“There’s a greenhouse,” Kross said, no longer looking at me but at the wall behind me, a faraway look in his eyes. “Just behind the mansion. It was once a place of beauty but it's now overcome by weeds and the like. That’s your job. Revive the garden.”

I know nothing about gardening—I don't even know how to hold a trowel—but that is what the internet and books are for.

I nodded, though I was just nodding to myself because he wasn't still looking at me. I stared at him, looking at him from a fresh view. He didn't seem so cold right now. It seems all his walls have...