I needed answers. I stormed outside to confront Astrid but ran into someone unexpected — Carter Johnson, our part-time gardener and a distant relative of mine — a trustworthy man.
He only came by a few times a month to tend to the garden, but I paid him a full salary regardless. He was always hardworking, occasionally helping around the house when needed.
I saw surprise in his eyes when he saw me, but it was soon replaced with hesitation.
"Carter," I said, pulling him aside. "You looked like you had something to tell me. What is it?"
He hesitated, then sighed. "Floyd, I don’t know if I should say this… but you need to keep a closer eye on things at home."
I pressed him for answers, and he finally told me everything.
"That housekeeper of yours? She’s a thief. I’ve caught her sneaking things out to sell more than once. She even hikes up prices on groceries and pockets the difference. When I confronted her, she threatened to break my legs if I ever spoke up."
His face darkened. "And the driver… He’s no better. I said something once, and the housekeeper called him over. He threatened to kill me if I didn’t shut up. If it weren't for you, I would have left long ago."