Awakening Book One of the Trust Series - By J. E. Swift Page 0,18

mine is. Caitlyn, let me show you where you will be staying.”

As Garrett excused himself to make yet another call, Trish led Caitlyn inside where she was greeted by a foyer and a large set of stairs. “Your apartment will be the second one to the left on the second floor. It is small, but has a lovely view and is really one of the most comfortable apartments in the entire compound in my opinion. The so-called important people always want the bigger apartments in the newer houses, but I’ve always preferred this building myself. It gives more of a feeling of being at home. Your entire apartment is already furnished. Since you will be staying for an extended time, if there is anything that does not suit your tastes in there, please let me know. We can change things to meet your needs.”

Instead of climbing the stairs, Trish turned left to take her on a tour of the common rooms, beginning with the small, but extensive library. “I’ve also seen to it that you will have your own transportation. The car should be dropped off tomorrow. Nothing fancy mind you, but a car to get you here to there, unless you show to have other talents.”

Caitlyn was left wondering what that meant as she continued with the tour, making small chitchat regarding the architecture of the building. They walked through the pantry into a formal dining room, before ending up back at the stairwell. Trish led her up the stairs, not stopping until she reached a door on the far end of the hallway.

Although the place was older, Caitlyn noticed that she opened up the door with a card key and combination pad. Caitlyn raised her eyebrows at the concierge.

“For privacy. A lot of people that stay here are here due to important business. You will get a card key, but you will establish your own key code that only you and I shall know. I’ll never enter your room unless it is of an urgent medical emergency.”

Trish stated this last statement with complete seriousness. As the door creaked open, it revealed the apartment to her for the first time. Caitlyn walked through it, examining the place she would be living. Trish was right. The place was small, just three rooms, but it held a spectacular view of the stream behind the house and the apartment was pleasant. Caitlyn could picture herself cozying up by the chair next to the window on a winter evening reading a book.

Once Caitlyn had completed checking out the apartment, Trish turned to the young woman and handed her yet another card, this one silver.

Caitlyn flipped the card over in her hands. “What is this?”

“The Trust has provided a stipend for you during your training. It should be more than enough to cover your expenses while you are here. If however, you find that you need more, come to me and I’ll talk with accounting.”

“I… I can’t accept that.”

Trish lips curved upwards as if expecting that response. “All the new ones always say that. The nice ones anyways. Caitlyn, the Trust is very well funded. They want you to be comfortable while you are here. While you are training, there is not going to be time for you to get a job. Besides, this is a tiny town, even if there was time, it’s not like there are a ton of jobs available. Those are for the actual residents of the town. If you are uncomfortable with taking the funds, just think of it like a loan. Most people that belong to the Trust end up giving back to the Trust more than they take over time anyways.”

When Caitlyn did not look convinced, Trish placed her hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder. “Caitlyn, you are an investment to this organization. If they did not invest in you, it’s possible that the Cine Tofa would try to recruit you. Trust me when I say that is what nobody wants.”

Caitlyn could hear Garrett coming up the stairs. He appeared with her large duffle bag, the only indicator of Caitlyn’s previous life as of right now. He put the bag down in the living room before inspecting the small space. “This is nice. Thank you, Trish. Do you like it, Caitlyn?”

“Yes. Much more than I expected.”

“Good. I was thinking we could get you settled in, and then have dinner, if that’s alright with you.”

Caitlyn unpacked her few belongings in her closet while Garrett waited. When she was finished, she