“I’m afraid the rust is a constant problem down here. We have to replace the equipment every few years because of it,” Evelyn said, walking into the room. “There’s an exhaust system, but it’s fairly antiquated, and it’s not like she doesn’t have the money to buy new when it’s needed.”

Noticing that there were two more doors on opposite walls of the area, Joanna asked, “And what’s behind those?”

“Well, the one on the right leads to a stairway and a lot of rock.”

“Rock?”

“Yes, when they were digging the foundation for the home, they discovered a great deal of bedrock just below the surface, but the Egertons didn’t want to move the house, so they built around it.”

“And the stairway?”

“It leads to Addison’s study.”

“Oh, so that’s how she gets down here.”

“Exactly.”

“And what about the other door?”

“Behind it is all that remains of the original stables, plus a small section that holds all the heating and water systems for the house, plus the pool filter, of course, and the rest is just a lot of support columns and dirt floors,” Evelyn said, wiping her brow. “I don’t know about you, but this humidity is getting to me. Do you mind if we go back upstairs?”

“No, not at all, but are you sure she won’t care if I use this equipment when she’s not here?”

“I can’t imagine it would be a problem.”

Chapter Fourteen

Yanking open the door, Addison glared at her visitor. “You’re late.”

“We don’t usually meet on Sundays,” Luce said as she walked into the suite. “I had to find someone to watch the kids.”

Addison locked the door and then turned to eye the lanky woman dressed in painted-on jeans and a fitted black crepe top. Giving Luce an indifferent glance, Addison stomped past. “Whatever.”

Luce rolled her eyes and tossed her handbag on a nearby chair. Keeping her smile to a minimum, she strolled into the lounge. “I’m actually surprised you rang me up.”

Addison stopped midway through the room and turned around. “Why?”

“Well, from what I’ve read in the papers, you’re getting married tomorrow.”

“That doesn’t change anything.”

“No?”

“No.”

It was a one syllable, two-letter word, but the disinterest in Addison’s tone told Luce Gainsford the conversation was over. Unfortunately, Luce had never let a little thing like Addison’s attitude get in the way of her curiosity.

“So, you’re marrying to keep your company. Aren’t you?”

“I’ve told you before not to ask questions I won’t answer,” Addison said, heading toward the bedroom. “That’s not what I pay you for.”

“It wasn’t a question,” Luce said, following Addison into the room. “It was a statement.”