NovelEnglish
Chapter 111 The Castle on the Island
A road stretched out before us as Liam got the car moving again. We followed the path
until a lake came into view, with castle–like buildings that looked like they belonged in a
medieval painting from centuries past, standing majestically in the middle of the water.
The road to the castle hugged the mountainside, paved with asphalt. I craned my neck to
see the cliff we had descended–a sheer drop of a hundred meters. That was where Liam’s
‘elevator‘ clung to the
rock face.
Settling back into my seat, 1 gazed at the castles across the lake and asked, “Is this the
only way to get to the castle?“!
Liam nodded. “That’s the general idea. Some might try to come down from the mountains
around here, but it’s a risky climb. The slopes are steep and not exactly what you’d call
safe.”
I nodded in understanding. The place was ringed by rugged mountains, enclosing the vast
lake. It was the kind of spot where only the rich would think to build their grand castles.
Once we got inside, I could tell this place was a fortress of secrecy. If the cops ever tried to
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtdig up here, they would hit a dead end–no way they could sneak in.
It made sense why Officer Jackson had called this spot tricky for the police.
We rolled up to a bridge where a guy was waiting. As we pulled to a stop, he strolled over.
dirt
Liam flicked him a business card, and the guy took it with a nod, then took over the
parking duties. We crossed the bridge and made a beeline for the castle.
This castle was a maze of twists and turns, but the entrance was just a staircase. Liam had
obviously been here before. He caught my wary look and flashed me a grin. “No need to
worry. It’s all modern on the inside—no vampires or bats hanging around.”
I cracked up. “How’d you guess I was thinking that?”
He let out a light chuckle. “That’s what the books and movies always go for creepy castles
to set the spooky scene.”
He had a point.
Chatting away, we stepped into the castle, and it was not the least bit eerie.
Beyond the old–school facade, it was as modern as any other building. The ground floor
was alive with chatter, and folles were having a blast with their chips at the card tables.
A guy in a suit, belly leading the way, noticed us come in and beamed at Liam. “Mr. Young,
what a surprise! What brings you to our neck of the woods?”
Liam gave a small nod. “Mr. Ziegler, I heard Mr. Lanier’s back in town. I’m here to catch
up. Is he around?”
The man paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, but he quickly slapped on a grin
and said, What are you talking about, Mr. Young? My humble spot here isn’t exactly a
magnet for the big shots. You’re pulling my leg, right? Plus, everyone knows Mr. Lanier
took off years ago. No way he’s coming back!”
Liam let out a chuckle. “Really? Because I could’ve sworn I saw him a couple of days ago.
At Madam Young’s birthday party, he sent over a gift. I just wanted to drop by and say
thanks. You’re not trying to give me the cold shoulder, are you, Mr. Ziegler?”
Mr. Ziegler’s face went through a whole gymnastics routine of emotions before he
managed to say, Mr. Lanier’s back for real? Let me just check on that.” He pretended to be
all flustered. “You see how swamped I am? I can’t even keep track of things.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Even someone like me, who was not the best at reading between the lines, could tell Mr.
Ziegler was dodging the question. That guy was a piece of work.
He put on quite the act, pretending to call someone. Whether it was a real call or just for
show, nob*dy knew. There he was, nodding and talking into the phone. After he hung up,
he turned to Liam with a big, fake smile. “Mr. Lanier, that sneaky guy, didn’t even drop me
a line about coming back. Mr. Young, why don’t you head up to the second floor and chill
for a bit? Mr. Lanier will be here any
minute
He waved us toward the stairs, and Liam followed him up to a cozy little tea room. Mr.
Ziegler was all bows and smiles as he served Liam some tea, shot me a quick look, and
then scooted out with that same forced smile.
As soon as he left, I took the chance to scope out the place. The castle was huge. If Noah
did bring someone here, where in the world would he stash them?
“Stop looking. Noah’s no dummy. If he’s up to no good with a girl, he wouldn’t hide her
where she could be found so easily,” Liam said, sipping his tea with a graceful air.
I knew Noah was too clever to leave someone out in the open, but when I was worried, my
mind would be a mess. Plus, there was something about this place that gave me the
creeps. It was just too eerie.
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