A Margin of Lust (The Seven Deadly Sins #1)(30)

"Oh, wow. I could totally see Morticia Addams floating down this staircase." Lance patted the handrail.

Gwen laughed. "I think we should make it a selling point, you know, target Goths and Satanists."

"I like the way you think. Instead of handyman's dream, or needs a little TLC, we go with something like witch's wonderland."

"Your own haunted mansion, crumbling crown molding, warped oak interior doors, cobwebs and ghouls throughout."

When they entered the living room, she glanced at Lance so she could watch its impact on him. She remembered when she'd first met Fiona here to write up the contract. She'd been so excited to get a beachfront listing, she’d almost gotten a speeding ticket on her way into town. Then she saw it. Disappointment didn't begin to describe her feelings. That is, until she walked into the living room.

Today the Pacific Ocean sparkled before them through the dusty windows like a diamond in a tarnished setting. Lance took a sharp intake of breath. "This'll sell."

"I think so. We just have to get them past the front door."

"Show me the rest of the place; then I'll start taking notes."

Growing enthusiasm replaced sarcasm as they toured the home. He called the outdated kitchen cupboards vintage, the scarred wood floor distressed and the cracked plaster walls authentic. It was amazing the effect an ocean view had on a person's vocabulary.

Gwen showed Lance every nook and cranny of the lower level, even pointed out the hall to the basement. She was stalling. The dread that had been building in her chest all morning felt like a boulder now, but there was nowhere else to go. Nowhere but the second story.

Her heartrate rose with every stair they climbed. By the time they reached the top, it beat against her ribs like a caged animal bent on escape. The hall leading to the master bedroom, the room she'd once been so proud and excited to show Maricela, lay before her. It looked longer and narrower today, as if someone had stretched it out like a piece of chewed bubblegum.

"You first." She couldn't keep the nerves out of her voice.

Lance gave her a small smile of support. "Let's get the master out of the way. Right?"

"Right."

He strode down the elongated corridor—a knight heading into the dragon's lair to defend his lady. When his hand dropped to the doorknob, Gwen looked away.

"Coast is clear." His voice sounded artificially cheerful.

Gwen's shoulders relaxed. She hadn't realized she'd hunched into a defensive posture. She inhaled deeply and allowed her eyes to follow the stained, floral runner down the length of the hall, wander over the doorjamb, and land on the rectangle of sunlight imprinted on the wood floor of the bedroom. It was clean. No blood. No body. She knew it would be—Fiona mentioned she’d had the room cleaned—but she exhaled in relief just the same.

"Okay?"

"Okay."

"Let's get started on the to-do list," Lance said. "It'll be a push, but I want to have our first open house this Saturday."

"That's only a couple of days away," Gwen said.

"Like I said, it'll be a push."

"I'll order the food and wine."

When they left the house, each armed with a Home Depot list, Gwen felt lighter than she had since she'd agreed to renew the listing. There was a lot to do, but the hardest task was behind her. Today they'd faced down the boogieman.

#

On her way to the office, Gwen decided to stop and order refreshments for the open house at the Barrel. She walked across the parking lot to the wine shop. The proprietor sat behind the counter with a magazine in his hands. He looked up when the bell rang.

"Hi." Gwen made her way over to him. "I'd like to order a few pairing platters."

Mo pulled a menu from under the counter. "What's the event?"

"An open house in Laguna Beach. I was thinking maybe an assortment of cheeses and sweets."

They looked over the menu together. Gwen was impressed with the man's suggestions. He certainly knew his wine.

"I'll come by Saturday morning around 9:00 to pick it up," Gwen said after paying for her order.

"As it so happens, I'm pouring for a bridal shower in Laguna on Saturday," he said. "I'd be happy to drop it off."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Gwen fished a home flier out of her purse and set it on the counter. "It's on Cliff Drive."

"Right on my way," he said and smiled.

The clang of the ship bell echoed through the shop as Gwen closed the door behind her. One chore down, ninety-nine to go. The thought made her smile. It felt good to conquer the fear that'd been haunting her for the past weeks. A house was just a house, no matter what had happened within its walls, and this one was going to change her career.





CHAPTER TWENTY


Art shut down the Reserve America website. He couldn't wait to see the expression on Emily's face when he told her they'd be heading up the mountain next week. Whenever he thought about Brian lying in that hospital bed, he got an urge to pack up his own children and take them someplace safe, away from Orange County's crowds and fast pace. A weekend in Big Bear might satisfy, at least for a few days.

He wondered how Olivia was holding up. He hadn't seen her since Tuesday, two days ago. He looked at his calendar, and made a quick decision to spend his lunch hour at Mission Hospital.