Awakening Book One of the Trust Series - By J. E. Swift Page 0,17
North Woods. The next few months you will call a town named Millinocket your home. It’s a small town, population of about five thousand.”
“How many Actuals live up here?”
“Well, most do not live up in Northern Maine, but you have probably at least two hundred that live in the direct vicinity and are at the facility on a day to day basis. Most of the Actuals that report to Trust Headquarters on any kind of regular basis do live in the New England area however. Many reside in Massachusetts and Connecticut. There is a small airport right in Millinocket, so if there is an important meeting that the Council needs to attend in person, the members that are not available can just fly in.”
“Why is this so far north and out of the way?”
Garrett shrugged. “Less questions asked. The facility is not even part of the town; there are sections of Maine that are not even designated townships.”
“Not to sound ungrateful, but is there anything to do up this way?”
“There is a lot of wildlife, so fishing, boating, hiking… if those are your things, you will be very happy here. If not, the Trust has an amazing library and some activities for its members that stay here regularly. Besides, if you became really bored, I am sure we could just fly into Boston for the day.”
As he turned onto another dirt road, several large houses appeared in the distance. Garrett pulled up to a well-maintained white farmhouse, parking next to several other cars. He stepped out of the car quickly, familiar with his surroundings, and walked over to open her door.
“Thank you. Is this where I am staying?” Caitlyn pointed the old farmhouse in front of her as she gave her legs a much-needed stretch. The house was extremely large for one person. Garrett grabbed her bags from the trunk, closing it tight as he looked to where she was pointing.
“Yes. The house is actually comprised of multiple apartments. Actuals that are here on temporary assignment stay in one of these three buildings. The main facility is only another mile and a half down the road.”
Caitlyn sighed happily in approval as she took in the wrap around deck, with its well-used porch swing. The paint was peeling just slightly, but Caitlyn thought it more to be for effect than actual negligence. The perfect gardens made up of early blooming flowers that surrounded the house were evidence of that. “How many people live here?”
Garrett handed her the backpack. “They can hold up to twenty. But right now, there are only seven others. It’s fairly quiet at the moment.”
Caitlyn fidgeted as she slung it on her back. She knew he could hear her thought. “I’m nervous.”
He patted her shoulder reassuringly as he walked her up onto the farmer’s porch. “Don’t be. I’ll help you get settled in. Once that is done, I’ll take you to dinner. I know just where to take you. You’ll love it.”
A blonde woman in her mid-thirties came walking through the door, her smile appearing to be genuine. She sashayed over to Garrett, wrapping him in a warm hug. “Garrett! How have you been! It’s been ages.”
He returned the embrace. “Hi, Trish. I’m doing well. Trish, may I introduce Caitlyn Young.”
Garrett guided Caitlyn towards the woman, who in turn greeted Caitlyn with a warm demeanor that made her feel more at ease.
Trish stuck out her hand and she shook Caitlyn’s strongly, a trait Caitlyn liked right away. “Welcome, Caitlyn dear. How are you?”
Caitlyn twisted the bracelet she was wearing, answering honestly. “Nervous, but well.”
The woman wrapped her arm around Caitlyn’s waist and led her inside. “Sweetheart, we all felt that way in the beginning. I promise you, you are in good hands with Garrett. Plus-” she whispered loudly knowing that the man behind them could still hear, “he is quite a pretty thing to look at.” She craned her neck behind her, winking at Garrett. Caitlyn could not help but let out a small snicker.
Garrett rolled his eyes affectionately at her. “I’ll have you know, Trish, that there is more to me than just my good looks.”
“Sure there is, sugar. Sure there is. You keep telling yourself that.”
“Caitlyn, Trish is an official concierge of the Trust. She takes care of all the guests that stay here for any extended period. She is also the resident flirt.”
“Well, I get to have some fun, don’t I? Besides, from what I hear, Garrett Stevens, your reputation is almost as bad as