The new maid heard weeping beneath the mansion. Opening the heavy basement door, she found the missing wife, starved and chained. As gasps filled the dark room, the wife grabbed her hand, whispering, “Run before he hears you, or he’ll make you my replacement.” Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stairs…

long corridor lined with oil paintings of the Del Monte ancestors. But as I walked down the hall, carrying my bucket and rags, I noticed an anomaly.

The largest portrait, situated at the very center of the gallery, was covered with a heavy white canvas cloth. It had been draped since the day I arrived. I had assumed it was being protected from the sunlight.continue reading …