Mission Possible (part 2)

They quickly slid from the closet and up against the nearest wall.  They carefully stayed low and crossed behind a sofa that sat kitty corner in the large, mostly empty foyer.  The grand staircase was flanked on either side by a long hallway.  The one they came from, and the one they were planning to head to next.  There were two offices off the ends of the foyer and the coat closet resided under the landing of the grand stairs, opposite the front entrance doors.  The front porch was rarely used.

“We should check big office, since we are pretty sure it is empty.”  Aaron tightened the straps of his backpack.  He gave Samantha a nod and they silently began to move towards the office door.

“OK, but be quick, we have no idea how long before he comes back.”  Samantha turned her back to Aaron and checked again behind them.  It was a miracle they had not yet had to explain their presence.  She did not want to be taken by surprise.  She knew their entire mission depended on moving through the large old manor without being heard or seen.  It was not any easy task; especially given the extra large number of people inside the place at the time.

Aaron gently opened the office door, making sure to not allow the usual creaking of the old hinges.   He waved Samantha into the room ahead of him.  He kept an eye out for anyone to return and ducked into the office leaving the door slightly ajar. 

“Quick, look in the closet while I check the desk drawers.  There has to be a clue in here somewhere.”  Aaron got to work quietly opening each drawer to the large old oak desk.  The bottom drawer was locked.  “I’ll bet there is something interesting in there.  We’ll need to come back here if we don’t find what we’re looking for.”  He didn’t want to spend too much time in this space, as there was no escape should someone return unexpectedly.   “Anything over there?”  Aaron whispered.

“No, I don’t see anything we’re looking for in here."  Samantha also spoke in a low tone.  She backed out of the closet and turned to face Aaron at the desk.  "There is just an old vacuum and a couple of shelves of paper.” 

Aaron again spoke softly, “let’s keep going.  They could move anytime and we are not safe in here.”  Samantha nodded in agreement.  Aaron opened the office door and peered around.  Noting that all was still clear, he turned back and motioned for Samantha to join him.  “Keep your eyes open, this is the hard part.”

TO BE CONTINUED...