. . .P_Normal">The drive to Bram’s house took fifteen minutes, much of which James spent pressed against the passenger window, commenting on the structural style and elegance of the long established neighborhood.

They ended the drive on a short, circular driveway in front of a graceful, two-story, red brick home. Wrought iron rods, spirals, fence posts and grates adorned much of the building. There was even an elaborate weather vane topping the patina-colored, copper roof of an octagonal tower. The approaching twilight hid the rest of the home’s period features.

Awed, James climbed out of the truck and followed Bram up the steps of the wide porch. He waited while Bram opened two heavy-duty locks on the entry door, and then preceded his host inside.

Once they passed through the marble-floored foyer, the adjoining rooms became massive, all boasting nine-foot, domed ceilings, stylized, ten-inch baseboards and oak. . . Read More