The house was in a clearing of the jungle of palm trees, and though one could not see beyond it, the gentle crashing of waves made one aware that there was a beach behind it very close by. A sandy pathway was lined with crimson flowers which looked almost black in the moonlight and flaming tiki torches ran from the cart path up to the front door. The blooms were very large and delicate looking, and exuded an exotic fragrance that was intoxicating and fruity, a delicious aroma. A gentle, warm breeze ruffled the flowers, stroking the Simon's flesh like the touch of a cautious lover. The night was alive with the sounds of birds calling and the rustling of the palms.

The cart path split and ran in both directions to either side of the house, but Simon stopped the cart perhaps twenty feet from the front door. The house itself was lit brightly from the inside, though the front porch was dim, as if the owner were home and not expecting company. It was a very large, square structure, a raised cottage built in a tropical style, with large open windows hung with gauzy mosquito-netting curtains that were also teased by the light wind. There were large slatted shutters, which were open, unlatched.

Seven steps led up to the porch, and despite the fact that the house was designed to look like an island dwelling, a modest grass shack, it was too large and well-maintained to look anything but inviting and luxurious. It was very simple compared to Nathan’s casino and mansion, but it was not exactly a Gilligan’s Island hut either. It was painted a fresh white with green trim, though in the moonlight it held a bluish cast. Potted plants were hung on the front porch, and a small, ornate iron gate enclosed it at the top of the stairs.

Simon’s handsome face acquired a look of satisfied pleasure as he stepped out of the cart and gazed upon his house. He had lived many places, some more elegant than this, some much less so, but this was the one place that he felt was a true home. He felt truly safe here. He could relax. He turned and smiled at the boy who accompanied him, but there was a hint of anxiety in his oceanic gaze, as if he were anxious that the child would like it as much as he did.

“There are only ten rooms,” he said, “So I had a few bungalows built down near the beach and the dock for those rare times when I have more guests than the main house accommodates. Early tomorrow night I’ll show you around and tell you which parts of the island are safe for you to explore. I trust you not to wander from those areas without a guard. There are dangers here, and I’ll explain them in more detail tomorrow. Let’s take you inside and you can meet my housekeeper, Upendi, and settle into a room.”

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