the huge dog. “Okay, now uncover his eyes, but leave your
other hand close to his muzzle; don’t pull away. You’ll see
why.”

Laura uncovered the dog’s eyes, to find
him looking right into her eyes, as though he was looking as much
through her as at her. ‘My God’, she thought, ‘what if he decides
he doesn’t like me’, but as quickly as the thought raced through
her mind, she felt the dog’s tongue licking the palm of her hand
and saw his tail start to stir up dust from the drive.
Instinctively, she reached out and scratched him under the chin and
behind the ears, sealing a friendship that would last for many
years. Daisy was next, although she was reluctant to leave the
pleasure the kids had been delivering.

That done, Roger decided the dogs could
stay out for a while, although their real job was after sunset.
“Okay, obviously this is the carriage house. It originally stored
at least one ‘Sunday go to meeting’ carriage, probably at least a
two horse rig, and maybe a depot wagon. There were four horse
stalls, so we know the family was pretty well off for their day.
Franz and Dennis converted the upstairs grooms quarters into pretty
plush surroundings if you ask me.” stating the later part of his
observation a little louder so Dennis and Franz, now nearing the
group, couldn’t help but overhear.

“Yeah, yeah; you’re just jealous
because we keep the good stuff locked up.” Franz commented, with
Dennis nodding in agreement.

“You kids behaving, just like I taught
you?” Dennis asked.

“Yes Sir”, the kids chimed in unison,
but just as quickly broke down into giggles at some hidden joke
they shared with this man.

Dennis returned to his tasks, leaving
Franz to handle the carriage house part of the tour with Roger.
Continuing the dialog, Roger said “Obviously, we don’t keep horses
anymore, at least not for the time being. Franz is our auto guru.
How about a quick rundown of the rolling stock, then we’ll discuss
transportation options.”

“Sure” Franz replied. “I have to
apologize since I talk rather slowly. It’s kind of a problem with
me. I hope you don’t mind.”

Laura responded quickly, putting Franz
at ease: “I assure you I want to hear what you have to say, and
I’ll always listen at the same speed you talk, never faster, never
slower. Please continue.”

Franz was clearly pleased that this
woman simply accepted him as he was, on his terms; he would remain
at her service whenever she asked. “I understand you’re familiar
with the Dennis mobile from your ride last night. It’s the most
secure and highest tech unit we’re operating right now, but when
the backup unit is replaced next year, the replacement will have a
few more security options installed by the customizer, options I’m
working on at the moment. Anyway, the backup unit is a little less
sophisticated, actually a lot less sophisticated, since it’s
basically a family soccer mom van, just with a larger engine and
run-flat tires installed. Then for the less demanding jobs, we have
the small SUV, a 4x4, two full size sedans, and an elderly but
serviceable Taurus that someone demands we keep around.”

Ryan put on his best fake scowl at the
mention of the Taurus. “Just take care of my baby. It’s been here
longer than you have.” The others knew the elderly Taurus was the
first car he and Mary had purchased, the car they had intended to
use to bring babies home from the hospital, and go to T-ball games
in, and teacher meetings, all the things that had been lost two
years ago when Mary died. Ryan could not bear to part with this
last reminder, not yet. Laura sensed that the car had special
meaning, and filed the thought away for future research.

“We have things worked out so if
someone needs a ride, or needs to use a vehicle, it’s made known to
Calvin and he keeps track of things; you’ll have a chance to meet
him later. Dennis and I both drive if needed, and sometimes that’s
just easier on everyone. Alice took lessons from Mr. Collins, so we
have to watch her pretty close; you’ll meet him if you hang around
here very long. Anyway, employees on company business are insured
by Windmere, so we pretty well make sure every trip is “company
business”. I’m the go-to guy if a vehicle is developing a problem.
So far, it’s been a very workable system. We do have some other
rolling stock, but it’s mostly kept at the golf course storage
barn; oh yes, there is the other garage past the carriage house
were we store vehicles for special guests, like Mr. Collins. So,
that about does it; anything else I can tell you”

“No, not really. I’m not going to
pretend I know much about cars or trucks or SUV’s, things like
that, but if it’s okay to ask, could you give me an idea what a
vehicle like the Dennis mobile costs curbside?”

“Roughly, $90K, more if you want gas in
it; forty gallons including the reserve tank.” Franz chuckled. “You
call, we haul, at your service madam.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, and I thank
you for the information. I need to consider a lot of things these
days.”

As Franz returned to his duties, the
tour group started around the house toward the front. Roger
suggested to Alice that maybe the kids could run the dogs a bit,
and the three, along with the two great dogs, headed down the path
to the wooded area. Continuing with the remainder of the group,
Roger observed “This is sort of the recreational area of the
property.” pointing out the enclosed swimming pool, hot tub, and
wading pool to the side of a brick pathway from the house. “We
thought about making it connected, but there is something about the
pool humidity, plus the chlorine fumes now and then, so you see
where it is. The enclosure is kept locked unless there is some
major activity in progress, but your room card opens it. The
security system is capable of operating individual access programs,
so if the kids eventually become card holders, theirs would open
where they live but not the pool door unless they are of adequate
age. The program is easily customized to suit various guests; we
can even keep their files in the system for reuse. Tennis courts
are a little farther down the path, asphalt, not clay. Clay is just
too expensive to maintain, and to tell the truth, most players
wouldn’t be helped by it anyway. We do have the courts resurfaced
with a very fine topping mix when they need it, and don’t get any
complaints, so I think it works out fine. Oh, and one other thing;
you know we have a nine hole golf course here at Windmere, one the
original owner installed, and we’re negotiating land for a back
nine. The road past the carriage house leads out to it. Ever play
golf, Laura?”

“No, not for real. My husband wanted me
to learn but didn’t have much patience with me. I can see a little
better now why he wanted me to learn, but I never did.”

“Maybe you just needed a better
instructor.” Ryan commented. “It’s a frustrating game, changing
every time I play, which is probably why I love it so much. Maybe I
could do a little instructing some time if you’re
interested.”

“Yes, that would be fun to do, but I’m
not so sure I’d ever be any good at it.” Laura’s mind was already
painting pictures, but she quickly stopped the thought before it
could develop toward inappropriate areas.

“Not a problem. We have players at all
levels, not to mention a part time pro, when he feels the need to
work. Really, he is here when he needs to be; it’s just that he
hasn’t helped my game much of late.”

“Maybe,” Roger interjected “it would
help if you stayed here instead of running all over the
globe.”

“Just doing my job, just doing my
job.”

As they walked a little farther along
the roadway, Laura noticed what appeared to be a fairly good sized
residence off to the side of the road, at least three bedrooms or
more, apparently in good repair but with the landscaping somewhat
overgrown. ‘Strange,’ she thought, ‘with everything else so neat
and trim that this one area should look like this. Might as well
find out.’ “Is that house part of Windmere also?”

Roger opened his mouth to answer but
was cut off by Ryan’s terse “No. It’s on the grounds; that’s
all.”

Laura was startled by the response.
This Ryan had seemed rather easy going for the most part, but his
statement was one of finality. Clearly, he would allow no more
discussion of the house, although Roger was apparently the person
in charge. This was something she would have to learn more about,
but for the moment it was clearly not a subject for discussion. Her
only response was a quiet “Oh,” and she left it at that as the
group continued at a little quicker pace to the front of the
house.