Glass House 2

Mrs. Murray, appeared again walking hurriedly under the too-small green umbrella. Rain fell freely onto her shoulders soaking her tweed jacket. Next to her was a very tall and severe looking man.  He was so monochrome he almost looked like he’d stepped out of a black and white film. He wore a dark suit with a gray tie and the kind of expression that conveyed absolute authority.  In one hand he held the straight wooden handle of a dark umbrella. In the other was a stack of papers and a manila envelope (the only apparent bit of color on his person).

“Ah, you must be Mr. Greer.” Robert said offering his hand.

Mr. Greer tucked his stack of papers under one arm and shook Robert’s hand firmly. “This is my daughter Hazel.” Robert said. Hazel received a curt nod. She did not think Mr. Greer looked particularly friendly. Mrs. Murray seemed to feel the same. She was, remarkably, silent. As soon as introductions were made, she slid over toward Hazel…And, then slightly behind her.

Mr. Greer did not appear to notice her shrinking away. Wasting no time, he addressed Robert. “I have brought a copy of the estate documents,” he said, and began handing stacks over. Each was neatly stapled or stuffed in a folder. “Instructions for filing claim documents with the office, notice of the relevant property laws, historical preservation codes…” He handed over a very old and worn dark green envelope tied up in a string, “This deals with the partial update of the house that was begun and then abandoned - I believe that was about 80 years ago. You may or may not find a working lightbulb in the house. No doubt the electricity and plumbing will need to be thoroughly examined before you attempt to turn anything on.”

Mrs. Murray snorted at this. When the men turned to her, she leaned a little further behind Hazel.

Mr. Greer cleared his throat. “The electricity especially poses a potential hazard. I’m assuming you have some professionals coming to assess the situation?”

“Oh, yes,” Robert smiled and indicated Mrs. Murray. She only nodded, so he continued. “Mrs. Murray has been very helpful in contracting some of the local builders. We’ll refrain from flicking switches or… um,” he smiled widely, “flushing anything till we know it’s safe.”

Mr. Greer breathed in through flared nostrils at this. “It’s an unusual case.” He wrinkled his brow. “We don’t usually deal with the transfer of property to non-residents.” He said the last word with a particular note of disdain and looked down his long nose at Robert who only nodded back. Mr. Greer scowled doubtfully.  “Mr. Walsh, I must impress upon you the seriousness of the situation. Although this property was all but forgotten for two and a half centuries, its preservation is of particular interest to my firm, not to mention the history of Glenaig and many surrounding areas. As the only surviving heir to the Walsh estate, the responsibility falls entirely on you.

Robert straightened up immediately, “I assure you we understand the strangeness of the situation. I was just as shocked as you are. But I am aware of the responsibility and the need for precautions. We do not expect to find anything in working condition. We will do our best to make sure the house is properly restored wherever it can be.”

Mr. Greer studied him for a moment before continuing, “There are some documents you’ll need to sign, and I’ll need to see your visa and passport.” Robert reached in his back pocket and pulled them out. They were a little worse for the wear, having sat under him the whole journey. But, Mr Greer took them and then extended the handle of his umbrella, “If you would…”

“Oh, sure!” Robert took it and handed his own to Hazel along with the stack of papers he’d already been given.

The men stood under the big umbrella together each taking turns filling out and signing several more pages. Finally, Mr. Greer tucked the stack under his arm. “My assistant will get a copy emailed to you once its been processed.” He looked Robert over once more before relinquishing the manila envelope. It jingled as Robert took it and handed the man’s umbrella back. Mr. Greer looked at the house. “Good luck Mr. Walsh. You have my card.” He shook his hand again, nodded at Hazel and Mrs. Murray and then strode off to his car.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Robert called after him.

Hazel handed Robert’s umbrella back. The little group watched as Mr. Greer pulled around the circle and back down the driveway.

“Well,” Mrs. Murray said. She stepped out from behind Hazel and suddenly seemed to re-inflate. “I do think we have a minute to try the front door. Mr. Murray hasn’t arrived yet. Of course, I would have had Mr. Gordon open it up for you, but Mr. Greer insisted we wait for the final paperwork.” Hazel thought it sounded as if her dad wasn’t the only one who’d been on the receiving end of Mr. Greer’s disapproval.

“Right!” Robert nodded “We may as well try the key anyway… now that we have it.” He opened the back door of the car and tossed in the stack of papers. Then, he walked to the headlights at the front of the car, ripped the side of the envelope off and upended it over his palm. An old iron ring holding a large pile of dark keys fell into his hand. The three of them gathered around and examined them in the headlights.

“Which do you think it is?” Robert whispered. Hazel looked at them and tilted her head. The rain plinked against the pile. Slowly, she reached for the ring and lifted it. Hanging together, it was clear that one key stuck out. It was larger and longer than the others. She handed her umbrella over to her dad. Then, grabbing the key by its teeth, she let go of the ring and watched as the others slid around the circle to the bottom and clinked against each other.

“That’s a good guess,” Mrs. Murray conceded.

Robert smiled at Hazel, “Smart,” he said.

“It definitely looks like a front door key,” Mrs. Murray said. “I suppose the room keys would be quite a bit smaller. What’s that on the end?” She squinted at the ornate end of the large key. Hazel crouched in the beam of the headlights and studied it. “I think it’s a cat. Look, see? The tail wraps around here.” She held it closer to the adults and turned it in the light. Mrs. Murray squinted at it.

“That’s a bit odd isn’t it?” she said, “But, I cant see it properly without my reading glasses.” Robert nodded and peered closer. He didn’t get a chance to respond, though. Mrs. Murray reached for the key and held it out to him. “I suppose we can have a proper look at them all later. Seamus will want to see them, anyway. But, I think if we’re going to try it, we better just. Mr. Murray should be here any minute.”

They straightened. Hazel stood and Robert handed her umbrella back.“Tired of being in the rain? You can wait in the car if you want,” he said.

“Are you kidding?” Hazel said.   

Robert winked. “Lets go see if it works then.”

“They look pretty old and rusty to me,” Hazel said doubtfully.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the locking mechanism was corroded. I’m guessing it will need to be pulled out. Or, at the very least, loosened up with oil,” Robert said.

“But, even if it does open,” Mrs. Murray said as she turned and took Roberts arm to lead the way, “I can’t in good conscience let you in.”  Robert looked ready to protest, but she cut him off. “Not till we can be sure you won’t fall straight through the floor. I can’t imagine the potential for rot and water damage. Why, just last winter Mr. Murray almost broke his neck when our front step…”

Rain pelted the top of Hazel’s umbrella and drowned out the voices of the other two as she followed behind them. It was an effort to avoid the puddles and not get her converse’s wet. The house seemed to grow taller as they walked up to it. It loomed over them. Broken windows caught the light and rain cascaded off the peaks. Even close up, there was no hint at what lay inside. There seemed to be curtains or boards on the other side of the windows. It did not look at all inviting.

Hazel suddenly wished they would wait till daylight to try the key. She was not sure she wanted that door to open right now, even if they weren’t going in. Not that she believed in places being haunted or anything, it was just a little too perfectly creepy. She shivered as she squinted up at the peaks. Then, because she wasn’t paying attention, Hazel stepped in a  large puddle. She immediately felt cold water soak through the canvas of one shoe and into her sock. She sighed deeply.  She was suddenly hit with an unexpected jolt of homesickness. She wanted her brother here. Everything about this whole weird trip would be so much better if Ben was scrunched up next to her under the umbrella. She smiled to think about what he would have thought of Mrs. Murray, and Dad’s reckless driving…  She pulled out her phone to see if he’d texted her.

No reception.

“Careful kiddo!” Robert turned around and pointed his phone light at the crumbling bottom step just as she got to it. “It’s fine, but make sure you walk on the left side.”

“I think I’ll just wait here,” Hazel said.

“Are you kidding?” Robert shot back at her.

She glared at him. “There’s not enough room for 3 umbrellas up there! I just… I didn’t want to be in the car by myself.”

“Just teasing,” he said. “I’ll be quick.” He winked and turned around.

Hazel watched as Robert handed his phone to Mrs. Murray who directed the light at a very ornate looking key plate on the door. Robert took the cat key, looked at both of them and said, “here goes!”

The key slid into the hole and clinked against the mechanism inside. Robert turned it and there was an audible click. He looked at Mrs. Murray. She looked at him startled.

“That…that sounded like it worked just fine,” she said.

“It doesn’t even feel the slightest bit sticky,” Robert said. He looked at the door. “Weird,” But he shrugged and reached for the handle.

The door wouldn’t budge.

The handle wouldn’t even move. He pushed and pulled and shook it a little. He leaned into it with his shoulder. He turned the key back and forth again. Click and… nothing. The door was unmoving. It gave no sign whatsoever that it was anything more than a wall with a knob and a keyhole.

After a while Robert stood back and shook his head. His hair was slightly disheveled from the effort. “Maybe we should…”

But, right at that moment the bouncing lights of another car came into view 

“Oh, here he is! That’ll be Mr. Murray,” Mrs. Murray said. She waved Robert’s phone excitedly at the car. “Well, its good timing, I think. Door’s not opening tonight and it’s past time for tea. I’m all damp and ready for a sit down.” Mrs. Murray nodded at Robert and the key in the door. “Shall we?”

“Ah, right. Of course.” Robert pulled the key out of the lock and pocketed the ring. Then he offered his arm to her to help her down the few steps.

“I expect you’re tired too,” Mrs. Murray went on. “Look at poor Hazel.” She happened to catch her in the middle of a yawn. “Such a long trip! Oh, do you think you can find your way back to the inn on your own? It wouldn’t be too far out of our way if you wanted me to guide you back.” She looked at the rental and then stammered, “I mean, um. You could follow us in our car and we’d make introductions, help you get situated. Probably should have thought of that to begin with…”

Her words were cut short by Mr. Murray who, upon exiting his tiny red car, had walked up and held his hand out to Robert. He was old and round, slightly taller than Mrs. Murray and very mismatched. His trousers and jacket looked as old as he did.  “Now, Bea,” he said smiling. I think Mr. Walsh will be just fine. He seems a very capable gentleman.”

“Well, I’m glad someone thinks so,” Robert chuckled. “Too bad you missed our meeting with Mr. Greer.” He shook Mr. Murray’s hand. “And call me Bob. I tried to tell Mrs. Murray to, but she seems to like Robert better.”

“Call me Will,” Mr. Murray smiled back. “We humor Bea. She does love to use a person’s proper name,” he winked at his wife. “And this must be Hazel,” he said, turning. He held his hand out to her. His grip was warm and rough and friendly. Hazel liked him immediately.

“What do you think of Glass House, Miss Walsh?” He asked.

“It’s um… very… big,” Hazel said. She looked up at the dark building towering over them.

“That it is. That it is. Just wait till the sun comes up and you can actually see it.” He followed her gaze up to the house and then stepped back a bit. “Goodness. It’s a bit creepy now -  but,” he recovered.  “Don’t you worry. We’ll get her all fixed up in no time.” He smiled at Robert and Hazel. “I do think you’ve got one of the best little spots in the whole county. When we come back tomorrow you’ll see. Used to jump the gate with me mates when we were about your age! We’d walk down to the water for a swim on hot days.”

“Water?” Hazel asked.

“There’s a creek that runs through the garden, off that way,” he pointed. “And a duck pond down over there.”

“He can show you all around when we come back tomorrow,” Mrs. Murray said. “Rachel is probably wondering where they’ve gotten off to, dear, and I don’t want to hear it from her in the morning if she thinks the tea got cold because of us.”

“I suppose so,” Mr. Murray nodded.

“Don’t you think we ought to guide them back to the inn?” She added. “I’d hate so much for them to get lost. I really should have made arrangements for us all to have tea together. Imagine visiting a foreign country for the first time…”

“They’ll be fine, Love. The inn’s not hard to find.”

Robert nodded, “I saw it on the way in,” He pointed. “Down the drive, hang a right, and then straight through town on the left. We’ll be fine.”

Mrs. Murray looked hesitant but her husband patted her arm. “Rachel will take good care of them. No doubt they need the peace and quiet as well as a hot meal, after all that flying. She’ll serve them up something that’ll settle nicely.”

Finally, Mrs. Murray nodded. “Hopefully she didn’t go trying to make one of her fancy dishes. Plain old stew and potatoes is what they need. And a slice or two of pie. She promised there’d be pie. She’s a funny, bossy girl, but she can cook. I’ll give her that.” Then, sighing deeply, “Alright Good night. See you in the morning! Call if you need anything. Mobile reception can be tricky here, but the landlines work. Rachel has our house line!”

Mrs. Murray said all this as she walked to her car with her arm around Mr. Murray’s. She probably would have said a few more things except it became tricky for her to navigate the car door and close her umbrella without getting soaked.

“Night!” Robert called. He and Hazel stood for a moment and waved at the Murray’s.

Mr Murray tipped his tweed hat and smiled at them before settling in the driver’s seat. In a moment the little red car was on its way, leaving Hazel and Robert in the shadow of Glass House.

Hazel sighed deeply. Robert nudged her with his elbow and smiled. “What do you think?”

“I think I’m going to need some boots,” Hazel said. She pointed at her soaked shoe.

“Puddle?” Robert asked.

“Yep”

“Ugh. Wet socks are the worst!”

“Yeah, so - can we get out of here? I really want to put my slippers on. Also, this place is creepy.”

“What?” Robert pretended to look hurt. Hazel rolled her eyes.

“Okay, Come on,” Robert laughed. “I could definitely go for some pie.”

The two of them splashed back to the car. They folded their umbrellas as quickly as possible to avoid the rain, and when they were both back in their seats Robert started around the circle drive. He stopped before the driveway and they looked back at the house. It sat huge and dark and lonely. Blackish ivy crawled up through the stonework, towers pierced the sky and a bent weathervane creaked back and forth from one of the peaks. Lightning lit up the storm clouds behind it.

“I can’t believe you would think that’s creepy,” Robert said. He thought for a second. “It’s…lovely!”

Hazel’s brows lifted, “Lovely? Really?”

“And, charming,” Robert nodded. “Yes, I think so.”

“Dad, that’s what the guy in Princess Bride said about the forest - right before they got attacked by giant rats”

“They were R.O.U.S.s,” Robert corrected, putting the car back in gear.

Hazel smiled as she shook her head. The car splashed away from the house, back toward town.