#Garage Doors Plantation

[garagedoorserviceplantation]

Garage Door Service Plantation

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[frabecks]

Los Angeles Large Garage Ideas for remodeling a large contemporary attached two-car garage

[rogueshadeaux]

Chapter Thirty-Two — Ingress

Some of the metal came up with his pull — other pieces fell, careening around as they disappeared into the darkness. We all paused to watch the pieces of metal fall, the thunk that followed coming about eight seconds later. “That uh…” Brent drew off, straightening. “That means it's pretty deep, right?”

5.6k words | 18 - 23 min read time | TRIGGER WARNINGS: Acrophobia, alligators mention (they're freaky okay?)

“That is the most conspicuous thing I have ever seen in my life.” Dad deadpanned, hands in his jean pockets. 

Zeke was standing proudly in front of one of those big utility vans that had been painted an earthy green, black racing stripes along its sides. The back doors had a mural of a wooded landscape with a satyr chasing two rather scantily clad women, and the headlights in the front were replaced with some sort of RGB lights that spun in circles. Brent looked over at me in disbelief at the absurdity of the car as I just sighed, closing my eyes. This was definitely not going to help Zeke’s standing with Dad. 

“Hey, it drives,” Zeke shrugged. “And sometimes the weirdest things work as a red herring, you know? Keeps people from really looking close at the situation. Well,” he said, opening up the back doors to expose the gutted out interior, “Hop in.” 

So there I was on the rubbery flooring of the back of the van, tucked in between Dad and Brent as Dr. Sims rode shotgun in Zeke’s monstrosity of a vehicle. “I’ve got, like, an inflatable bed and stuff,” Zeke called back, “This was my car when I was ‘nomadic,’ so to say. But otherwise it’s…yeah, sorry about the discomfort.”

As if on cue he hit a bump on the badly maintained road, sending my tailbone into the hump that covered the curve of the wheel and making me curse under my breath. 

“Looks like we have three plantations to search,” Dr. Sims says, scrolling on his phone. “Cypress Grove, Bellefontaine, and Magnolia Ridge Estates,” Dr. Sims looks back. “There’s five of us. We could split up, explore each one on our own—”

“No.” Dad says. “My kids aren’t leaving my side.”

“Should we split up?” Brent asked, cocking an eyebrow. “Seems like a bad move when exploring abandoned places. That’s like the first thing not to do if you wanna survive a horror movie.”

“We have to be mindful of the time,” Dr. Sims said, looking out the window. Traveling out of the swamps by boat and walking to the garage holding this…thing cut a good three hours into our adventure, and the sun was already past its midpoint in the sky. “We have about four hours before sunset and being out in New Marais at night is less ideal than exploring alone.”

“But that should be enough to find this entrance, right?” I asked over the rattling of the van. “We shouldn’t have to split up for it if we’re thorough, and staying together would mean we could go through each plantation faster.” 

Dad sighed. “She’s got a point.”

Zeke nodded, abruptly turning the steering wheel and sending me into Dad’s side. “Alright, then we go together. We’ll start from the farthest one and work our way back towards the swamps.”

The first plantation was close to the water and definitely didn’t have a carriage house — in fact, it didn’t have much of anything; so much of it had eroded over the years and what was left was something we definitely couldn’t explore without risking having the entire place come down on us. We searched the outside nonetheless, coming up short to no one’s surprise. 

We packed up into the van to move to the next plantation, where dad nearly screamed a slew of curse words the moment we got close. Whatever Bellefontaine plantation that used to stand here was now home to a parking lot and a restaurant called the Angry Oyster, the pier dining full of patrons with it being dinner time. The little animated oyster shined over a sign that said Well Shuck Me!, a phrase Dad repeated once with the sh— becoming a f—. 

“What do we do?” He demanded, looking at Dr. Sims. “What if they paved over the entrance?” 

Dr. Sims turned in his seat as Zeke parked the car, motioning for his computer bag, which Dad passed over. “Let me see what I can find out,” he says, pulling out the mini laptop. “There’s gotta be some land ownership records or a property transaction or something.”

We spent nearly an hour there as Dr. Sims struggled to find the records he was looking for before eventually disconnecting from the restaurant’s wifi, declaring, “This place didn’t belong to Bertrand,”

“So it’s probably not the First Sons’ base?” Dad asked from the back. I was braiding my hair beside him and Brent was snoring lightly on his other side, both of us bored with the stagnation. 

“Probably not, but we’ll come back if we need to. We should check out this last place before the sun sets.” Dr. Sims decided, closing the computer and shoving it back in his bag. 

Zeke drove a bit more into town to get to the third plantation, passing the cathedral on the way. The floodlights illuminated Cole’s statue, casting shadows on his face that made him seem more menacing, more heroic than he did in the daytime. 

Yet I couldn’t get the sound of his quiet sobs out of my head. 

Zeke drove around to the back of the cathedral and then turned onto a side street, the veranda of a large and well-kept plantation cresting into view as we drove forward. It was huge, pristine white trimming that shone even in the setting sun. There were people milling about on the front lawn in dresses and suits, champagne glasses in hand as a flash on the left caught my eye, making me look in time to see a cameraman reposing a wedding party for their next picture. 

“Shit,” Dad hissed, moving to sit in the space between the passenger and driver's seats. Brent was still leaning on him for support while napping and nearly fell into me, yelping awake. 

“W–what’s going on?” he muttered, looking around with glossed eyes. 

Zeke took a right, driving slowly in front of the estate. The reception of the wedding was in full swing; there was a DJ in his own booth, stark white tables with bouquets and used plates on them, and a separate garage dedicated solely to being a bar, two tenders at the counter built into its entrance.  

“That’s the carriage house,” Dr. Sims realized, looking at the bar. “It has to be,” 

“That doesn’t look like much of a carriage house,” Brent remarked groggily. 

“Carriage house is just another fancy word for separate garage,” Dad hummed. “This is the only one we’ve seen so far. If it’s not under that restaurant? This is it.” 

Zeke pulled into an alleyway and parks the truck, turning in his seat to look at all of us. “Well, what should we do?” He asked. “We can always come back later—”

“We need answers now,” Dad strained, “The sooner the better.”

“Dad, there’s a wedding,” I stressed, “We can’t just crash it.”

Brent shrugs. “Well, we wouldn’t be crashing the wedding. Just breaking into the bar,”

“Just?” 

Dr. Sims sighed. “We could use the information. Knowing now would let us move forward with a plan tomorrow,”

Zeke nodded, more to himself than to anyone else, eyes traveling to the floorboard as he trilled his lips in thought. “We need to draw those guys outta the carriage house,” he said, face growing more thoughtful. “Make some sort of distraction.”

“We’d need one to get them out of the bar, and another to keep them away for long enough,” Dad sighs. “Dunno how we’d do that,”

Zeke’s thoughtfulness gained a smile, and he sorta chuffed to himself. “Oh, I’ve got some ideas.”

“What do you mean you can’t?” I whispered incredulously to Brent. 

He was glaring at me as we crouched behind a manicured shrub, trying our best to hide in the shadows the setting sun was casting. Dad was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Dr. Sims or Zeke. They were all getting in position for this horrible plan we cooked up in about fifteen minutes. 

“I mean I can’t, that’s not how Conduits work,” he scoffed like I was an idiot. “I can only play with the steel I put out,”

I blinked. “Wh–, that’s not how Conduits work. You should be able to do anything with steel.”

“What, and you can control any water source? C’mon Jean, this isn’t Korra,”

I glared at him before sticking a hand out and pointing it towards the water fountain just beyond our shrub, etching a gap in the trickling waterfall from its scalloped tier to form a middle finger. 

Brent balked. “What? How did you do that?” he demanded. 

“Oh, sorry, it’s a water tribe secret,”

“You know what—”

There was a sudden alarm from the giant mansion, catching the attention of everyone on the grounds of the plantation. Dad, that had to be Dad. All the attendees of the wedding awkwardly glanced at each other, confused at what was going on until someone came out of the mansion itself shouting something about a fire alarm. 

I felt pretty bad. I mean, we were crashing someone’s wedding. That’s not an experience you’re supposed to get more than once — or at least, you’re supposed to aim for it to be a one time thing. So they’d get no do-over, and the memories of their big day would be this. An evacuation to the far side of the property, near the entryway gate. But it was a necessary evil. 

Not necessary enough, apparently; the barkeeps didn’t move. They shifted around awkwardly but made no move to leave the little building. 

“Son of a bitch,” Brent growled. 

My jaw clenched. Dad said if his smoke setting off the alarms didn’t do anything, it would be our turn to try something, with Zeke and Dr. Sims as our hail marys. “We’ve gotta figure out what to do,” I muttered. That’s what we were talking about before our argument; how exactly to draw the two barkeeps away from the bar. 

Brent’s eyes narrowed as he looks around. “Y’think you can control alcohol?” he asks. “It’s liquid.”

“It’s liquid but not water,” I whisper. 

“I mean, it has some water in it, right—”

“Would you shut up?”

Brent glowered, glaring at me for a moment before looking around. “So you can just control any sorta water?” He asks. 

“I mean, yeah, sorta,” I shrug. “It can be—”

“Can you control the water in the tap?” Brent interrupted me. “Flood the bar?” 

My sentence died off in my throat when I processed his question. I mean…could I? I could sense the water around us, feel the gators lurking at the edge of the waters and the pulse of the water’s ebbs. The sink, though, was something entirely different. My vision shattered into normal and whatever I could use to sense the element, the sparkling crystal blue in my vision snitching on where it all was. And there was barely anything in the sink. “There’s not much,” I muttered, looking at him.

Brent cursed under his breath. “Okay, okay, uh,” he muttered to himself, looking around. His eyes zeroed in on something, and he pointed to it. “What’s that?”

I looked at the white box he was pointing to near the edge of the property and was about to ask him how the hell should I know when my vision pushed deeper, through the plastic and metal to the plethora of water below. It pulsed from the machine like a heartbeat, in cadence with the scream of the fire alarm. “I think…” I drew off. “I think it’s a well. I can see water going from it into the house right now.”

Brent’s eyebrows knit close together as he tried to come up with a plan, looking around. The light from a lamp post caught in his eyes, and I watched them dip from seafoam to pure silver before flashing back to his normal color. “The well is steel,” he said, absolutely sure of the fact. “I’m gonna go fuck with the pressure gauge, turn it as high as it can go. If you can somehow send water to that tap, then good. If not, try to make the pipes burst,”

“Wh–, burst?” I whispered, incredulous. 

No use, though; Brent was already gone, content with his idea of vandalism and destroying property. 

The fire alarms died off, and there was a reassuring call to the wedding attendees from someone in the same outfit as the barkeeps that prompted them to begin walking back to the center of the property. Shit. There goes plan A. 

There was a line of men that went for the bar, keeping the tenders busy for a moment. Off on the side, Brent was messing with the well, and after a few moments, there was a shriek by the DJ followed by more shouting. “Gator, gator!” Someone yelled in alarm as the crowd scurried. Someone tripped in the stampede and went sprawling into the dessert table, the 3 tiered wedding cake on it slowly teetering. 

I’ll give it to the groom — he tried to catch it. Tried being the keyword. The second tier on the cake slipped to the side, staining his black suit jacket as the top tier slammed into his face, his head snapping back with the force. 

The shouts from this happening was enough to cover up the sound of Brent pushing the pressure gauge to its highest setting, the bar snapping under his strong grip. I watched the flow of water spike like blood pressure, flowing off to the house and near every tap in a bull rush. 

At the bar, a group of jazzed up men watched the groom take a facefull of cake much to the bride’s wailing, reaching over the bar to demand something while throwing glances over their shoulders at the commotion. 

One of the barkeepers grabbed a rag from under the bar, and briskly walked over to the sink.

And the moment he turned it on, I stuck my hand out and let the pressure loose, the forceful spray of water that came out shooting out making the bartender stumble back as it hit him square in the chest, making him yelp. 

There were some more screams, and I heard someone specifically yell “What the fuck is going on?” while the two bartenders tried their best to turn off the sink. But Brent’s idea worked; with enough pressure behind the blast, turning the knobs to turn the water on and off only changed their temperature, the steady spray of water combined with my influence enough to break the sink entirely. Brent rushed close to me as one of the bartenders dove under the visibility of the countertop. 

“What’s going on?” Brent whispered, looking between my outstretched hand and the chaos behind us at the dessert table. 

I shrugged. “Something about an alligator?” I said back, unsure. “Groom lost the fight against vanilla, though,”

My power over the flooding suddenly stopped as the barkeeper turned off the water valve on the sink, pausing the assault in its wake. I lowered my hand and cursed, about to tell Brent the bad news when I saw the one super soaked bartender stomp off, out of a back door and towards the mansion while the other handed a wet rag to the wedding attendees, who all rushed towards the cake covered groom. The poor barkeeper left behind looked down at his feet, shaking his head, before following his coworker out of the backdoor, coming around to the front to begin pulling down the garage doors, locking them closed with a key. 

They were leaving the bar alone. We managed to clear the area. 

Brent and I looked at each other triumphantly, leaving the sobbing and exclamations behind us to do an awkward crouched jog towards the carriage house. “Back, go around back,” Brent whispered, leading the way. 

The wedding party was shouting now, all staring in one specific spot as Brent and I rounded the corner of the carriage house. Brent yelped, jumping back into me and making me stumble and nearly fall before a firm hand gripped my arm and yanked me back up, steadying me on my feet. “You two okay?” Dad asked, looking between us. 

“Scared the shit outta me,” Brent breathed, hands on his knees. 

“Brent—”

“Yeah yeah, don’t curse, I know,” Brent muttered, waving Dad off as he tried to steady his racing heart. 

The shouting got louder, began to get closer, and I peeked around the corner with Dad, concerned — there was no way they knew we were here, right?

No; they were chasing what had to be a 5 foot gator around, trying to shoo the giant lizard away from the center of the wedding reception. The scaly creature scurried at a pace that scared me, ducking behind the same manicured bush Brent and I were hiding behind moments ago — before dissipating into a cloud of pixels. Blue light dissipated into the shine of the lantern light moments before an angry older man practically drifted around the bush with a raised white wooden chair intent on bopping the creature and stumbling over his steps when he realized it was just gone. 

“Brent,” Dad said, stepping back from the corner to look at him. “Can you use your powers to uh, lockpick the door or something?”

Brent shrugged, face doing that grimace most people do when they’re unsure of something like a test answer or where someone’s keys are. But he dropped to his knees, sticking the end of his finger against the deadbolt of the door as his arm dipped silver. 

A few minutes later, there was a hard huffing sound behind us as Zeke climbed the small hill, the ends of his pants legs wet as he threw his — or, Cole’s — sling bag back on. “Got your message,” he said to Dad. “What’re we waiting on?” 

“Fuck this,” Brent growled angrily, his third attempt at picking the lock just as much a failure at the first two. He stood straight and threw a punch, splintering the thick wood door and pushing the lock through its form onto the other side, where it landed with a moist thud.

“You…realize that the lock was steel, right?” I ask him. “You could have drained it and weakened it.”

“Yeah, well, it was pissing me off,” Brent snipped, shoving his hand through the gaping hole to unlock the knob. Dad just stood off on the side, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Brent threw open the door and Dad waived for us all to go in, closing it as well as he could behind us with its broken handle. “Eugene’s gonna keep watch,” Dad said, looking around. “We just have to find this…”

He trailed off, and I think we all realized what he did at the same time; we had no idea what we were looking for. This wasn’t exactly ‘hidden entrance’ friendly; the shelves in the back were stacked with alcohol, freezers lining the floor. The bar had cleaning materials and rags and a bunch of little fancy shakers and stuff in the alcoves under it, and there was a wine cooler the size of a fridge. 

And other than the bit of water damage I gave the area, that was it. There was nothing else. 

“Do you remember how Cole got underground?” Dad spun in place to ask Zeke. 

Zeke shook his head. “No, I–I wasn’t there,” he said, looking around. “I barely remember what happened that day,”

Dad cursed, kicking at the water at his feet. Brent looked around, saying, “It’s an underground entrance. Just keep looking down, we’ll find it eventually,”

Brent could be so snippy when stressed, it honestly pissed me off. He was lucky he wasn’t in smacking range. 

We looked. And looked. Dad opened the broken door and had me push all the water out of the room and to the grass, Brent putting up a wall of steel against it once it was closed again in case anyone returned. We searched every shelf, moved every bottle in case one was a false switch for some magical trapdoor or something. There was nothing behind the wine cooler or under the bar counter. 

Dad eventually stopped, straightening with a groan and pressing the palms of his hands into his eyes. “Fuck,” he hissed, “We’re screwed, aren’t we?”

Zeke sighed, hands on his knees as he looked under the bartop again. “Gotta say, it ain’t looking too bright.”

Dad sighed hard, the end of the sound becoming a groan before he moved his hands and blinked hard a few times, eyes meeting mine. He looked dejected and on the verge of calling off the search and declaring it was time to leave when Brent said, “Dad, step back,”

Brent was looking at the ground where Dad stood; the concrete had dried up for the most part, but instead of a stain of wet, there was a jagged line of white at Dad’s feet that moved in an awkward and wide shape, like someone ran the long side of a chalk stick around this section. Brent bent down to run his hand along the white, straightening and rubbing it between his fingers. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered, looking up at Dad before he could chastise him and pointing to the bit of floor that had the white grit lining it. “It’s here. The entrance is here,”

“What?” I asked as Dad gave Brent a look of disbelief, “How do you know?”

Brent pointed at the white. “This is calcium carbonate,” he began. “When new concrete gets wet, it does this thing where when the water rises, it takes the free calcium in it and pushes it to the surface. Efforflescence or something.” He then looked down and grimaced. “That also means they probably haven’t been mopping this place at all, which is disgusting.”

Leave it to Brent to know something about architecture. “So it means this is new?” Dad asked. 

Brent shrugged. “New enough. It can take like fifteen years for all the calcium to come out.”

“This place became a wedding venue tenish years ago,” Zeke chimed in. “There was a whole ceremony and everything. I only went for the finger sandwiches and the corporate babes, though,”

Brent shot me a bewildered look as I did everything in my power to not snort at the image of this portly and graying man prowling for women with a handful of mini-sandwiches. 

Dad dropped to his knees, hands gliding against the concrete like he would be able to find a gap he could peel apart. “They sealed it,” he realized. 

“How do we get down there?” I asked, looking between everyone. “If it’s paved over, there’s no way we can enter the base.”

Dad’s brow furrowed as he looked down at the smooth ground before saying, “Brent, steel up and punch this until it breaks,” pointing to a section of floor. 

Brent looked at the top of Dad’s head like he was insane but listened, skin going from tanned to silver in the blink of an eye before he balled up his fists and dropped, pounding them into the ground. He punched one, two, three more times before something gave away and there was a tiny divot in the ground, shattered concrete bursting away from it. 

That was all Dad needed; his hand came out and drained from the pebbles, taking on concrete as his power. He waved Brent off and let his own arms become encased in the man-made rock, pounding away at the ground to break it further with deafening crunches that made me press my hands to my ears. 

Dad chipped away at the concrete, punching and digging like a dog with both a bone to pick and a bone to bury. He absorbed more and more of the concrete as he made the hole, this three foot wide gap that he tried widening more and more with every hit down. 

And then, slowly, as Dad kept up the attack, something began to peek out from under the concrete; a steel grating, the only thing separating the floor from some long and very deep chasm below it. “Well that's not structurally sound,” Brent muttered beside me as Dad began to tear away at some of the concrete, yanking it up out of its spot.

I didn't really care. All I knew was that under that grating was nothing more than a glorified elevator that would take us down to what could potentially be answers about what was wrong with me.

There was just one big, glaring issue. “How the hell are we supposed to get down there if the elevator ain't got electricity?” Zeke asked when Dad stopped to catch his breath.

Dad pursed his lips, looking down at the tight, thick grate that sat under the bar. “I'm not sure,” he muttered, displeased. “But we're getting down there, no matter what.”

Dad continued to beat away at the concrete for a few minutes longer until there was a gap about four feet wide, enough for one person to stand on comfortably — if we could get the elevator to move. That was our next big issue. Dad sat back on his feet, glaring down at the next obstacle as his mind seemed to move at a mile a minute, trying to come up with a plan. “Brent,” he eventually said. “How much control do you have over your steel?”

“I was telling Jean this earlier,” he began, “I can't just control any steel—”

“Not all steel, just yours.” Dad corrects, looking up to where we stood. “If we can destroy this, you can make a new floor to fit the shaft and glide us down.”

Brent bit his lip. “I...I might be able to do that?” he ventured, unsure.

Another good forty-five minutes blew past while Dad excavated a wider perimeter around the old elevator shaft, trying to make enough room for Brent to come in with a steeled body and begin pulling against the metal, draining it as he did so until the grating began to crack under his palms and he yanked it.

Some of the metal came up with his pull — other pieces fell down the shaft, careening around as they disappeared into the darkness. We all paused to watch the pieces of metal fall, the thunk that followed coming about eight seconds later.

“That uh…” Brent drew off, straightening. “That means it's pretty deep, right?”

Dad sighed. “Let's just get this new platform built and…hopefully it'll work.”

“Hopefully we won't fall to our deaths,” Zeke corrected.

Dad gave him an exasperated look, but didn't say anything.

Hour two came and went by the time Brent straightened, having spent a good quarter of it hanging halfway into the hole. “I think I got it,” he said, looking at Dad. “It fits the grooves and stuff on the old shaft,”

His hands stayed out, rigid and tensed as they stayed pointing towards the solid steel flooring. He was still using his power over the floor to keep it in place. What had Dr. Sims called it? Conduvergence? Whatever it was, it seemed Brent had to keep his hold on the steel he produced if we didn't want to drop into the darkness.

Dad crawled into the hole first, Brent leaving a big enough gap for him to be able to move around while crouched. He inspected the platform, made sure it was fit securely to the old build of the original shaft's flooring before looking up at the gap, saying, “Jeanie, c'mon, your turn,”

I looked at him like he had lost it, my silent plea to not have to go on Brent's Tower of Terror ignored with a quick motion of his hands as he beckoned for me to hurry it up.

The shaft groaned slightly as I stepped down on it — and Brent did too, readjusting his feet on the ground as the muscles in his arm flexed. He must have been feeling every pound we were adding to this thing, which did absolutely nothing for my fear of falling to my death. Dad grabbed my shoulders, moving me out of the way of the gap as he called up, “Think you're okay to hold Zeke too?” to Brent.

“Yeah,” Brent huffed. “Yeah, I'll just — I'll fly after you guys when you get down there,”

Another moment and Zeke was coming down into the hole, the platform jerking under his feet and making me yelp as my soul left my body. “Hey, hey, you're okay,” Dad said behind me. His grip on my shoulders tightened though, knuckles going stark white, and it did nothing to reassure me.

“Sorry,” Brent groaned above.

Zeke settled in place and Dad looked up at Brent and nodded. “Take it as slow as you can,” he instructed.

Brent nodded, the steel of his arms flaring and becoming aural as the platform began to slowly move down.

I stayed holding on to Dad for dear life as the platform rattled against the old shaft, feeling like it would give way and send us spiraling down. I knew, theoretically, all I'd have to do was use my powers to protect myself and it would be fine — but that didn't make the ride down any more comfortable. I wasn't exactly scared of heights, but I didn't like the idea of falling into a dark hole.

That was another issue — how dark it was. The lower we got and the further away from the hole we went, the harder it was to see...well, anything. Holding on to Dad became less about fear and more about just keeping a hand on him to know he was still there. One of his arms left my shoulders and a moment later there was a bright light, His phone's flashlight on and the light bouncing around the silver walls. A second later, Zeke clicked on a small one as well, shining the light around.

“Hey, look,” Zeke said, prompting us to turn. There was an archway opening beside him, the entrance to the underground tunnels growing longer and longer until the steel platform hit the floor, making us all stumble.

“You guys okay?” Brent called from above, the grinding sound echoing up the chasm.

“Yeah, yeah. Come down here,” Dad called back up, shining his phone’s flashlight towards the small pothole sized sun way up high. “Jean, take out your phone, use its flashlight,” he commanded me as he lit the way for Brent to come down.

The edges of Brent's wings scraped against the walls as he flew down, the horribly shrill sound making us all cringe until he shed the wings and landed hard on his feet. “Jeez, it's dark,” he muttered, searching for his own phone to use his flashlight. ”No good reception, either,“

I looked at my phone; one singular bar, and everyone knew that was hardly a step up from no service. Honestly it would have been better to not have any service, that way it wouldn't feel like the phone was lying to you when its messages wouldn't go through. “I should have messaged Eugene,” Dad cursed, realizing he missed the chance. His flashlight went from shining up at the opening of the shaft to down the long hallway, pristine white walls almost untouched after all this time and shining the light back tenfold. “Alright. Stay behind me, you guys,”

The hall was so clean and bleached that our phones' flashlights bounced around again and again until our little group was encased in a warm glow. The walls didn't look painted but they definitely weren't metal, the texture smooth and glossed as I let my hand glide over it.

“Weird,” Brent muttered, pointing his phone's flashlight up at the ceiling to expose a long row of rounded, defunct in-ceiling lights.

“What did that guy say these were used for?” Dad asked, not turning around. “The Underground Railroad, right?”

“This looks way too nice to be some dug up tunnels for that,” I muttered, pulling my hand away and tucking my hoodie's sleeve over my cast.

Zeke huffed, “Well, you gotta remember, we're talking about the First Sons here. They weren't gonna be caught in some dingy little cave system,”

Dad put out a hand, silently signaling us to stop as his light caught the glint of a piece of metal up ahead. “Stay back,” he warned us, stepping forward.

One hand stayed holding his phone while the other lit up a light amber, the rough scrape of him activating his concrete power echoing down the hall. He crept up to the exit poised like a large cat ready to jump on prey, and nearly did exactly that as he stepped out of the hall into the room.

His ignited arm immediately fell, and his shoulders seemed to sag a bit. “Well, this complicates things,” he said, before turning and beckoning us forward.

I was expecting a single large room, maybe some sort of observation deck like those old viewing galleries for operating rooms. Not this. Not two stories of something straight out of Star Trek.

Every wall was a sculpted slope, pier-like patios poking out and away from stairwells to overlook the giant futuristic atrium. There was a tube in the center of the room that led to a defunct and dried up pool in the center, each patio wrapping around the tubing like it was the center of a roundabout. Everything was pristine white or accented in the lightest blue in this courtyard, the wide open space dimpling in some spots to curve in, creating lateral archways for other hallways. There were a few emergency lights that barely illuminated rounded doors, leaving the rest of the room in an eerie dusk that our lights had to fight through to illuminate. “Well,” Zeke huffed, looking around. The ceiling was so high our lights couldn't even reach it. “This is gonna take a bit longer than an hour of lookin', huh?”

[killed-by-choice]

Laura Grunas, 30 (USA 2006)

Laura Grunas became increasingly unstable and shot her baby’s father with her service handgun before turning the gun on herself on August 4, 2006. (Note: I do not endorse or excuse Laura’s act of violence, but I recognize that trauma and grief from the abortion led to it.)

30-year-old Laura Grunas, a police officer and volunteer firefighter in Plantation, Florida, showed up at her boyfriend’s home shouting hysterically. 31-year-old Robert Peat had been dating her for about a year.

Neighbors reported that Laura was hysterical the last day of her life, standing outside Peat's garage yelling loudly that he had killed her baby. She reportedly even kicked in the front door (either on that day or earlier). The argument became so loud that neighbors called the police. Laura became very upset at this, saying, "Why is everyone blaming this on me? He killed my baby."

Robert had called a friend, Michael Peat, and asked him to come over while Laura was becoming hysterical. Michael said that when he arrived, Laura became more upset, asking, "If, when he felt the need to call, did he tell you about killing my baby?"

Robert, who according to Michael “tended to keep his personal life personal,” finally told Michael what was going on. Laura’s relationship with him had become increasingly rocky since several weeks before, when Laura discovered she was pregnant with his baby. Robert told Michael that they had decided on an abortion and that even though he was “enormously upset” about it, he had “felt that it was the right thing to do.” Even those close to Laura and Michael did not even know Laura had been pregnant until after the abortion.

Michael also called the police, and when two officers arrived (both of them Laura’s colleagues), they asked her to leave. Robert asked Michael to stay with him, and Michael recommended that Robert get a restraining order against Laura. Michael later told news sources, "Thirty seconds after I tried to make that suggestion, his phone started ringing. .... And then she started banging on the front door."

Laura then used a Smith & Wesson 9mm, her work-issued handgun, to shoot out the sliding glass door to the kitchen and then asked where Robert was. Michael, who suffered minor injuries in the incident, told Laura that he was trying to help them, then fled the kitchen through the shot-out door and called 911.

Laura had been a police officer in Plantation for about five years, and none of her colleagues ever suspected that she was troubled until the time period after the abortion. But after Michael fled to call 911, Laura shot and killed Robert, then turned the gun on herself and committed suicide in his kitchen. Three lives were ended as a consequence of one legal abortion.

(Note: I do not endorse or excuse Laura’s act of violence, but I recognize that trauma and grief from the abortion led to it.)

[propertytours]

Annie Wrucke’s listing at 16363 SW 130th Terrace, Tigard, OR #102Classy, cozy & updated end unit! Beautifully maintained Highlands 55+ community. The unit has been well-maintained and is move-in ready. View the sunrises and sunsets from the 8ft x 13ft covered deck. Enjoy newer Karastan carpet with 25yr warranty and pet protection coating. Also added benefits are newer heating & air conditioner system, newer stove and range hood, kitchen disposal, and high efficiency toilet. Garage door opener motor in 2022. Stove and range hood in 2021. Fireplace insert in 2017. Dishwasher and refrigerator in 2014. Plantation shutters and wood blinds. Full size washer and dryer and refrigerator included. Wonderful treed setting just enough to provide some shade to the summer's hot sun with a southern exposure. Westerly view shows a greenspace with a grove of trees and bushes, not another building. Very private. One car detached extra deep garage included. Welcome to this lovely upper unit condo located in the wonderful 55+ Community of the Highlands. Residents of Highlands have access to a clubhouse with a ballroom, library, billiards area, and plenty of space for community gatherings, events, and clubs. Outside, residents enjoy the walking and biking trails that wind through the community. Enjoy a convenient location with shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby. This charming and spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo end unit boasts plenty of natural light with lots of windows, making the space bright and open. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this sunny condo your own! Read the full article

[topservicegaragedoor]

What Is the Average Cost of Garage Door Installation?

Installing a new garage door is an essential upgrade that can enhance the curb appeal, functionality, and security of your home. Whether you're building a new garage or replacing an old door, understanding the average cost of garage door installation helps you budget effectively.

Factors Influencing Garage Door Installation Costs

The cost of garage door installation can vary widely based on several factors, including:

Type of Garage Door

Sectional Doors: These are the most common and typically range between $500 and $1,500, depending on material and size.

Roll-Up Doors: Often used in commercial settings, these can cost from $850 to $3,000.

Custom or Carriage-Style Doors: These high-end options may cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

Material

Steel: Durable and affordable, ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Wood: Offers a premium look, costing $1,000 to $4,000.

Aluminum or Glass: Modern options that range from $1,500 to $5,000.

Garage Door SizeA standard single-car garage door (8x7 feet) is less expensive than a double-car door (16x7 feet), with costs increasing as size grows.

Additional FeaturesIf you include insulation, smart technology, or custom finishes, expect an additional $200 to $500 or more.

Labor CostsInstallation labor typically ranges between $300 and $500, depending on the complexity of the job and your location.

Average Total Costs

For most homeowners, the total cost for garage door installation, including labor and materials, falls between $750 and $2,500. Basic installations may be on the lower end of this spectrum, while custom designs with added features may exceed $3,000.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Hiring a professional for garage door installation ensures proper alignment, functionality, and safety. An experienced installer will address potential issues and provide guidance on maintaining the door. Additionally, if you experience issues after installation, consider reputable services for garage door repair in Plantation, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

Conclusion

Understanding the average costs and variables involved in garage door installation can help you make informed decisions. From selecting the right material to budgeting for labor, a well-planned installation adds value and convenience to your home. Whether upgrading your existing door or starting fresh, investing in quality materials and professional installation pays off in the long run.

[ryanhillgroup]

1113 Emerald Dr, Naperville, IL 60540 | Home for Sale

Are you looking for a property that has everything you want in a home and more?

Look no further than this stunningly remodeled gem in the West Highland neighborhood of Naperville. This beautiful home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two-car garage, and offers 1,974 square feet of living space.

With a beautiful remodel in 2019, this home combines modern elegance with classic charm, providing you with a perfect blend of comfort and style!

A lovely front yard that will entice you to explore the home

As you arrive at 1113 Emerald Drive, you’re immediately greeted by the charming curb appeal of this beautiful home.

The front yard is well-maintained with lush green grass and shrubbery. The home's partial brick facade and vinyl siding offer a timeless look, complemented by a new roof.

The asphalt driveway leads you to the spacious detached two-car garage, making parking convenient and effortless.

Step inside through a welcoming front door, and you’ll find yourself in the expansive 27’ x 13’ living room. This room is bathed in natural light thanks to the large windows, it also includes plantation shutters and recessed LED lighting. 

The elegant crown molding adds a touch of sophistication, while the hardwood floors give a warm, inviting feel. It’s an ideal space for welcoming your guests.

Feel the fine dining vibe as you enjoy your meals in this lovely dining area

Adjacent to the living room is the separate 10’ x 10’ dining room, perfect for family meals and gatherings. The space continues the theme of sophistication with LED recessed lighting, crown molding, and gleaming hardwood floors. Double doors open to a lovely back patio, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

Bring out your inner chef in this gourmet kitchen

The heart of this Naperville IL home is undoubtedly the kitchen, where culinary dreams come true!

Spanning 17’ x 10’, this kitchen boasts recessed LED lighting, pristine white Shaker 42” cabinetry, and stunning granite countertops. The custom tile backsplash adds a unique touch, while all Samsung stainless steel appliances, including a five-burner gas cooktop, make cooking a breeze. 

The farm-style kitchen sink and large island with pendant lighting provide both functionality and charm. Additional features include under-cabinet lighting and ample storage in both upper and lower cabinets.

Comfortable bedrooms partnered with the most stylish bathrooms

Moving down the hallway, you’ll find 3 beautifully appointed bedrooms.

The spacious 14’ x 11’ primary bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with LED lighting, crown molding, plantation shutters, and hardwood floors. 

Bedroom two (12’ x 11’) and bedroom three (11’ x 11’) mirror this elegance, each featuring LED lighting, crown molding, plantation shutters, and hardwood floors, providing ample living space for family or guests.

The hall bath is a spa-like oasis with a custom tile shower surround, double sinks with granite countertops, and white Shaker cabinetry. The 12’ x 24’ tile floor and crown molding add a touch of luxury.

The lower level bathroom impresses with its fully tiled floor-to-ceiling walk-in shower with glass sliding doors, granite countertop, and LED lighting, ensuring both style and functionality.

The family room of this Naperville home is the ultimate entertainment hub

Descend to the lower level to discover a spacious 20’ x 16’ family room. This area is perfect for casual gatherings or movie nights, featuring recessed LED lighting, plantation shutters, and plush carpeting for added comfort.

A laundry room built with your convenience in mind

The laundry room is both practical and efficient, equipped with a Samsung front load washer and dryer, a wash basin with a white cabinet, and a window with a shade for natural light. The 12’ x 24’ tile floor ensures durability and ease of cleaning.

Outdoor living at its finest!

Step outside to the concrete patio, ideal for barbecues, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing with a book. The fenced yard provides privacy and a safe space for children or pets to play. With new HVAC and a full rehab in 2019, this home is move-in ready and designed for modern living.

Nestled in Naperville’s West Highlands subdivision, this move-in ready home is ideally situated near top-rated schools like Prairie Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Naperville North High.

Enjoy outdoor activities at Knoch Knolls Park, Gartner Park, and Seager Park. For shopping and dining, Downtown Naperville, Naperville Plaza, and Fox Valley Mall are just minutes away.

For travel, O'Hare and Midway Airports are within an hour’s drive, and major highways like I-88 and I-355 ensure easy commuting.

Whether seeking a quiet neighborhood or urban convenience, this exquisite property offers the best of both worlds!

This beautifully remodeled home at 1113 Emerald Drive is a rare find in Naperville. With its modern upgrades, prime location, and elegant features, it won’t be on the market for long.

Call Listing Agent Teresa Ryan or Broker Mike Loewer today for more information at 630-718-0424. Listing courtesy of Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Circle - Naperville).

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Home For Sale: 1113 Emerald Dr, Naperville, IL 60540 on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqGPRGylTp8

[jomyersrealestatelistings]

Home for Sale with Amazing Mountain Views!

Presented by Jo Myers, Colorado Realtor: 2306 Crabtree Drive, Centennial, CO 80121 listed for $1,100,000. Showings start on Friday, May 17, 2024. Ranch style home with Walk-Out Basement. 4 Beds, 3 Baths, approx 2,975 finished sq feet plus a two car garage and storage shed...all in the heart of popular Centennial, Colorado!

Beautifully renovated property with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Highline Canal open space and the Rocky Mountains. Entrance to the home has immediate sight lines to the backyard capturing the gorgeous views through the expanded kitchen window. Adjacent to the kitchen is a hingeless, glass door system by Panoramic Doors that opens the complete length; it provides the quintessential indoor-outdoor lifestyle! The spacious Trex deck with stainless metal railing continues the open sightline concept and is the ultimate entertainment space. Attractive curb appeal and a durable paver driveway and entry path by Systems Pavers. An inviting mahogany wood front door with sidelights brings in natural light and compliments the newly refinished hardwood floors on the main level. Generously sized windows with plantation shutters and a gas fireplace in the living/dining area. The kitchen features modern slab cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sleek glass backsplash, an island and stunning quartz countertops by Cambria. Large primary suite with walk-in closet and secondary closet, lovely bathroom, room for King size bed and direct access to the deck. Second bedroom and full bathroom on main level. Solid cherry interior doors nearly two inches thick. Great walk-out basement has two bedrooms, bathroom, a cozy room for movies with built-in shelving, space for an office with mountain views, a gym or craft area plus a big storage closet. Artistically landscaped and fenced yard with gate access to the Highline Canal path. Two car garage with storage cabinetry and a shed for tools. Radiant heat flooring and a newer Breezeair evaporative cooler (quiet and energy efficient). Stone coated steel roof by Gerard built to withstand extreme weather. Fantastic location walkable to restaurants, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Goodson Rec Center and deKoevend Park. Homes like this rarely come on the market; schedule your visit soon! Call Jo Myers, Colorado Realtor: 303-868-8058.

[alexgandel]

3179 Flanagan Dr Simi Valley MLS from Alex Gandel on Vimeo.

Welcome to the highly prized community of Indian Hills Ridge! Situated in one of the most coveted locales, this 2-story home promises an unparalleled potential. Step outside your door to embrace the beauty of Santa Monica hiking trails, while Chumash Park, just across the street, invites you to enjoy its playground, basketball courts, and workout equipment. This residence boasts breathtaking mountain vistas and tranquil sunsets. Adding to its allure, revel in the freedom from HOA fees, a rare find in such a desirable neighborhood. Spanning 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms across 2,214 sq. ft. of living space, this home is nestled on a generous 8,780 sq. ft. landscaped lot. A 3-car garage and brick entryway welcome you home. Step inside to discover a light-filled living room with vaulted ceilings, while the adjacent dining room features a slider to the patio area for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. The family room exudes warmth with hardwood floors, a cozy brick fireplace, and a convenient wet bar. The kitchen is equipped with a center island, oven, microwave, gas cooktop, and dishwasher, complemented by tile counters and ample storage. A nook with hardwood floors and a ceiling fan provides the perfect spot for casual dining. Upstairs, the primary bedroom retreat awaits, offering dual closets (one walk-in with mirrored doors), vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. The luxurious en suite bathroom boasts a soaking tub, dual sinks, a shower, and there are skylights in the primary bathroom and at the landing. Three additional bedrooms boast mountain views and closet built-ins, serviced by a hall bathroom with subway tile tub and dual sinks. Outside, two patio areas and lush landscaping with mature shade trees create a serene oasis for relaxation. A side sitting area, room for a garden, and potential RV access cater to your outdoor desires. Additional features include plantation shutters, dual-pane windows, an open floorplan, and convenient access to the 118 Freeway for commuters. Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional property your own and experience the pinnacle of California living!

[applerealty]

📍 543 Blanches View Drive , Bluff City, TN 37618

4 BR (possibly 5) and 4 1/2 baths. On main level, there's a large gourmet kitchen with island, granite counters, stainless appliances (includes commercial gas stove/oven), breakfast nook, large walk-in pantry & coffee bar. Off of kitchen, you'll find the ''hearth''room & a fireplace w/gas logs, as well as a mudroom & laundry room. Great room has gorgeous stone fireplace w/gas logs & beautiful arch windows overlooking pool & patio area. Pool area has a hot tub, outdoor fireplace & screened-in sunroom. Xtra large primary bedroom has tray ceiling & lovely bay windows overlooking pool & patio area. Luxurious primary bath has double sinks, granite counters, tiled walk-in shower, whirlpool tub, large walk in closet & heated tile floor. There's also a formal dining room, foyer & office. Upstairs, there are 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, another office, attic access (with storage) & an impressive balcony overlooking great room & foyer. In the basement you'll find a den with built-in shelving, huge recreation room plus a bonus room with closet (currently an exercise room) that could be used as a 5th bedroom. There's also a full bathroom & unfinished areas (one with garage door) for extra storage. Well built, mostly brick & stone exterior, covered front porch, 8ft solid doors, 10 foot ceilings, crown molding & plantation shutters throughout. Well insulated with spray foam insulation in the attic.

3 car attached garage, plus owner recently built a detached 2 car garage with even more storage above (room for 5 cars)! This on aprx 3 1/2 acres. Three parcels (lots 71, 72, 73) Work in the city, live in the county! Between JC & Bristol. Convenient to restaurants, shopping, Tri City Airport, The Pinnacle, Interstate 81 & new Hard Rock Casino Resort

Listing by @daveandmia

[garagefl13]

Affordable Garage Door Repair in Plantation | Garage Door Pros

When it comes to reliable and affordable garage door repair services in Plantation, there's one name that stands out: Garage Door Pros. With their commitment to customer satisfaction and competitive pricing, they have become the go-to choice for homeowners in the local community.

Garage doors are an essential part of any home, providing security, convenience, and protection for your vehicles and belongings. However, they can encounter issues over time due to regular use or unexpected accidents. That's where Garage Door Pros steps in. They understand the importance of a properly functioning garage door and aim to provide cost-effective repair solutions to their customers.

One of the key reasons why Garage Door Pros is highly regarded for garage door repair in Plantation is their team of skilled technicians. These professionals have years of experience and expertise in handling various types of garage door problems. Whether it's a broken spring, faulty opener, or misaligned tracks, their technicians have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.

Garage Door Pros takes pride in offering affordable repair services without compromising on quality. They understand that unexpected garage door repairs can strain your budget, and they strive to provide transparent pricing and cost-effective solutions. When you choose Garage Door Pros for your repair needs, you can trust that you will receive a fair and competitive quote, with no hidden fees or surprises.

In addition to their affordable pricing, Garage Door Pros also emphasizes customer satisfaction. They believe in delivering exceptional service from start to finish. When you contact them for garage door repair in Plantation, you can expect friendly and professional customer service representatives who will address your concerns and schedule a convenient appointment for you.

Once their technicians arrive at your location, they will assess the problem, provide you with a clear explanation of the necessary repairs, and work efficiently to fix the issue. They come fully equipped with the right tools and high-quality replacement parts, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting repair.

Furthermore, Garage Door Pros not only offers repair services but also provides installation and maintenance solutions. Whether you need a new garage door installed or require routine maintenance to keep your existing door in optimal condition, their team can assist you with expert guidance and dependable service.

When it comes to affordable Garage Door Repair Plantation , Garage Door Pros is a trusted name in the industry. With their experienced technicians, competitive pricing, and dedication to customer satisfaction, they are the ideal choice for all your garage door needs. Don't let a malfunctioning garage door disrupt your daily routine. Contact Garage Door Pros today for reliable and affordable repair services that will restore your garage door to its full functionality.

[pixtourz]

Home for Sale - $642,900 - Welcome to 7507 Firenze Lane Naples FL 34114 Virtual Tour: http://vtours.pixtourz.com/5e90649a/

Rare Find! Beautiful & Maintained! MOVE IN READY! Poured Concrete Divosta Built 2 Bed Plus Den 2 Bath attached Villa w/SALT POOL & PRIVACY! Popular Capri Floor Plan w/2 Car Garage Gated resort-style community of Verona Walk! Near Collier and US41, Minutes away from the white sandy beaches of Marco Island & Naples. Upgrades Galore! Kitchen w/Granite countertops, Breakfast Bar, White Cabinets, & Stainless Appliances, White Plantation Shutters, New Pool Cage w/Panoramic Screen View & New Pool Heater, New Re-enginnered Wood Flooring in Main Living, New Rear Landscaping, New Water Heater & Painted Interior. Living Room w/floor to ceiling wall unit & room for TV & display areas. Spacious Master Suite & Bath. Guest Bath totally renovated w/new vanity, tile tub surround & glass sliding shower door. French doors open to an extended layout, custom air-conditioned Den or Florida Room w/Sliders to Paver Pool Deck & Pool. Backyard view is one of a KIND! 

Property Type: Villa Building Type: Villa Bedrooms: 2+1 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: .11 House Size: 1708 Year Built: 2004 MLS#: 223031513 For more information call (239) 220-5119

[terrigalaustralia]

Position Position! Need Two Homes?

[erinaaustralia]

Centrally Located with Incredible Gardens & Dual Occupancy

[sawtellaustralia]

The Street Name Says It All!

[stuartsheinfeld1]

Luxurious open-concept custom 1-story home w/gated RV parking & oversized & deep 3 car garage. Entering this private gated community, the captivating stone façade & stone paver driveway immediately grabs your attention. This cul-de-sac home sits on over half an acre & is meticulously landscaped. Stylish chef’s kitchen includes granite counters, stainless steel double ovens, 5 burner gas stove, french door fridge, island, breakfast bar, dinette area, walk-in pantry & a vast amount of cabinets. The bright & airy family room has a gas fireplace & double doors that lead to the covered patio. 3 en-suite bedrooms & open office are all in completely separate wings. The impressive primary bedroom has room for all your furniture & sitting area. 2 massive walk-in closets & spa inspired bathroom with a custom tile tub & shower surround. This exquisite home boasts a ginormous cover patio. Other upgrades: plantation shutters, alarm, tankless hot water heater, fire sprinklers & water filtration. Stuart Sheinfeld - Realtor Sheinfeld Group Simply Vegas Realty Lic: S.70222 702-406-2382 realestateinvegas@gmail.com www.bestvegashomesearch.com