Their business still thrived, and even Jaxon seemed to flinch at the mention of the Montgomery name.
In the misty rain of Roseville, I pried open the heavy iron gate of the Montgomery Residence. The door swung open, and I smiled, hoping for a warm reception. But the moment the butler saw me, he slammed it shut.
"Disgusting. Where did this dog come from?"
Through the crack, I caught sight of the newspaper tucked under his arm. I quickly pounded on the door.
"I’m here to save your young master!"
The door creaked open again. The butler eyed me skeptically.
"You?"
Before I could answer, a familiar voice called out from inside.
"Butler Dayne, who is it?"
Five years ago, while collecting herbs for Jaxon, I had accidentally saved a woman. I kept it from him, quietly tending to her wounds until, one day, she vanished without a trace. I never saw her again.
That voice sounded like hers.
Butler Dayne seemed to leave to report something, and after a long wait, the door opened again, inviting me in.