The Puzzler's Mansion Read Free Page A

amusements
at the home of Richard Overton.
You know where that is, right?
Arrive October 21.
The games start October 22.
Bring the family this time, if you like!
But either way, show up.
Don’t make me ask you twice.

    Winston read the invitation three times before saying to Mr. Penrose, “You want me to go to a party with you? A party that lasts all
weekend
?”
    Mr. Penrose said, “Normally these events are restricted to invitees only, but you are in luck. For some reason, he’s decided to let guests bring their children along. I have no children, so instead I am offering this to you. I think you would find Richard’s weekend gatherings to be a lot of fun. And you look like you could use some fun right about now.”
    â€œWho is this guy?”
    Penrose said, “You’ve never heard of Richard Overton?”
    Winston shook his head.
    â€œHe’s a musician. He plays the piano,” Mr. Penrose said.
    â€œOh,” said Winston. “Is he good?”
    Penrose smiled. Winston had the feeling he had just asked a stupid question. “Let me give you a CD,” Penrose said. “Take it home and listen to it. You can judge for yourself.”
    Winston thought, The answer to the question is yes. Richard Overton is a good piano player. But he said, “Okay, sure.”
    Penrose had a small shelf dedicated to old music. He moved his finger along this, searching, and came up with a particular compact disc.
    â€œOh, hey,” said Winston. “I don’t want to take something you’re supposed to sell.”
    Penrose waved a hand. “I don’t sell much music, and I have numerous copies of this album. It’s my gift to you. I’m sure you’ll like it. But whether you like it or not, I
know
you’ll enjoy a weekend at Richard’s estate.”
    â€œHis . . . estate?” Winston was starting to get intrigued.
    Penrose nodded. “He has a large, beautiful house a couple of hours upstate. And every once in a while, he invites a number of his friends to visit, and he challenges us with puzzles and games that he has created.”
    â€œWhat kind of puzzles?” Winston asked.
    â€œOh, they’re different every time,” Penrose said. “My friend Richard is a clever fellow. I think the two of you would get along very well.”
    Winston looked at the CD. It seemed no different than the handful of classical albums his parents owned. The cover showed a close-up of a pair of hands hovering over a piano keyboard, fingers arched as if about to play something complicated and dramatic.
    â€œHow do you know this guy?” he asked.
    â€œMy wife was a musician,” Penrose said.
    â€œYour wife?”
    â€œShe died some years ago.”
    â€œOh,” Winston said. He didn’t know Mr. Penrose had been married.
    â€œThey performed a series of concerts together. This was quite awhile back, you understand. In fact, it’s probably close to fifty years now. My goodness.” Penrose wore a faint and dreamy smile, as if he could still hear the music. “Anyway,” he said, “I stayed friendly with Richard even after Rebecca passed away. He knows I’ve always enjoyed his games.” He became more clear-eyed and said, “So will you, Winston, I guarantee it. Ask your parents if you can go. If they have any questions, they can call me.”
    The whole idea that he might try to walk away from puzzles—even for a day—suddenly seemed ridiculous. A weekend of puzzly games at some famous person’s mansion? How could Winston not jump at this?
    â€œOkay. I’ll go ask them right now.” He thanked his friend for the invitation.

THE MORE WINSTON thought about Penrose’s offer, the more excited he got. The entire bicycle ride home, he rehearsed what he was going to say to his parents. Would they let him go to a weekend-long puzzle party so soon after he’d gotten in trouble for