CHAPTER 16February 22
Thursday, 4:25 p.m.
It was nearly dark by the time they arrived in Middleburg. At Frank’s suggestion, Mrs. Rawlson entered the Russell estate from the back service entrance. It was a long, winding gravel road that curved through dark pools of shadow beneath hanging trees. The house appeared like a dark silhouette of an abandoned chateau. It looked like a two-dimensional stage prop, outlined in a clear night sky.
“Can you park out of sight?” Frank asked.
She made an impatient sigh. “Will the carriage house do? It’s empty right now. Father had his collection of antique carriages taken to a show in upstate New York.”
“It’s okay as long as we’re not seen. Are there any house servants?” Frank asked.
“Only Harrison, a septuagenarian who’s been a butler here for forty
