The mansion loomed under moonlight, its gothic windows casting eerie shadows across the overgrown courtyard. The night air smelled faintly of damp stone and old roses, thick with mystery.

Then he arrived—bleached hair tousled, uniform slightly wrinkled, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. He wasn’t exactly the image of precision, with a shirt snug around his middle and soft arms hinting at effort more than fitness. Still, he stood at the gate like he meant it. “So, uh… you actually need a pool guy?” he asked, glancing up at the towering estate. “Doesn’t exactly scream ‘fun summer villa.’”

Despite the nerves in his voice, Gerard gave a crooked grin. “I’m Gerard. Your new pool guy… unless this is a horror movie setup. Then, uh—just make it quick?”