I wasn’t quite finished with the story I was telling by the time 2025 ended and so decided to continue it until it reached an ending point. Then I will start a new one. Besides, I kind of want to see where Penelope ends up. And so we have…
Day 202: Penelope looked to the house on the other side.
Penelope looked to the house on the other side. “Francine?” She asked Delia.
“Yes, she is about my age and likes to travel about as much. We tried traveling together but it did not work out. She is very fond of itineraries and tour guides. I dislike them and like to go my own way often with a history book for details.”
“Well I haven’t met her,” Penelope said. There was a younger couple staying there. She was having her first child. I think they left because she went into labor.” Penelope frowned. The false neighbor told her the details and she wasn’t sure how far they could be trusted. “Maybe,” she added.
Delia’s frown deepened. “Francine’s only family is a cousin over in Ashova. He has two children but their ages are in single digits.”
“Well it was the woman staying in your house who gave me the details,” Penelope said.
“Well then I had best get on the phone to Francine then so she can sort this out.”
“I guess you came home at just the right time,” Penelope said.
Delia laughed. “It wasn’t by choice I can assure you. My internal alarms went off as someone tried to force one of the doors open. That was a few days ago. I decided to cut my trip short and see what was going on.”
“Only a few days ago?” Penelope asked.
“Yes, no doubt it was that…interloper and her agent friend.” Delia shook her head. “I suppose you moved in at the wrong time.”
“I’m not sure that was a coincidence either,” Penelope said. “I only came of age and inherited recently.”
Delia studied her. “And you think they are tied together?”
Penelope blushed. “I don’t think anyone would deliberately move in to spy on me as this seems quite an elaborate arrangement and I’m not that important.”
“I wouldn’t sell yourself short,” Delia said with a smile. “They could have been here for you or as a coincidence. They could have seen three unoccupied mage held houses in a row and thought it was the perfect time to break in and see what they could get away with while no one was looking. Your arrival could have scuppered a much grander plan. Regardless I won’t hold anything against you and I’m sure Francine won’t either.”
“I appreciate it,” Penelope said.
“I think tracking down the miscreants is the first order of business though, well second she corrected. My first is to see what damage they did inside.”
“Well the lady in your house has been taken in my agent,” Penelope said.
“Your agent?”
“Well I was assigned one when some of my family tried embezzling funds and I accidentally blew up a plant in the bank,” Penelope said. “Agent Michaelson and his friends took in the people from your house. I can call if you’d like?”
“That would be delightful,” Delia said. “Tell them I will be awaiting a report.”
Penelope nodded.
Ten til Midnight 