The agency in Seattle had called late the previous evening. Urgent placement. Live in caregiver. Twin boys with complicated health issues. Excellent salary. A number so large it sounded unreal. Rebecca had accepted without hesitation, because rent in the Pacific Northwest did not wait and hope rarely knocked twice.
She pressed the intercom button. A crisp female voice answered, polite but guarded. Rebecca introduced herself. There was a pause long enough to make her palms damp. Then the gate unlocked with a soft mechanical sound, granting her passage into the world beyond.
She followed the path slowly, noticing the manicured gardens, the silent security cameras, the scent of pine in the cool Washington air. The front door opened before she reached it. A tall woman with silver hair pinned neatly back studied her with sharp eyes.
“My name is Mrs. Hargrove,” the woman said. “I manage the household. Mr. Everett is expecting you.”