“Thanks.”

I shut the cab door and hefted my grocery bags. It had taken only an hour to find everything I’d needed, most of which had been canned foods and simple snacks. I had also added a few items like protein bars and other things that caught my interest. With my uncle’s wealth and the gems I had, I was not worried about running out of money. In fact, if I lived normally I would never need to work, though I did have a job now; Dungeon diving.

“I said he isn't home!”

I paused as I spotted someone at my front door shouting into a phone.

“I don't know, but he isn't in!”

“Excuse me?” I said politely, and the older woman's head snapped towards me. I took a step back under the withering gaze before I realized this was my property. I was done backing down or being scared when there was no need. “You have a minute to start explaining what you’re doing at my door?”

She frowned and glanced at her phone, allowing me a moment to inspect her. She looked to be in her late thirties with black hair, and steel-grey eyes that held no warmth to them. She was tall, even taller than me at over six feet, and was dressed in business casual clothing. She looked like so many female lawyers I’d seen back at the firm in New York.

“You’re the previous owner's grandnephew then?” She asked with an apologetic smile that didn't reach her eyes, and her voice still held no warmth, despite her obvious attempt.

“I'm Kaiden, Dylan's grandnephew, yes,” I replied as I moved around her to the door. “What can I do for you?”

“I'm your next-door neighbor, Linda.” She placed her phone into her purse and held out a hand and I placed my bags down to gingerly shake it. Her grip was firm, far firmer than I’d expected.

I snatched my hand back and winced. Did this woman lift, she certainly didn't look like it. “So, Linda, as I said before, what can I do for you?”

She cleared her throat. “I was just wondering if you have any interest in perhaps selling this property to me, for a fair price of course. You see, I’ve always wanted to expand and this home is right next to my own.”

I chuckled which earned me a pointed look, though I didn't back down or get nervous, which was either due to my charisma increase or just the fact I didn't care what she thought. There was something off about her, something I couldn't quite place my finger on. I was a polite person as I’d been taught to be but this woman set me on edge in a way few people had.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“I’ve no interest in selling this house,” I replied. “It's like a family heirloom and is close to me. Also, I'm pretty sure my uncle would rise from his grave to yell at me if I dared even think about it, so I appreciate the offer but no thanks.”

By now I had the key in the lock and the door open, but Linda grasped my shoulder in what felt like a vice grip before I could pick up my bags and shut the door in her face. “I urge you to reconsider. I'm willing to pay more than a fair price.”

She listed off a figure and though I was shocked, I still shook my head. “I don't think so, now it was good to meet you, but I’ve got things to do.”

The moment I was inside I slammed the door shut, and waited to see what she would do. For some reason, I expected an angry outburst but all she did was stay still for a few seconds before walking away.

“I guess it was too good to be true,” I muttered. It had seemed like this town was perfect, and now I was stuck next to her. Well, as long as she stayed away and minded her own business everything would be fine, or so I hoped.

I placed the bags down on the kitchen table and then began to go through everything. I ended up getting a bunch of canned meals, mostly potato and some sort of meat, though there were a few veggie ones. Alongside those were the protein bars and these odd little potato snacks that claimed to last for a long time. Also dry meat strips, basically beef jerky, and some canned spaghetti. If I took a couple of these down with me, and some water then I could stay in the dungeon for more than a day, and truly find out some levels which would then allow me to do more.

I was about to head out to the loot shed when the doorbell rang. I sighed, expecting it to be Linda, but was happily surprised when I opened the door to find Maya standing there with a tupperware container of food in her hand.

“Back to finish our fun?” I teased.

Maya rolled her eyes with a small smile. “You wish. Mom asked me to give you this. It's a meal she made with yesterday's leftovers. She doesn't like to waste.”

“I’ll graciously try anything she made,” I replied, taking the proffered container and opening a corner. It smelled good, and I knew what I’d been having for dinner today.

“Maya before you go, do you know Linda?”

Maya's face darkened and she spat out her next words. “Linda Poles?”

“If you mean the one with the stone face, then yes,” I answered.

“Everyone in town is familiar with her.” Maya shook her head. “She’s not well-liked, but also holds too much influence for anybody to do anything.”

I raised an eyebrow. “She's a problem maker?”

“Not really,” Maya said. “But she likes to get involved in anything that goes on. You know she tried to stop your uncle from investing in mine and mom’s clothing store, saying it was a waste of money and that who would want to wear clothes made by us.”

“I see.” This lady sounded like definite trouble.

“How did you meet her?”

“She tried to get me to sell the house,” I said with a scoff. “As if I’d ever do that.”

Maya glared over at Linda’s home. “She’s tried it before with your uncle, multiple times, and no matter how many times he refused she always asked again and again.”

“Why?”

I could understand wanting to expand, but why such an interest in my house unless she knew about what lay in the backyard, if she did then why hadn't she called the cops or the government? I held back a sigh. This was just my luck. In any case, I needed to watch myself around her and be careful that she didn’t see anything involving the dungeon.

“No clue.” She shrugged. “Probably best to stay away from her.”

“Ok, I'll take care to stay clear of her,” I promised. “Thanks, Maya, it was good to see, your face really does brighten up the day.”

She blushed at that, and I didn't wait for a reply before I closed the door. That charisma jump really was paying off. I’d felt far more relaxed and confident talking to her, like I wouldn't accidentally say something stupid or make a fool of myself. I couldn't wait to see what I could do with more charisma and a greater understanding.

“Good outing, a good meal, bad neighbor.” I shrugged. “Not a bad day so far.”