#Chapter 60 - The Storm: Karin

Ada!

I sit up with a jerk, rousing Ansel who seems to have drifted off. My stomach is doing somersaults.

“Something wrong,” Ansel asks, drowsily.

A flash of lightning brightens the sky. Behind it, is the rumble of thunder.

The driver, a portly man with silver hair, has just pulled up in front of the manor. He comes around to open our door, but Ansel is still watching me, waiting for my response.

“I’ll tell you when we get inside,” I say.

Ansel nods and we step out into a misty rain. The stars are blotted out with clouds.

The driver hands Ansel an opened umbrella.

“Thanks George,” Ansel says, and despite my distress, I catch the gleam in George’s eye as Ansel says his name. Ansel’s getting better and better at treating his staff like actual people. Who would have thought?

George breaks into a broad smile. “You’re welcome, Sir.” Another flash appears and fat raindrops begin to splatter down against the umbrella. We dash inside.

The manor, for once, is empty. Ansel holds my hand while we