"Oh, there's no need for concern about that, dear. A professional cleaning team is responsible for maintaining the entire Chateau. We just had it serviced, and we aren't due for another cleaning until next month."
"Do they also clean the third floor?"
The tongs freeze in her hands, the quail suspended mid-air as she mentally regroups.
"No. The task of cleaning the third floor falls to me."
"What's the reason for the blockage?"
"It's not my place to discuss," she replies as she spoons a generous helping of roasted vegetables onto Jessamae's plate.
"Mary, I have a feeling something has happened there."
"It's best if you refrain from venturing up there. It's filled with nothing but old furniture. It could potentially trigger an asthma attack."
But Jessamae can tell by the fleeting dar
