The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale

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      Before entering the house Katherine observed Daniel turning off the alarm saying an unusual and special password:

      “No man is an island,

      Entire of itself;

      Every man is a piece of the continent,

      A part of the main.”[9]

      – Looks like getting in here won’t be an easy feat for those two, as John Donne[10] clearly doesn’t ring them any bells.-the remark made Katherine chuckle.

      – It definetly won’t.-Daniel chuckled in response.

      – No kidding. Aren’t they going to break in?

      – Upon such a fiasco with your flat and the smoke detector? Either they’re complete idiots or whoever is behind all this told them to stay put.

      – I hope you’re right.

      – Welcome, Prof.Lawrence.

      This voice comming out of nowhere made Katherine freeze.

      – Sherlock[11], how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that.

      – Apologies, Mr.Lawrence.

      – Now, that’s better.

      – Who’s that? -Katherine enquired still in shock.

      – Oh, my mistake. Sherlock, allow me to introduce Katherine Mayfair. She’ll be staying here tonight. Katherine, meet Sherlock, my AI butler.

      Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mayfair.

      – The pleasure is all mine, Sherlock.-Katherine greeted still struck by the going on situation. – AI butler you say.

      – Exactly.

      – How did you come by him?

      – Oh, it slipped my mind. Upon graduating from Oxford I entered MTI. AI technologies is my second major. That’s how I came up with an idea to create a virtual assistant of my own. Frankly speaking, we’ve grown to be friends.

      – Unbelievable! An AI butler. I’d always thought only fictional characters in Aisaac Asimov[12] or Stanislaw Lem’s[13] novels could possess such a technology. At least I’ve never encountered one in my daily life.

      – You know, everything happens for the first time.-Daniel responded admiring her knowledge of sci-fi literature.

      – And it’s probably the best. Why Sherlock?

      – Oh, I was infatuated with the guy as a child. I could read all night long and never get tired. Putting the book down was simply impossible. And I figured, giving an AI assistant a name is much better than a dull number. He has developed tremendously since the moment I created him.

      You’re being too kind.

      – See. He’s even developed modesty. How do you like that?

      – Impressive.

      – Where are my manners? I’ve overloaded you with all sort of things, not even giving a chance to breathe out. You’re probably overwhelmed and worn out with all the things going on. Please, make yourself at home.

      – That’s very generous of you. I’m actually really desperate for a hot bath, if that’s okay.

      – Be my guest. The bathroom is on the second floor. Take any time you need.

      – That’s very kind of you.

      – I’ll prepare a place to sleep for you.

      – How about you? I don’t want to be a nuiance.

      – I’ll be fine. The couch should fit perfectly.

      Reaching the staircase Katherine halted for a moment.

      – Daniel…

      – Yes?

      – I want you to know. I’m really grateful for everything you’re doing to put me at ease.

      – I know. Helping you out gives me great pleasure.

      Chapter 11 What Could Be Better Than A Hot Bath After A Long Day?

      When entering the bathroom, locking the door behind her, Katherine looked around. There was a huge white tub opposite the door. A curtain, blocking the view for whoever might drop in. A carpet with an intricate design lying next to the tub. A sink staying on white drawer next to the window. A glass cupboard on the right.

      Having a window in the bathroom is a bit weird… But I must admit it’s probably the most exquisite bathroom I’ve ever had a bath in, in my entire life! Feels like I’m Marylin Monroe[14], having some time off filming, enjoying her lavender bathtub.

      While collecting her stuff at home, Katherine managed to pick up some of grooming and bathroom products.

      Speaking of lavender, I think I somehow happen to have some bubble bath with this kind of scent. I might not be Norma Jean, but I’m definitely going to fully enjoy the experience.

      Turning the tap on and pouring some of the lavender bubble bath, Katherine just couldn’t stop watching the water filling the tub slowly. The sound of pouring water had this ASMR effect making Katherine pretend all the hardships of the day never happened at all.

      I should probably stop standing like that, otherwise I’m causing a flood here, and destroying Daniel’s house is probably the worst way to say thank you.

      Turning off the tap and trying the water with her fingers to make sure it doesn’t scorch, Katherine started slipping her black dress quickly, being in desperate need to get rid of it, having worn one for over a day.

      Reaching into the tub slowly to feel the warmth of the water with every inch of her body, Katherine finally settled, fidgeting a bit, to find the right position to feel as comfy as possible.

      God! It feels so good. I can actually hear this “I Feel Good” song in my head. I’d never thought a simple tub might cause such a bliss!

      To finally scare off all the alarming thoughts, Katherine dived into the water, holding her breath to simply knock it all out for a moment. But paradise did not last СКАЧАТЬ