“Oh, Silas!” George exclaimed happily, though he was as quiet as ever. He returned the sudden hug with interest; he looked as if he was going to pick the young man up. “You're soaked to the skin; don't tell me you walked all the way here. Well, I'm glad to have another friend here. I was starting to feel...” George's eye wandered to the open front door behind Silas as yet another limo arrived. “...out of place.”

George had liked Silas from the moment he met him through Geoff, he was a good kid at heart, like most kids were. He remembered how Silas told him some of his story, growing up surrounded by violence and then earning his way out. George thought that it was admirable; not everyone worked for their wealth. He wondered if the same could be said for some of the other guests tonight. Suddenly, he remembered Maxwell standing just behind him. 

“Silas, this is my good friend and neighbor Maxwell Everett. I don't believe you've met. Maxwell, this is Silas Russell.” George watched as Maxwell gave a boy a quick, firm handshake and then retreated to the edge of the hallway again as more people were coming their way. “Geoff introduced us some time ago.” He said to Max, who was looking rather sourly at their surroundings. 

The walls was adorned with old paintings and portraits that had seen better days. The paint was peeling in places and some of the frames were starting to collapse. The wallpaper was also peeling in some spots and everything had a musty odor about it. It didn't seem like the place was habitable. 

“Good lord. I don't see how dear old Geoff could stand living in a place like this.” 

“Betcha there's bats 'n here. It's got that look.” Maxwell huffed. 

“Oh, don't be silly. Or rude; we're guests, remember?” 

“You're a guest, I'm a tag-along.” 

“Oh, fine.” George mumbled into his turtleneck, trundling down the corridor as Maxwell followed closely behind. He only walked down far enough to get out of peoples' way. They seemed to be piling in all at once. Everyone was punctual these days, apparently. “I don't know what his problem is.” George joked secretly to Silas. “He's the one who told me to go in the first place. Well, what do you think? Should we meet some of our fellow guests or do a little exploring? It seems like there's a lot to see in this old house.”