“What do you think?” The realtor parks at the curb in front of a neat white house with deep green trim. The front yard is equally neat, with bright flowerbeds and a low, white fence.
Keith and Beth glance at each other, then at their two children. Their daughter, Bethany, is gazing around wide eyed. Their son, Kevin, is absorbed in his handheld video game and doesn't appear to notice anything. “It's very nice,” Beth can't quite suppress her enthusiasm, “But what's the inside like?” “Just as nice,” The realtor assures her, “Come look.” All five get out of the vehicle and pass through the front gate. The realtor unlocks the door and ushers the family inside. The main floor consists of a living room, den, dining room, and kitchen. All the rooms are empty, clean, and brightly painted. One set of stairs leads up to a second floor with two good size bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a master suite including a bathroom and gigantic closet. A second set of stairs leads down to a finished basement divided into a rec room, workshop, laundry room, and storage. The back door off the kitchen leads onto a neat, sturdy sundeck. Beyond it, there are several nice shade trees and a garden plot. The lawn itself is short, thick, and free of weeds. The fence is higher than in the front, but not so high Keith can't see the next door neighbour working in his garden. The neighbour, a late middle aged man, seems to realize he is being watched, because he looks up. “Hello, sir.” “Hello.” Keith goes over to the fence. “Thinking of buying?” The neighbour eases himself to his feet. “Thinking of it.” Keith tries to sound non-committal. “You won't find a safer neighbourhood anywhere,” The neighbour smiles proudly, “Best place in the world to raise kids.” Keith nods. “Not many places come up vacant in these parts,” The neighbour continues, “No one wants to leave. This's as close to paradise as you'll get in this lifetime.” “Keith!” Beth's voice comes from inside the house. “Go on,” The neighbour smiles knowingly, “We'll be seeing more of each other.” Keith nods politely and goes inside to find Beth leaning against a kitchen counter. “Oh, honey, this's even better than I imagined,” She doesn't even try to contain her excitement, “I never thought a place like this could exist. It's perfect.” “And safe,” The realtor adds from the doorway, “I could quote you the statistics, but you wouldn't believe them.” “Nothing bad ever happens?” Skepticism dampens Beth's enthusiasm. “I wouldn't quite go that far,” The realtor shakes his head, “Still, even vandalism is rare here. Break ins almost unheard of.” “What about assault or homicide?” Keith demands. “I've never heard of either here. And you'll find the neighbours haven't either.” Beth glows visibly at the news. “Dad!” Bethany comes racing into the room, “There're kids outside! Playing outside!” Keith and Beth glance at each other. The realtor smiles knowingly.
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AuthorAlexandra A. 'Lexa' Cheshire is the author of numerous novels and short stories published through Howling Wolf Books. Lexa is a wife, mother, cat owner, and music lover. Archives
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