Evelyn Goodman pushed a strand of red hair behind one of her ears as she stared at the house in front of her. She was still adjusting to the shock of her father’s actions. Sold! She had been sold like cheap luggage for almost one-hundred-thousand dollars... all to be some kind of live-in tutor. Beside her stood the representative of her buyer, a woman in her seventies with gray-white hair and a grandmotherly demeanor.

“I’m sure you have questions,” she said softly, “Please, feel free to ask them.”

Evelyn frowned, “How long am I sold to you for? Ever?”

“Two years, my dear. No more, no less,” responded the woman. “Now then, I am Odessa Wright, the head caretaker of this mansion,” she gestured at the Victorian-era house that probably had over a hundred rooms. “Your charge is Sir Adam Faust,” she continued, “As odd as this sounds, you will be his social mentor… despite the age difference…”

“How old is he?” asked Evelyn, nudging one of her suitcases with her sneaker, “He’s not some pervy old man, is he?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” smiled Odessa, “Let’s just say he’s your senior and leave it at that.”

It wouldn’t be hard to be Evelyn’s senior – she had just turned eighteen.

“Alright,” said Odessa, clapping her hands, “Let’s get you introduced to him… and I apologize for his… unusual demeanor ahead of time. Please don’t let it put you off.”

A small chill ran up Evelyn’s spine as the words ‘unusual demeanor’ left Odessa’s lips. The way she said it made it sound like Adam would have a second head. Together, they walked up toward the mansion, each of them pulling a suitcase. Evelyn let out a sigh. It was going to be a long two years.