further case the place

Belle spotted a doorway at the end of a long hallway. From her knowledge of the layout of the house, she guessed it to be the door to the basement. She looked around, and not noticing anyone watching her, she headed for the door. She saw there was no lock on it. Just as she reached for the handle, she heard a voice from behind.

"May I help you?"

Belle turned around and saw a man in a tuxedo. He had an earpiece in one ear and held a small walkie-talkie in his left hand.

"Just looking for the powder room," said Belle.

"They are clearly marked at the other end of the hall. If you would come this way, I'll gladly show you." said the man, indicating he did not believe Belle.

"Oh of course, how silly of me!" Belle giggled, trying to pass herself off as a ditz. She followed the man to a door marked with a sign hanging on it. Guest restroom. She thanked the man and entered. She checked herself in the mirror and flushed the toilet then left.

Belle wandered through the spacious living room, noting the high windows and then went outside on the spacious stone patio. She walked over to the edge of the patio. She looked for surveillance cameras and noted there were a few, but they were all trained on the doors. She noted the basement windows seemed to be old and unused and had no signs they were wired to the alarm system.

Belle got a glass of champagne and spotted Georgina, resplendent in a royal blue gown. She wore the jewelry, and Belle was captivated.

"Hello, I'm Paul, Paul Gruber. I don't believe we've met."

Belle turned and saw the dashing figure of Paul Gruber. He wore a black tux with a midnight blue tie and matching cummerbund. He had his hand extended.

"Belle, Belle...Greenway." She took his hand.

"Nice to meet you Miss Greenway." Paul kissed her hand.

"You have such a lovely home," said Belle. "I'm very impressed."

"Why thank you. It was built by my great grandfather in 1894. Had some upgrades as you can guess."

"I'd imagine so," said Belle. "I see the cameras." She pointed to the cameras above the patio doors.

"Can't be too careful," said Paul. "In great grandfather's day. He'd just let vicious dogs roam the grounds at night."

"Ouch!" said Belle.

"He was a man not to be trifled with. He was stern, and believe in discipline and proper punishment."

"Did it carry down to you?"

Paul cocked an eyebrow. "Maybe some of it. He took a glass of champagne being offered by a maid. "Well, enjoy yourself," said Paul. "I must greet some other guests. Pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasure was mine," said Belle.

Belle spent the rest of the evening trying to get the lay of the property: where the fences were, where were the hedges the thickest, where the shadows fell, etc.