Drama Dolls: A Novel: [Dark, Suspenseful, Fast-paced, Exhilarating] by Jason Tanamor

painted.
    Nodding in agreement, the realtor, she said, “Yes! Usually with old homes like this the radiators have layers and layers of paint.” She walked over to the heating source and traced her finger down halfway. “They spent a lot of their time making this house beautiful.”
    Cutting a look toward Jeffrey, the realtor closed her eyes and smiled.
    Agreeing with the agent, Lena, she said, “It’s gorgeous.”
    Glancing around the room one last time, the group exited into the hallway.
    Walking past a closed door, Lena said, “Can we go in there?”
    The realtor, shaking her head, said, “No. That room is the master bedroom. The owner requests that it not be shown.” Locking stares with all three of the guests, apologizing non-verbally with her eyes, she said, “The owner does promise that the room will fully meet all expectations.”
    An open door next to the master was another bedroom. Throwing out information before entering, Jane said, “This room is actually larger than the master. It was used as a sitting room because it has a fireplace.”
    When the undercover Dolls entered, Lena stopped short at the white bricked fireplace in the center of the back wall. Positioned in front of the fireplace was a pair of matching Victorian button back parlor chairs. The bloody red chairs surrounded a white marble-top table stand.
    “This looks so elegant,” Lena said. She slid around one of the chairs and sat down. Hard on her buttocks, she said, “They’re not very comfortable.” Lena leaned her head back so she could see the ceiling. Along it was the same crown molding found in the rest of the rooms on the floor.
    A large circular area rug covered much of the floor space. Twisting her waist, looking down at the matching red-colored carpet piece, Lena’s attention was drawn to the furniture on either side. “How did I miss the fancy couches?” On either side of the rug were golden yellow upholstered Victorian couches.
    The inner voice of arrogant reason said, “Go ahead. Drop some knowledge on her.”
    “These are actually called fainting chairs,” Jeffrey said.
    Behind him, mocking him in a little child’s voice, William muttered under his breath, “Dees are cowed feenting cheers.”
    “The theory was that a woman’s corset was so tight that she literally fainted from the lack of air.”
    Ignoring William’s antics, Lena said, “You’re so smart.” She cut a look to William and squinted her eyes in disgust. Then she turned to Jeffrey and said, “I’m so glad I married you.”
    Picking up on the tension, the real estate agent said, “Are we ready to see the bathroom?”
    The bathroom was a classic design. Subway tiles, black with white grout, traversed the room’s walls. The shower surround was a modern-day claw foot tub design without feet that rested square on the floor tiles. Octagon tiles under their feet, they were heated for the winter’s cold nights.
    About eye level, a white wood trim disrupted the dark tiles in order to break up the pattern. Lena, standing in front of the pedestal sink, said, “I love these old bathrooms.” Her eyes turned toward the toilet seat. A water line and electrical cord shot out from underneath. The seat offered a remote control. She said, “What is that?”
    And Jane, hovering over their shoulders, taking her own peek, said, “It’s a bidet.” Lena turned to address the realtor. Jeffrey stood still, unfazed. “The owners fell in love with the bidets overseas. It was a must have,” the agent said.
    Jane spun her body around to engage William. The two had a brief stare down. William said, “Nice house.”
    “That’s so cool,” Lena said. She glanced at William and caught him rolling his eyes. “I love how eccentric they were.” Lena, she said, “These types of people would never give me the time of day.”
    Breaking up the tedium, Jeffrey said, “You mentioned there is only one owner now.” Jane nodded, agreeing to his statement. “Where