The Hotel's Secret: Recluse Island, #1

Chapter One

The minivan bounced over another pothole. More like it got sucked into its vortex. The vehicle bounced several times.

Vanessa’s double-shot latte splashed out from the slit of its plastic lid, running down the cupholder and barely missing her new slacks. Getting messy was the last thing she needed after having kept herself pristine for the majority of the hours-long drive. She’d have to wipe the mess clean, but that was fine as long as her clothes weren’t wet when they arrived.

Seventeen-year-old Hope, in the passenger seat, held up her own cup. Coffee dripped halfway down her arm and soaked into her sleeve. Mom, can’t you be more careful?

Sure. I’ll stop the van so you can get out and fill the holes yourself. Vanessa motioned to the dirt road surrounded by thick woods that blocked much of the afternoon’s sunlight.

Seriously? Hope grabbed napkins from the glove box.

Are we there yet? Summer whined from the back of the van.

It’s taking forever, Winter added. This is so boring.

The ten-year-old twins had barely said a word since entering the woods — none of Vanessa’s four kids had. Their moods had darkened with the gloomy trees all around. It didn’t help that they were all exhausted from being stuck in the vehicle the entire day.

They’d mostly enjoyed the morning’s long drive and the ferry ride to Recluse Island. It had been refreshing to stretch their legs and breathe in the fresh Puget Sound air. Even driving through the quaint little tourist town had sparked the kids’ interest, but that had ended abruptly when they’d entered the woods.

Maybe it was the gloomy setting. More likely, it was the anticipation of the unknown. None of them had been to the mysterious building that would soon be their new home. That was only half it. The more nerve-wracking part would be blending the two families.

Vanessa’s new husband Chris and his three kids followed behind in his SUV. The moving trucks with all of their combined belongings traveled behind him. She hated to think of her fine china plates bouncing around on these potholes.

Are we there yet? Summer asked again, pulling Vanessa from her thoughts.

"Does it look like it?" asked fifteen-year-old Maverick from the middle row.

We’re almost there. Vanessa turned and smiled at the twins in the back, then at Maverick and Hope. I know it’s been a long day, and we’re all antsy. It won’t be much longer.

She had to admit the twenty-minute drive through the woods was getting to her too. If she ran over another pothole, she might lose her mind.

But it was up to her to keep the kids in good spirits. She had to keep herself together. And she would. Vanessa Chesterton-Avery was nothing if not self-controlled and a self-sacrificing mom. Everything she did was for her kids. All the more since their dad had abandoned them.

For the last few years, she’d not only given them a mother’s love but a father’s too. Thankfully, now she had Chris to share the burden. But they had seven kids who’d all lost a parent, either through abandonment or death, to care for.

It would be no small task.

Vanessa found some upbeat music and turned the volume up. She managed to avoid the next two potholes, despite the narrow road.

Hope held up her coffee with one hand and snapped selfies with the other before tapping furiously at her screen.

You haven’t posted enough pictures today? Vanessa asked.

I’m documenting the move for all my friends before we drift away and forget about each other.

We’ll have wifi and cell service. You won’t lose touch with anybody.

"I won’t see them in person, Hope said. We’ll eventually go our separate ways. Like how I barely talk to my old friends from Cali anymore. I’ll lose touch with these friends too."

That means you’ll make new friends again. You always do.

Doesn’t mean I want to.

Bump!

Hope scowled and slid her finger around the phone’s screen. I can’t get a good picture under these conditions.

You can get out and fill in the holes.

One of the boys can do that, Hope said.

Maverick kicked her seat.

I meant Blake or Dustin. Obviously.

Vanessa released a long, drawn-out breath. "We’re not going to give any of you kids hard labor. Not you guys, and not your new stepsiblings. Besides, I’m sure the hotel staff has plans to fix the road."

Wouldn’t they already have done it if they cared? Hope puckered her lips and held up her phone for another picture of herself.

I’m sure it’s on their list. Vanessa turned her attention back to the gravel road.

We own the hotel, Hope said. Can’t we demand someone fix the holes?

"Chris owns it," Maverick muttered.

And we’re all family now, Vanessa said. Therefore, it belongs to all of us.

How much longer? Summer asked.

Maverick groaned and stuck in his earbuds.

They came to a sparkling white sign that stood out from the dark woods.

Royal Legacy Resort & Spa: 2 Miles.

There’s your answer, Hope said and snapped a picture of it.

The twins whispered to each other.

Vanessa turned the wheel, barely avoiding another pothole. Once they got settled into their new home, she would have to talk to Chris about the holes. For a five-star resort, the road wasn’t a good first impression.

Although it wasn’t your average top-rated hotel. Sure, the parts the guests used were magnificent — a fully renovated mansion that sprawled on as far as the eye could see. At least that’s what she’d gathered from the pictures on the website.

What made it different was there were also parts of the massive building that hadn’t been touched in decades, maybe even a full century. There were rooms that were off-limits for the hotel staff and only the family had access to — and now that included Vanessa and her kids. She and Chris had only days ago returned from their honeymoon, and were about to move into that part of the hotel with their kids.

They hadn’t been able to find an affordable home for their new family of nine, so the hotel was the perfect solution. Everyone would start out on equal ground, moving into a home that was new to them all.

Chris and his kids had been to the hotel before, but they’d always stayed in guest suites. Neither he nor his kids had ever seen the older part of the building. The property had originally belonged to his late wife’s family. Liz had been the last living adult, so everything went to Chris after her death.

Vanessa felt a little uneasy moving into a place that her new husband’s previous wife had owned, but overall it didn’t bother her. Liz never had any interest in the building and let the staff run it. It was a self-sufficient machine that she rarely thought about.

On the other hand, Vanessa couldn’t wait to explore what long-forgotten treasures awaited them. She was also eager to look into starting a dance studio in town after having given up her own successful business in California after her divorce. It would do her a world of good to have that kind of a focus again.

Hope gasped. Did you see that guy?

Where? Vanessa asked.

Hope pointed to the trees.

Nobody.

It was probably the shadows playing tricks on your eyes, Vanessa said.

Was it a ghost? Maverick teased his sister.

Shut up, Hope said. There was a man dressed in all black. He glared right at me. I didn’t imagine anything.

I didn’t see anything, Maverick said, the teasing tone still in his voice.

"Were you looking?"

Maybe.

Whatever, Hope said. He was there.

Did he have a scythe? Maybe the Grim Reaper’s after you. Maverick snickered.

Hope threw her makeup bag at him.

He laughed and tossed it back at her.

Vanessa squeezed the steering wheel. Nobody’s after anyone. Let’s try to enjoy the rest of the ride in silence. Okay?

The guy was there, Hope muttered, and aimed her phone out the window.

Silence means no talking, Vanessa said.

The road curved, and bright daylight shone ahead.

Vanessa pulled on her sunglasses.

Up ahead, a castle loomed. In front of it, a perfectly manicured grassy field and a cement road without so much as a crack. Beyond that, the ocean. Sailboats speckled the water.

All tension left Vanessa’s body.

Is that it? Summer asked from the back. Our new home?

It’s so beautiful. Hope took a bunch of pictures.

Vanessa couldn’t pull her attention from the stark elegance to reply.

Not that she had time. The road ahead turned sharply. The castle quickly faded to a mossy, cracked building. No sparkle, no view of the ocean.

"I think this is our home," Maverick grumbled.

Is it, Mom? Summer asked, sounding near tears.

Vanessa pulled into a parking lot filled with old, unkempt cars. She let Chris pass her, and she followed him to a parking spot.

Mom? Winter asked.

Yes, I believe this is where we’ll be living.

A chorus of groans filled the minivan.

What a way to start their new life.

Chapter Two

Chris motioned for Vanessa to park in the spot next to him before directing the two rental trucks to park next to the building.

Anya crossed her arms. Can’t we live on the other side of the building as them? Then we wouldn’t have to see them or spend any time together.

He opened the back of the SUV and counted to ten before responding. We’re a family now. Everyone’s living together in the same wing.

Do you know how snooty that sounds?

It doesn’t change the fact that we’re now a family.

You married her. That doesn’t make the rest of us—

Get your bags. He gave her a look that warned her not to finish her sentence.

Fine. Anya spun around, her long red hair twirling out, and marched to the side of the car. That girl’s personality was the one thing more fiery than her hair.

Liz had said the same thing about Chris. Their daughter was the one of the three kids who’d gotten both his hair color and temperament. Hopefully it didn’t end up getting her into as much trouble as it had him.

Hey there, stranger, Vanessa said.

He turned around as his new wife wrapped her arm around his waist. They shared a quick kiss and he held her tight. How was your drive?

The scenery was even better than you described.

I mean, the kids. Are they warming to the idea of everybody living together?

Her hesitation was answer enough.

Yeah, mine neither.

Vanessa ran her hand along his scruff. We have to give them time. It’s a huge adjustment, especially with the big move on top of the marriage.

Chris glanced over at his two boys talking to her son. It didn’t look like any of them were upset or taunting anyone. I’d better unlock the building so we can get our stuff inside.

She pulled out her keyring. The key for our living area also works for the outside of the building?

Yes. And I told the hotel manager to make enough copies for all the kids to have their own. She said they’d be waiting for us in the kitchen.

He took in the old rundown building, still unable to believe they were all moving in. But it had been the only option for such a large family. He dug into his pocket for his own key, grabbed some bags, and marched for the entrance.

Before he had a chance to unlock it, the door flung open. Marcia Adams, the hotel’s manager, stepped outside. Hello, Chris. I wanted to be here to welcome the owners personally. I’m terribly sorry for your loss.

Thank you. He never knew if that was the appropriate response, but it had been working since Liz’s untimely death.

Where’s your new wife? I’m eager to meet her. Marcia’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

It was a look Chris had grown familiar with since getting engaged and married less than a year after Liz’s passing. But at forty-five, he knew what he needed, and that was Vanessa. He wasn’t about to wait for some random amount of time to avoid others’ judgment. This new marriage was right for his family, even if his three teenagers didn’t see it yet.

He waved Vanessa over and introduced the two women.

Marcia gave his wife a sterile, professional greeting. You have my number if you need anything. If I can’t come right away due to running the resort, I’ll send someone to help right away.

We appreciate it. Vanessa gave her a warm smile.

The manager turned inside the building. Would you like me to give you a tour?

Chris cleared his throat. I’ll take care of that. How about I introduce you to all the kids? You haven’t seen my three since they were smaller. Then you can get back to work.

Certainly. She turned back around, unblinking.

Chris stuck his thumb and finger in his mouth and whistled sharply. Kids!

Both women grimaced at the noise.

His kids came over first, used to his way of calling them. This is Marcia, the manager. Do you remember her?

They all shook their heads. It had been years since they’d been here, and the hotel manager was hardly someone they spent time with.

Chris put his hand on his eldest’s shoulder. This is Blake. He’s sixteen now, Dustin is fifteen, and Anya just turned thirteen.

Six months ago, she said.

Marcia glanced them over. They’ve really gotten big. Blake sure looks like his mom’s side of the family. Could be his grandfather’s twin.

Blake squared his shoulders. He was a champion hunter.

Sure was.

Vanessa’s kids made their way over to her. Each half of the family standing in its unit. How much work would it take to blend them? Hopefully not long. His kids needed the mother figure that Vanessa was eager to be and her kids needed a dad. He was equally ready to fill that role for them.

Chris crossed the threshold and introduced the twins first. Summer and Winter are ten-year-old twins. Both girls looked at the ground. Maverick is their older brother, and this is Hope, the eldest. They’re all great kids.

I’m sure they are. Marcia looked at her phone. If you’re sure you don’t need me, I’m going to see myself to the spa where I’m needed.

He nodded. We’ll see you around.

Of course. She left.

What’s her problem? Blake asked.

Yeah, really, Anya said. She obviously doesn’t like us.

She’s busy, that’s all. Chris ushered them inside. Let’s see our new home.

He ignored the groans as he led them down the hallway. The ratty red shag carpeting called out to a decade long gone. The peeling, flowered wallpaper was at least as old. A few stray items, such as pens and a stray sock, reminded Chris how long it had been since