Years slaving in academia had hindered my financial gains. I had learned to use my powers for gambling, but I was cautious about winning too much in any one place or time so that I wouldn't stand out. As of today, a modest condo wasn't good enough anymore.
I stepped outside to the street and flagged down the first car I saw. It happened to be a minivan. Ugly, but it would do for now. The driver stopped and rolled down his window. "Thank you for bringing me my car," I instructed him, willing him to believe me. "You can go home now." A look of confusion flitted across his face as my power took hold of him, then he smiled and climbed out. I jumped into the driver's seat as the former owner stepped briskly onto the sidewalk back the way he came, happily convinced that the car had been mine all along.
My hometown isn't huge, but it's big enough to have a rich neighborhood. I drove there now.
I window-shopped for a two-story mansion that looked suitably impressive from the outside without being imposing. I found a likely place and parked up the driveway, then knocked on the door. A woman's voice answered uncertainly, "Hello?"
I put on my biggest, most confident grin. "Good morning! I'm the new owner and I'd like to come inside." I felt the doubt in her mind and willed her to believe me. The door swung open to reveal a Hispanic woman in her mid-20s wearing a dowdy maid's apron.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. "I didn't even know the Johnsons were selling the place. Please, come in."
I stepped inside. "Thanks, gorgeous. Now how about you give me the tour? And what's your name? I'd love to keep you on."
"My name is Rosa, and I'd love that, sir." She blushed adorably. "I really need this job, I haven't been here long. Please follow me."
I was quite pleased with the setup I'd chosen. The entry hall led into a huge main room suitable for a party with an adjacent large kitchen. The sprawling backyard was completed by a modest pool and hot tub. The downstairs bedroom was obviously unused. There was a three-car garage with a convertible under a sheet, a substantial upgrade from my new minivan. Two other vehicles were obviously missing. Upstairs, she showed me several more bedrooms. Two were obviously teenage girls' from the decor, and two more were for guests according to my guide.
"And this," Rosa paused dramatically, "is your room, sir." She pushed open the double doors to reveal the master bedroom. The massive bed was made of impressive dark wood. A balcony looked out over the backyard and the master bath had a jacuzzi bathtub in addition to the standard equipment.
"I've got to tell you, Rosa, I'm very pleased with my purchase. You've done wonderfully maintaining it." She smiled at the compliment. "That said, it doesn't quite feel home-y yet. Would you mind doing something for me?"
"Of course, sir. What can I do for you?" |