Page 35 of The Sinner: James

We pick up the pace and dash down the road, moving past the guest house before reaching the mansion.

We halt in front of the large stairs and inspect the columns. Again, no security cameras… that we can see.

The place seems carved out of a history book, breathing a nostalgic vibe.

“This is so much more than I thought,” I say, gawking at the impressive entrance and oversized windows.

“It looks nice,” Eve says. “Do you think they left the key on the porch for us?” she mumbles, climbing the stairs to the door.

“I hope not. Otherwise, we’re screwed. If they did, this is a trap, and they can't be far from here.”

She checks the porch.

I try the door.

“Really? You thought they left it unlocked for us?” she comments, her breath fanning over my shoulder.

“Let’s check the windows,” she suggests.

We try to open them one by one.

Most are locked.

“This one is open,” she says.

We roll it up and sneak inside.

“Oh, my God. Look at this,” she says, pointing her flashlight to the massive staircase leading to the upper level.

We walk to the other side of the foyer, where a secondary door opens into a different part of the house.

“Hmm... That’s why no one can see the lights from outside. I knew there was an explanation,” she comments with fervid ardor.

We slip through that door and walk into a vast room connected to a large patio looking out over the lake.

A fully stocked bar snags my eyes.

I switch the lights on.

“Hey. Why did you have to do that?” she shoots at me.

“Chill. You can’t see the lights from outside,” I say.

She moves her focus away from me and checks the space.

Black and white slabs of marble line the floors while silver sconces in the walls illuminate the room.

Dark velvet sofas and white curtains fit in with the decor.

Warmth comes from the fireplace, yet the doors to the terrace are wide open, letting in the night breeze.

The place looks like it is expecting guests.

“Turn off the lights,” she slips to me quietly as if we’re not alone.

Without wasting a second, I switch them off.

Moonlight glows in the room by the fire.

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