Cinderella

As he stood in the living room with Rhodes, the rest of the Carnell’s family sat on the couches, and for a while, no one said a word.

Then Mr. Carnell darted his gaze off Noah and eyed Rhodes, asking, “And you are?”

“He’s my father. Unfortunately, my mother could not be here. She is back at home, in the countryside.” Noah cut in, and the fact that he did cuased Mr. Carnell’s face scrunch into a grimace in disapproval.

The fact that Noah was forcing this lie on him made Rhodes' chest tighten uncomfortably. The truth was, he hated lying to others, especially compelling people. But his job was to help Noah, and if that meant playing along with this charade, so be it.

“So you are Mr. Curtis?” Mr. Carnell asked, trying to keep his tone calm despite his annoyance.

“Yes, sir,” Rhodes answered, knowing that the less he said, the easier it would be to avoid looking suspicious.

“Hmm, so what do you do for a living?”

“I am... was a butler. But I am retired now.”

“And your wife is living in the