Chapter 6

When we got to the kitchen, I served the kids some appetizer sandwiches while I made them dinner. I baked us up a large chicken glazed with some honey and herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme with a side dish of mashed potatoes and gravy made from some flour and the chicken's natural oils.

Lucas arrived just in time for dinner and ate with us. “How’s the food?” I asked “I do hope it is to your liking.” I asked.

“It’s perfect!” Lucas smiled at me. “I haven’t eaten a dish such as this for a very long time.” He replied.

“Don’t patronize me.” I teased. ”My cooking is far from the best. I’m sure you have a lot of servants and cooks here who can cook way better.”

“Daddy only eats mama’s cooking. And ever since mama died, dad did not want to eat anymore.” Gavin said while chomping on a spoonful of a mashed potato.

“But mama is here now. Daddy can eat again, right?” Ana smiled as she looked at Lucas with her pretty doll eyes, seeking confirmation.

“Alright sweetheart, that’s enough chatter,” Lucas responded quietly. “Both of you finish your dinner.”

Once the kids finished their dinner, I helped them back to their respective rooms to brush their teeth and change into their pyjamas. I tucked Ana into bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead before turning out the lights. I closed the door behind me and went to Gavin’s room just beside Ana’s.

I saw Gavin sitting on his bed staring at the door as if he was waiting for me. “Is there something wrong, Gavin?” I asked as I walked towards the bed and sat down before the young boy.

Gavin looked at me curiously, scanning my form. “It’s the total opposite, actually. Everything is perfect, it’s weird.” He muttered.

I waited for him to continue. “When you rescued us two days ago I thought that you just resembled our mother by her looks, but now that we’ve spent dinner with you, it’s very weird that you move and talk like her too.” He said. “But not in a bad way.” He quickly added.

I smiled at the young boy making sure he know that I was not offended in the slightest. “Don’t leave us Mama.” Gavin said meekly as he went closer to me for a hug. I embraced the young boy in my arms. He’s such a strong soul. I won’t let anyone or anything hurt this family.

“I will be here as long as your father needs me and as long as you and Ana want me.” I responded. Gavin pulled away from the hug and gave me a huge smile. He had the same raven black hair and sharp facial features of his father, the pale colour of his mother, and eyes of silver-blue; a union of the ocean and the moon, making him look like a vampire. “Now go on to bed. You are way past your bedtime. C’mon I’ll tuck you in.”

I tucked the young boy in bed and kissed him on the forehead and waited for him to fall asleep as I did with his sister. It did not take long for Gavin drift into dreamland, and in inched towards the exit door, slowly.

I left Gavin’s room and slowly closed the door behind me.

“Jaime.” I heard a faint whisper call my name and a strong hand touch my shoulder. My body stiffened in a startle. The corridor was dark, but I knew exactly who it was standing behind me. Just two days out of service and I allowed myself to get sneaked up on. If I were in the field I would’ve been dead by now.

I looked back to see Lucas behind me. I turned my whole body around to face him. “I’m sorry if I startled you.” He said, eyes locked onto mine.

“It’s fine.” I replied softly.

“Walk with me?” He asked.

I followed Lucas as he walked in the dark corridor and led me to the front door of my room.

“I just want to thank you for the way you handled the children today. I know that it must be hard for you to be here, from being an ace detective to being a bodyguard.” He said sincerely.

“Not at all. I’ve enjoyed the first two days here in the mansion, actually.” I answered genuinely. I could get used to this quiet life here in the country-side.

“I’m glad. But there is something that I would like to request of you.” His silver-grey eyes darted away from mine and his fingers started fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“Anything.” I responded.

“Don’t push them away, Ana and Gavin, even when they call you ‘mama’, even if they talk too much, or ask too many questions, which I know they would. I have never seen them so lively since her death. Please? I’ll raise your salary—“

“I don’t need a raise!” I cut him off at once. 

Lucas was shocked at my sudden response. His pupils slightly dilated for a few moments like a hurt animal, before returning back to their normal size. Damn! Did I raise my voice too much?

I composed myself and tried my very best to respond in my usual calm tone. “I’m must apologize for raising my voice at you, but I would just like to make things clear that I am not here because of the money.” It was never about the money. The pay here is more than I could ever need in my entire life. Besides, even without pay, I would gladly stay here for this family. I owe it to her to look out for them. “Your children are grieving, and if they want to call me ‘mama’ to ease the pain of their loss then it’s fine with me. Besides, seeing the painting of your wife made even me believe that I look like her.” I joked.

Lucas smiled. I breathed a sigh of relief. Good.

“No. It is I who should ask for your forgiveness. It was rude for me to have assumed that your only intentions for being here were about the salary.” Lucas admitted.

“It’s alright. I know that in your world, money talks. But not in mine. I agreed to this job, because a part of me wanted to retire from the field, you know? I’ve been a detective straight out of college and the things I’ve seen; they are much worse than any nightmare one could ever dream about.” It was a half-lie. I never wanted to quit being a detective. I love the thrill of the hunt. I was the best tracker in all of England. Once I’ve set sights on someone, they can never escape me. But part of what I said was true, that I’ve seen the worst crimes ever done by mankind.

Thanks Jaime, I owe you.” He gleamed. “But if you don’t want a raise, there must be something you want?” He asked.

“Just keep your promise and go riding with me.” I responded sincerely.

“That’s all?” Lucas questioned. His face looked like a puzzled mess. Maybe he thought of it as a silly request, but for me it was a dream come true. I have been in love with horses my entire life, and I haven’t ridden one in a very long time. It would also make me feel closer to her, doing the thing we both loved the most.

“Yes, that would be all.”

“It’s decided then. I’ll take you riding soon.” He smiled; a more confident smile this time. “Good night, Jaime.”

“Pleasant dreams, Lucas.” I said as I turned my back to him and started to open the door of my room. I heard Lucas’ footsteps slowly walk away from my room and disappear into the night.

I closed the door behind me and changed into my night clothes: a blue silk button down pyjama top with a matching bottom. I then laid down on my bed. Once my head hit the soft feather pillows it was only then when I realized how exhausted I was. Lying on this bed made me wonder about how her life was like here in the mansion.