"That's me." Mike stood, walking across the porch. He was going to shake her hand, but his stomach clenched suddenly, sending pain through his gut. He grabbed the railing instead.
"My name is Elizabeth. This is my daughter Sarah." Sarah's dark hair scattered along the fabric of her red suit jacket, contrasting nicely in the sunlight. Her skirt matched her jacket, and a low cut top was accentuated by a shimmering blue stone pendant that dangled perilously between her large breasts. "We are from the Historical Preservation Society, and I was wondering if we could have a word with you."
Mike found his mouth inexplicable dry, his forced smile twitching. Something about Elizabeth made him more than uneasy, a gut feeling that he couldn't ignore. "Um, sure, I guess."
"Excellent, Mr. Radley." Elizabeth stayed where she was, her eyes locked on Mike. Mike saw Sarah staring at the door of the house. "Maybe it would be best if we went inside?"
Mike immediately thought of Tink wandering around the house in just a shirt and goggles. "I would prefer we speak out here, actually. It's a bit stuffy inside, and I wasn't expecting company."
"We can talk out here then." Elizabeth held up a folder, and Mike immediately recognized it as identical to the one Beth had taken away with her yesterday. "I was informed yesterday evening by the estate agent that you declined our offer to buy this property without even looking at it."
"Um, yes, I did decline the offer." It was odd, but he couldn't help but notice that Elizabeth stood on the top step of the porch rather than the actual porch. "I've decided to live here."
"By yourself?" Sarah asked, her predatory eyes scanning the windows. If Elizabeth was giving him a mad school principal vibe, then Sarah was a cop who had pulled him over and was ready to bust a taillight.
"I've been by myself most of my life." The feeling in his gut manifested now as a cold ball of ice. What the hell was going on? "I'm not sure why it would change anytime soon."
"Well, this is a pretty big place for just one man, Mr. Radley." Elizabeth's smile didn't make it to her eyes. "And I can't help but be offended that you didn't even consider looking at our offer." Sarah had taken a step back from her mother to get a better view of the second floor windows.
"Why are you so interested in this place?" Mike asked, leaning against the rail.
"It was one of the first homes built in the area," Elizabeth told him. "Constructed by a mysterious architect, and paid for by an unknown benefactor. This home is a mystery hiding in plain site, and the Historical Preservation Society is interested in not only answering these questions, but preserving the home's original beauty."
"Well, if that's your primary concern, then you should know I have no intention of changing anything about this house."
"But caring for such a place will be hard for a single person, don't you agree Mr. Radley?" Sarah had backed down the steps all the way, squinting at the shadows under the porch.
"I've already got someone to help with that." Mike crossed his arms. "Can I help your daughter with something?"