A Lurking Enemy

When Lucas returned home the next day, Lillian was already gone for work. He checked in with Sam to make sure that she was at school and he confirmed it. Elora stiffly welcomed him.

"Welcome back, Master," she said in a robotic tone. Lucas was a little taken aback by Elora's aloofness but before he could ask, Gab stepped in to put his hands around her shoulder.

"Hello beautiful Ellie!" he greeted with a smile looking like a puppy starving for its master's attention. "Missed me? Did I do a good job with the cleaning?"

In response, Elora hit him on the head and angrily retorted, "You forgot to remove the stench, moron! I had to clean the whole place again to make sure the madam was not suspicious. She was already ups-"

Elora stopped herself, glancing at Lucas who stiffened.

"What was that?" Lucas asked in a steely tone.