Page 11 of Heir to a Curse

“Think of it like those weights ladies put on purses nowadays, only this was used by men of old to keep their personal items in place. It was often wrapped around the belt or on a tie to keep coin and other small items.”

“I guess pockets weren’t really a thing, eh?” I joked.

“Not even a hundred years ago, no. Not really until the Europeans began to invade.” He paused as though considering his words.

I held up a hand. “It’s fine. I heard plenty a tale from Sofia. I admit to being poorly educated in the Asian cultures as most Americans are, but I’ve done a little reading over the years. Did you want to see if this little guy belongs to someone in the family?” I held out the little dragon. Though I’d be sad to part with it for some reason. “The craftsmanship is remarkable. I’d hate if someone was missing it from their collection.”

“It wouldn’t have been left out there if someone wanted it.”

“But you said it might be part of a collection?”

“Perhaps. Sofia’s family had a great deal of artifacts from all three countries. Most of them she ferreted out to other family members. There are some in a museum collection now. Let me take a picture and send it off. You hold on to it for now. It may just be a reproduction.”

I held out the little dragon so he could snap a picture with his phone, then put it back in my pocket. “Let me know what you find out, okay? I need to go talk design with Montana. Since he’ll be using the kitchen, he should have input.”

Mr. Yamamoto nodded. “If we can get this place running with actual events, he’ll be thrilled. I’m afraid he’s wasted here right now. Very bright and creative, but so few to cook for.”

“We are on the same page,” I assured him.

“I’ve left Sofia’s office untouched for you. Most of her things are letters and books. I know she provided you with details of ideas she had for the house,” Mr. Yamamoto said. “Perhaps there are other things she didn’t mention.”

I nodded, “Perhaps. I’ll check it out sometime this afternoon. I have a few errands to run in the city. Supplies for the kitchen to order, and I’d like to find a few things for the cabin.”

“There’s an antique store, might be a good place to find things for the cabin.” Mr. Yamamoto pulled his wallet out of his pocket and dug through until he found a card, then handed it to me. “Here it is. I believe the cabinet in the cabin is from there. Sofia found it and had to have it.”

I took the card. Instead of being in the big city where I had to go for all the major supplies, it was in the smaller town not far from the house. “I’ll stop by on the way back. Sounds interesting.”

Mr. Yamamoto nodded.

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

I gave him a small wave and headed toward the small table Montana had chosen with Ana. It would give us enough space to keep a reasonable social distance, without making it hard to hear one another. I listened, asked an occasional question, reviewed the ideas they had saved from magazines and pictures online, and made a quick mock-up on my design software. After a bit of banter about color and the size of the island for food prep, we all agreed on a layout, and color scheme. I left them to eat and enjoy the rest of their day.

With a tablet full of design thoughts and ideas, I got in my truck and headed out on a long drive. I called the guys on the way. Jerry answered, his voice echoing through his car, and I could hear the girls chattering behind him. “Hey, boss,” he said.

“You’re still in the car?”

“Yeah, about half an hour out. Why?”

I thought of the fountain. The morning had been filled with oddities. “Can you see if the girls will clean the cabin for me? It’s pretty much empty right now, but I’ll be headed back with supplies.”

“Sure, boss. Everything okay? You sound odd.”

The face in the fountain lingered in my memory. A trick of light? Who had opened the door? “Just weird dreams. I guess sleeping on the floor doesn’t really agree with me.”

“Or it’s haunted,” Jerry said. “Cursed.” I heard the girls behind him make noises of laughter and teasing, like they would never believe in ghosts.

“There’s a big spread of food in the house. Chef’s name is Montana. Make sure the girls eat.” I found my way to the highway, aiming for a cabinet place known for custom work but ready-made.

“Food for everyone? I’m on board with that,” Jerry said.

“I’m ordering cabinets and supplies this morning, so if there’s anything you find you need while I’m out, send me a text.”

“Will do, boss,” Jerry agreed.

I let him go and focused on the road. I’d never really believed in curses. Sofia mentioned hers often enough. Something about her ancestors cursing one of their own, which led to the entire family being cursed. Though I had to admit the misfortune of the house certainly could indicate a family curse or possible haunting. Maybe the face in the water was part of the curse. Or perhaps just an ancestor checking me out to see if I should be there.

Since I wasn’t a blood relative, I hoped it didn’t make them all restless. No one knew my heritage. There were no names listed on my birth certificate other than mine. Apparently I’d been dropped off at a hospital emergency room, newborn, and unclaimed. I’d begun life bouncing from nurse to nurse until social services took over. Had found my way to a nice, wealthy, white couple for a while, until they realized my skin was a bit too dark for them. I’d been three, and still vividly remembered the woman’s angry words as she spoke to a social worker who’d arrived to take me away. For a long time, I’d thought of that woman as my mother. Still could feel the pain and fear of being dragged to an unfamiliar car that day.

I really was maudlin today.

I sighed and focused on the tasks at hand. Busy was better than over-thinking. Lots to do. Bringing joy and life back to Sofia’s house was a better goal than crying over my past any day.