Inside

The decision was not very hard to take for Rachel. It was still dark outside and dangers could be lurking in the form of a board with rusty nails to the nests of some animals. The annexes could be clearly identified when the sun will rise and they weren't a priority.

Rachel moved towards the porch and notice that a few boards were broken. She lightly walked towards the door taking care of not walking in holes or softwoods. The round handle was remarkably carved in silver. It's a wonder this house wasn't ravaged by looters. Rachel slowly opened the door and long and loud creaks were heard. If she wanted to go unnoticed it was a done deal.

The inside of the house was illuminated, but Rachel couldn't see if it was electricity or candle lights. Hook on the celling a large chandelier was producing the light. Suddenly, she saw at the corner of her eyes movement. A shadow moved from somewhere in the foyer towards one of the rooms and closed the door behind. Rachel jumped scared as a loud bang echoed in the house.

"Breathe Rachel it is only someone evaluating the house like you are." Said Rachel trying to ignore the growing fear. Another bang coming from upstairs followed by a wail or was it a moan. Rachel was confused. Is it possible that she was the first one here to investigate the house and the other cars were owned by couples looking for an exotic place to have sex. Rachel wondered if she should start her investigation or try to find the trespassers.

Before she could answer that question, Rachel noticed the gigantic fountain that was sitting in the impressive foyer. The fountain was lodged in-between the two staircases that joined together just over the fountain to end in a single staircase on the second floor. The water bassin had dried up and the statue overshadowing it was broken. Rachel could see part of the statue dispersed on the dusty floor. It was a woman sculpted in marble but otherwise than that Rachel couldn't make anything else from the remnants. One thing on the ground draw Rachel attention. A green gleam was reflecting the candle light. Rachel saw one of the broken hands of the statue was holding a green gemstone. Rachel felt a sudden attractions toward the gem, but at the same time the wail grew in intensity and her attention snapped back to her task. As she moved back up, she saw an oil painting hook on one of the walls. The painting represented a man well-groomed and wearing formal clothing. He was standing and beneath him, a beautiful young woman with well-defined assets was sitting on a large chair covered in red velvet. The man was clearly dominating the woman in the picture, but something was telling Rachel it was for the best that the woman loved her life and the man had taken well care of her. As she looked at the painting, Rachel noticed that something seems hidden behind it.

Rachel was wondering where she should start her investigation. There was so much stuff to do in this house. If they buy from the city a wider inspection will be in order. There's stuff in here that got a high value for collectors. Rachel was wondering if she should pocket the gemstone, look behind the painting or go look some other rooms first?