Page 25 of Axel
“Come on in., she was ushered into a wide vestibule, where a maid hurried forward to take her jacket.
“I have seen photos of the grounds and the interior of the house, but nothing quite prepares you for the actual thing, does it?”
“My dear, welcome to our home.” Caitlin came forward with hands outstretched.
“Thanks for having me.” She clasped the woman’s hands warmly, admiring her outfit. “I was just telling your daughter that the place is absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you. We go this way. The view from the enclosed patio is spectacular.” They made their way along a wide passageway and stepped through a library that led to the patio.
“The library is not just for show.” Cathy said with a smile. “I use it as my research center as well as my office and mom is an avid reader.”
Caitlin swept the doors open to an enclosed space complete with comfortable sofas, a small dining table with four chairs and pots of ferns, hibiscus and several other different plants, that Ellie could not identify.
“I have plants everywhere in the house,” Caitlin admitted with a laugh.
“You should see her bedroom!”
Caitlin gave her daughter an indulgent look as she took her place at the head of the table. “I cannot help that I have a green thumb.”
“Something smells wonderful.” Ellie took her seat and pulled up her chair.
“I decided we will eat first and then talk.”
“Perfect.”
The dinner conversation centered around the town of River Glades and the various activities that was planned around Axel’s visit.
“I hope you will come to the ceremony at the park tomorrow.” Caitlin was saying. “It’s our annual head into fall bonfire.”
“An actual bonfire?” Ellie could not believe roast beef could be so tender or so delicious. It practically melted on her tongue.
“An actual bonfire. The weather is perfect for it too. There is a contained fire pit, a very large one of course and we just sit around and enjoy the stories and the sumptuous food prepared by several of the residents, mom included.”
Caitlin nodded as she handed Ellie the puffy homemade bread dotted with raisins. “It is a wonderful way to know the people around you and it’s fun for the children as well. They are backto school of course, but this is to give them a break from the pressure they face during the start of the school year.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“And the mayor will be making a speech.”
Ellie laughed as Caitlin rolled her eyes.
“I had the honor of meeting the man.”
“He gave you the ‘how proud we are of our esteemed resident’?”
Ellie’s eyes twinkled. “Oh yes. He made it sound as if he was personally responsible for your brother’s success.”
“It’s funny how people act differently whenever your status changes.” Caitlin commented quietly as she dug into her baby potatoes. “I know I said we would talk after we eat, but I hope you don’t mind having some of the conversation now.”
“Not at all,” Ellie encouraged, “please feel free to go ahead. Just let me get my recorder.” She had brought her tote with her and placed it on one of the side tables. Excusing herself, she went to get it and took the recorder out.
“How does this work? You write everything we say?” Caitlin asked curiously as she watched her set up.
“No. I filter out what’s not really important.”
“How do you decide what’s important and what’s inconsequential?”
“I usually ask the person I am interviewing what they want to reveal and use my discretion. Now, we are all set.” She gave thewoman a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I am very good at what I do.”