Henry stared at the advertisement on his screen, searching the bold lettering for mistakes. The word "Housekeeper Wanted" stretched across the top in a large letters, followed by the mansion's address, a personally written description of the house, and the pay rate. It wasn't anything fancy, but it got the point across. Henry considered any other information he might want to include.
Now that Renee was gone, Henry had begun to realize just how difficult it was to keep an entire mansion clean. He was usually pretty orderly, but it seemed like the Bolet mansion attracted dust and cobwebs at an unrealistic rate. Not to mention the fact that at least once a week something needed fixed or replaced. So, after thinking it over, and consulting his bank account, Henry decided it was time he got a new housekeeper. One who didn't practice voodoo and wouldn't attempt to bury his friends alive in his uncle's grave. Also, since he couldn't really afford a high pay rate, he chose to include Renee's old room in the deal.
He didn't mind having a housemate. After all, the mansion was very big, and not many people came to visit aside from Dr. Buford and Ned. And, their visits were very few and far between. Nancy visited once this past year, but it was only due to another case she had been working on.
He gave his advert one last look over before finally submitting it. Now all he had to do was wait. And, hope whoever replied had a little more charisma and sanity than the last one.
It was several weeks before Henry got his first application. It came from an older man who was retired and looking for a way to earn a little extra cash. He seemed nice enough, but Henry was wary about him. Most adults didn't like him, for some reason, and that was especially true with anyone over the age of 60. Maybe it was because of how he dressed. All he knew was that they were always the first to pass him criticizing looks when he was out shopping. He also wasn't sure about sharing a house with someone so much older than him. He wanted someone he could somewhat relate to - perhaps befriend. Not someone who would want to parent him.
Henry saved the email, deciding to wait and see who else would be willing to take his offer.
A few more applications came in after that. One was from an older woman who asked if her daughter could also live in the house. Another came in from someone currently living halfway across the globe. Henry could tell from their email that their english was rather poor. One applicant asked if pets were allowed. Henry - still trying to find a way to get rid of all of Uncle Bruno's exotic pets - was quick to decline that one.
A month had passed before Henry finally received a more promising applicant. It was at the perfect time as well, as Henry was starting to lose hope in the whole ordeal. He clicked on the new email and read:
Dear Mr. Bolet,
I am contacting you in regards to your want ad for a housekeeper. Through high school I had my own cleaning service, where I did housework for various homes. I have experience in more than just cleaning too, as my past jobs included restoring porches, fixing roofs, and similar work. I just graduated college and have been searching for some extra work to start paying off my tuition. If the job and room are still available, I would be more than happy to take it.
Sincerely,
Alice Dawn
Henry reread the email a few times. There wasn't much to it. Simple and to the point, which he appreciated. Especially after just receiving a rather long email from an applicant explaining their 'desperate need' for a place to stay in great detail. At some point it involved them being kicked out of their ex's house, being arrested for something 'they swear was just a big misunderstanding', and then recently being released from prison. Henry deleted that email without responding.
On the contrary, this Alice was exactly the type of person he was looking for. More interested in the job than in the free room. Also, they seemed to be quite the handyman - or woman he supposed. And he could recall plenty of rotting floorboards and unstable bookshelves that needed replacing in the mansion.
After a bit more thought, Henry finally wrote up a response.
Alice,
No need for formalities. I graduated recently as well, so we are likely around the same age. You sound like just the type of person I need. How soon can you start?
- Henry
He was surprised how quick her reply was.
Henry,
Oh! I had assumed you were much older since you owned quite a nice mansion. I can start as soon you would like me to.
Sincerely,
Alice Dawn
Henry typed his reply immediately.
Great. Stop by the mansion tomorrow at 3:00pm. We can discuss your pay and living arrangements in full then.
This time her response took more time. After an hour or so of web-surfing and checking work emails he received Alice's reply.
Sounds good! Thank you!
And then Henry closed his laptop.