The bedroom assigned to me was spacious, with a high ceiling adorned with golden moldings and a thick carpet that completely absorbed the sound of footsteps. I slowly walked around the room, hands clasped behind my back, inspecting the place.
Two large windows overlooked the nighttime garden. The space was furnished with an imposing wardrobe, a mahogany desk, and a wide canopy bed that occupied the center of the room.
Karlton must have racked his brain to offer me his finest bedroom, I thought with inner contempt. This old pig probably believes he can impress me with this gaudiness.
I removed my jacket and carefully placed it on the back of a chair. As I was sitting on the edge of the mattress to unlace my boots, there was a soft knock at the door. Three discreet, almost hesitant knocks.
"Enter."
The door opened without a creak.
It was Melissa.
