Facade of Love (Yvette Scott and Idris Young) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111 The Castle on the Island 

A road stretched out before us as Liam got the car moving again. We followed the path until a lake came into view, with castle–like buildings that looked like they belonged in a medieval painting from centuries past, standing majestically in the middle of the water. 

The road to the castle hugged the mountainside, paved with asphalt. I craned my neck to see the cliff we had descended–a sheer drop of a hundred meters. That was where Liam’s ‘elevator‘ clung to the 

rock face. 

Settling back into my seat, 1 gazed at the castles across the lake and asked, “Is this the only way to get to the castle?“! 

Liam nodded. “That’s the general idea. Some might try to come down from the mountains around here, but it’s a risky climb. The slopes are steep and not exactly what you’d call safe.” 

I nodded in understanding. The place was ringed by rugged mountains, enclosing the vast lake. It was the kind of spot where only the rich would think to build their grand castles. 

Once we got inside, I could tell this place was a fortress of secrecy. If the cops ever tried to dig up here, they would hit a dead end–no way they could sneak in. 

It made sense why Officer Jackson had called this spot tricky for the police. 

We rolled up to a bridge where a guy was waiting. As we pulled to a stop, he strolled over. 

dirt 

Liam flicked him a business card, and the guy took it with a nod, then took over the parking duties. We crossed the bridge and made a beeline for the castle. 

This castle was a maze of twists and turns, but the entrance was just a staircase. Liam had obviously been here before. He caught my wary look and flashed me a grin. “No need to worry. It’s all modern on the inside—no vampires or bats hanging around.” 

I cracked up. “How’d you guess I was thinking that?” 

He let out a light chuckle. “That’s what the books and movies always go for creepy castles to set the spooky scene.” 

He had a point. 

Chatting away, we stepped into the castle, and it was not the least bit eerie. 

Beyond the old–school facade, it was as modern as any other building. The ground floor was alive with chatter, and folles were having a blast with their chips at the card tables. 

A guy in a suit, belly leading the way, noticed us come in and beamed at Liam. “Mr. Young, what a surprise! What brings you to our neck of the woods?” 

Liam gave a small nod. “Mr. Ziegler, I heard Mr. Lanier’s back in town. I’m here to catch up. Is he around?” 

The man paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, but he quickly slapped on a grin and said, What are you talking about, Mr. Young? My humble spot here isn’t exactly a magnet for the big shots. You’re pulling my leg, right? Plus, everyone knows Mr. Lanier took off years ago. No way he’s coming back!” 

Liam let out a chuckle. “Really? Because I could’ve sworn I saw him a couple of days ago. At Madam Young’s birthday party, he sent over a gift. I just wanted to drop by and say thanks. You’re not trying to give me the cold shoulder, are you, Mr. Ziegler?” 

Mr. Ziegler’s face went through a whole gymnastics routine of emotions before he managed to say, Mr. Lanier’s back for real? Let me just check on that.” He pretended to be all flustered. “You see how swamped I am? I can’t even keep track of things.”