Tag Archives: Maestro

Characters, Harbour House, Maestro

Character Profile: Elizabeth Beckingridge.

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Age: 37

Occupation: Novelist

Features in: MAESTRO ; HARBOUR HOUSE

Elizabeth is a real force to be reckoned with. Some say she should have been the one to lead the BECKINGRIDGE EMPIRE but as she would quite happily state, she wants nothing to do with the running the family business. Her only interest in BECKINGRIDGE TOWER lies with her own investments, her family name and the support of her brother ERNEST.

The financial giant became synonymous with murder after an event known as the Free Fall Massacre.

A former wild child Elizabeth opts for the quiet life mostly but when she does appear in public she is guaranteed give the press reason to talk about her. She is a snappy dresser, bold conversationalist and you will find yourself either loving or hating her. She doesn’t care which.

Elizabeth’s nephew, George, proves to be a handful.

Although she is impatient and challenging she is also warm hearted. When things are getting out of hand at the Beckingridge Manor it is she who still stands in protection of the family. As her nephew, George, begins to get out of control it is she who calls upon the music teacher, VINCENT BAINES, to try and give him something to focus on.

George enjoyed his lessons from music tutor, Vincent Baines.

A large presence in the Shady City like Beck Tower needs a strong leader to steer it through dangerous waters. They call the financial industry in Coldford the Shark Tank and even although Elizabeth has sharper teeth than most it would take a tragedy to find her at the helm.

Elizabeth seeks a tutor in the hopes music lessons will give her nephew something positive to focus on.

#amreading a #thriller by @VivikaWidow

Novelist, Elizabeth Beckingridge has her hands full helping her brother cope with the children after the loss of his wife. Calling on music tutor, Vincent Baines, to help only leads to more trouble.

The Beckingridge fortune is paying for a comfortable stay in Coldford City’s best rehabilitation facility for music teacher, Vincent Baines. They had no choice, teaching their son and heir is what put him there in the first place.

Shady City Tour

Do Not Disturb: Weir Hotel

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KNOCK KNOCK

MUSE

MAESTRO

HARBOUR HOUSE

Located in the heart of City Main, across the street from BECKINGRIDGE TOWER the Weir chain of hotels is the first point of contact for those looking for an escape.

Owned by hotelier Rodney Weir the hotel is a luxury stay on the surface but an old rot runs deep within the building. It makes headlines often with the goings on of its guests but most recently it hit the tabloids because because of an explosion on the fifth floor where a conference was being held in on of the meeting rooms for OWEN INC. 

The hotel has seen many unusual guests over the years but when you check in – as long as the bill is in order – there will be no questions. It isn’t uncommon for guests to check in under an assumed name. Honey moon suites available – no marriage certificate required.

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Weir Hotel: Shady City Suites

Adult films, unusual delicacies, even special in room entertainment can be made available as part of the unique room service experience. Don’t worry about money exchanging hands. It can all be easily charged to the room. We

So if you want to escape the city check in, insert your key card and prepare for a night you will want to relive over and over again. We even have special rates for return guests. Don’t fancy a city break? You’re welcome to the Verde Beach Weir in LUEN. Headed by brother, Eddy Weir. A bit of a glamour and sophistication to add to your trip.

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The Kingsgate Albion football team are sponsored by the Weir Hotel.

No matter which one you choose you can be rest assured the Weir Hotel is the place to be whether you are looking for wild, quiet or a discrete time. It all goes at the Weir because at Coldford’s premier hotel the guest is top priority.

Rodney Weir has dodged a lot of bullets over the years regarding his hotel. He owes thanks to his brothers at KAPPA SO who promise life long protection if you make the pledge. He wanted his son, Daniel, to have that same protection but does the mild mannered photography student have what it takes?

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An three part series exclusive to Vivika Widow Online. Take the pledge:

What’s the Rush? Part 1

What’s the Rush? part 2

What’s the Rush? Part 3

For the first introduction of the Weir Hotel to the Shady City thriller series check out Vivika Widow’s best selling novella Maestro. Click HERE to read:

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Coming 2020.

Bring me your sick. Bring me your troubled. Bring me those that society can no longer cope with. They will always have a home here at HARBOUR HOUSE.

 

Knock, Knock, Maestro, Thrill Reads

Financial Plan

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All was quiet. ERNEST BECKINGRIDGE was still awake. It was only ten thirty but he and his partner Evelyn were taking the jet on an early commission to Luen in the next morning. A well earned break Ernest agreed. The office had kept him busy lately.

“Maybe we could just go to Luen and stay there,” the financial CEO had jested that afternoon as they sat at their usual table in Delphine – a fine dining restaurant in the wealthy town of FILTON.

“Now how would they ever function without you?” Evelyn put to him.

Ernest knew they would manage just fine. If it weren’t for his name and Gramps’ insistence, Ernest would have been the last person chosen to lead the financial powerhouse based at BECKINGRIDGE TOWER. His novelist sister, Elizabeth, would have been a better fit but his own dreams and aspirations came second to the expectations others had of him holding such a powerful family name.

It was a well earned break though because Ernest worked really hard keeping the board happy. They pulled the strings, he danced, he sang and they laughed as money filled their bellies.

Up and coming high fliers MR AND MRS HEATH had managed to gain an audience with Lynette Fullerton of Fullerton Construction and Joshua Coby of Coby Games. In a joint effort to fund a program to revitalise the SHANTIES.

It was a late hour for a meeting but the Heaths had managed to hold them down before making their way to a party being held in the Penthouse for clients and staff. Lynette Fullerton was an old money name in Coldford. Joshua Coby was new money. The young man was overwhelmed when his software development business became an overnight success with its game LONESOME NIGHTS.

“We’re going to have a bit of a chit chat with them before heading upstairs,” Mr Heath explained confidently that afternoon.

Ernest left them to it. The Heaths were hungry. It was they who had managed to convince Joshua that his money would be safest in the hands of BECKINGRIDGE FIRM.

Ernest had just began to doze off when his phone rang.

“Ernie,” Evelyn shook him. “Ernie, baby, answer the phone.”

Ernest fumbled for his spectacles and lifted the phone. The caller I.D. showed the smiling face of his secretary Bernadette.

“Hello, Bern …

Before Ernest could finish his greeting he was met with sobbing. Ernest sat up properly. Evelyn stirred beside him.

“Bernadette? What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

“They fell!” she wailed. “They fell from the roof.”

Ernest’s heart began to beat harder. He could feel his breath deepen.

“Who fell?” he asked.

Bernadette managed to compose herself enough to speak. “I just stepped out to the court yard for some air and a group of them were on the balcony. They jumped!”

Her voice quietened as she pulled away from the phone. “Is that more?” she asked someone beside her. “No!” she screamed. “Stop them!”

More screams erupted. Ernest could hear every note of fear in the voices of the stragglers, smokers and interested onlookers who had crossed the street from the WEIR HOTEL out of morbid curiosity.

“It’s still happening. That was more of them. I can’t get inside the building.”

“I’ll be there in half an hour. Stay where you are,” Ernest ordered.

He climbed out of bed and pulled a green, woolen pull over from the dresser. He slipped into it without removing the blue cotton pajamas he wore to bed.

“What’s happened?” Evelyn asked.

“I don’t know exactly. There’s been some trouble at the tower. People are jumping from the roof.”

“Oh no!” Evelyn gasped climbing out of bed. “Are you going down there?”

Ernest was now pulling a pair of faded blue jeans over his pajama trousers.

“I have to,” he said.

He tried to bend over to finish dressing. His glasses slipped off. Evelyn crossed the room, lifted his spectacles and affixed them back onto his face for him.

“I’ll come with you,” she stated.

Ernest shook his head. Now he was finally looking a bit more put together.

“I need you to stay here in case the police call.”

By the time Ernest Beckingridge got to the tower that bore his name it was over. The fallen 59 they called them. Clients and staff of the firm, Mr and Mrs Heath included. it would take a lot of cleaning up. Not just the blood, bodies or despair that littered the court yard where the statue of Jeffrey Beckingridge stood.

It was a long way down from the top.

Ernest is called to give evidence in the trial of KNOCK KNOCK Boss Lady, Tabitha. Giving an account of an event known as the Free Fall Massacre.

Click HERE to read Knock Knock Episode 17:

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The rest of the series is free to read HERE on Vivika Widow Online or you can download for kindle by clicking HERE.

KNOCK, KNOCK: Episode 1: Welcome to the Club

Knock, Knock: Episode 2: Don’t Come Knockin’

Knock, Knock: Episode 3: Sleep Tight Sam

Knock, Knock: Episode 4: Take A Bow

Knock, Knock: Episode 5: A Room With A View

Knock, Knock: Episode 6: Picking Up Strange Women

Knock, Knock: Episode 7: No Kids Allowed

Knock, Knock: Episode 8: Kids These Days

Knock, Knock: Episode 9: Shootin’ The Breeze

Knock, Knock: Episode 10: Calling Last Orders

Knock Knock: Episode 11: Shady City Blues

Knock Knock: Episode 12: Going Down

Knock Knock: Episode 13: Got the Fever

Knock Knock: Episode 14: Laying Down the Law

Knock Knock: Episode 15: Still I Stand

Knock Knock: Episode 16: Start Spilling

That’s not the only trouble at Beckingridge Manor. Ernest’s son, George, has been a complete handful lately. Enlisted to help is handsome, talented music teacher VINCENT BAINES in the hope that music lessons can give the little boy something more positive to focus on.

Click HERE to read Vivika Widow’s hit novella MAESTRO.

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Knock, Knock, Shady City Tour

Cold Hard Cash: The Beckingridge Firm

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Location: City Main

Features in: MAESTRO ; KNOCK KNOCK ; HARBOUR HOUSE ; PURPLE RIBBON


When you are the biggest financial institution in the Shady City it makes you a target for those who look to gain by any means necessary.

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It’s easy to find yourself lost in the offices of the Beckingridge Firm.


Ernest Beckingridge didn’t want any of it. He wanted to be a magician but Gramps scoffed at the idea so he was shackled into a suit, a power tie wrapped around his neck and locked in the dungeon that was the penthouse office of Beckingridge Tower.

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Ernest Beckingridge: CEO of Beckingridge Financial Empire


Standing as one of the tallest buildings in the city, Beckingridge Tower is home to the wealth of the most powerful families of Coldford including WEIR, OWEN, and DOYLE. It takes a pretty big place to hold that kind of responsibility.

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Mr and Mrs Heath are two HIGH FLIERS from the Beckingridge Firm

The financial industry in Coldford is often called the Shark Tank and you need pretty sharp teeth to swim the waters successfully. This was something poor Ernest couldn’t cope with. The final nail in his meek coffin came when the firm came under attack and fifty nine clients and staff were pushed from the Tower’s top floor in an event known as the Free Fall Massacre.

Ernest Beckingridge describes a phone call in the middle of the night that alerted him to the Free Fall Massacre.

With the firm leadership in contention the richest powerhouse in Coldford could either fall to Ernest’s sister ELIZABETH, better known as the Dragon Lady for her eccentricity and her temper or his son GEORGE, famous for being kidnapped by his music teacher, having a body count by age eight and last seen pledging KAPPA SO.

As a grown up George still keeps the stuffed animal he named Cecil close.

#amreading a blog by @VivikaWidow

Behind mansion walls are where the true skeletons lie.
If you want to take a peek inside Beckingridge Manor check Vivika Widow’s best selling thriller MAESTRO. Click HERE to read the full story.

If you follow the money trail you may find it leads you to the Knock Knock club. Ernest and the Beckingridge family will be having an impact in the hit graphic novel series.

Complete season 1 of the Knock Knock graphic novel series is free to read here on VW online. Or download for Kindle. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Broken and disgraced. A music teacher, an artist and an old show girl form an unlikely friendship. Inside Harbour House all they have is each other.Bring me your sick. Bring me your troubled. Bring me the man who dared to teach George Beckingridge.

Maestro, Shady City Tour

Kingsgate Albion: The Best and Brightest

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Stadium: Henning Park

Sponsors: WEIR HOTEL

In the upper east of the city lies the small suburb of Kingsgate. It is one of the oldest parts of Greater Coldford, built centuries before as a main route to the north from the CHAMBERLAIN DOCKS. It is home to Kingsgate University which boasts one of the best performing law schools in the known area. It is where JUDGE DOYLE learned her trade.

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As a football team, Kingsgate are mid table performers. When they are underperforming they suffer bad but when they excel they can be unstoppable. They are unique in that their players are all students of the University’s sports management program. The players are contracted to Kingsgate to complete their training before heading off to pastures new. As one of two university towns in the city, Kingsgate are expected to provide the best and brightest new talent. Their great rivals, FILTON, will always be chomping at their heels.

Our most notable supporter of Kingsgate is music tutor, VINCENT. He was born and raised in the beautiful old town. Despite being on tour with his parents and their orchestra a lot as a child, Kingsgate was always home. Like most of the Kingsgate supporters he doesn’t seem much of a football fan on the surface but victory and sportsmanship is important to them. Despite being called to rival, Filton University, because of their superior music program, Vincent is loyal to his home town.

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#amreading @VivikaWidow and I’m supporting #KingsgateAlbion ⚽️

Vincent may seem like a charming man. However, most people can’t help but notice something a little odd about him. His wealthy new pupil will ignite his obsessions once again.

Coming 2020.

The son of a great composer. A concert pianist by age 12. By all accounts he was a truly remarkable man. So where did it all go wrong? Welcome Resident 1105 to Harbour House.

Harbour House, Knock, Knock, Maestro, Shady City Tour

Lofty Heights: Beckingridge Tower

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Location: City Main; Business district.

Features in: MAESTRO ; KNOCK KNOCK ; HARBOUR HOUSE 2020

The tallest tower in City Main. The BECKINGRIDGE tower (sometimes referred to as Beck Tower) is the tallest building in Coldford. It is home of the BECKINGRIDGE financial firm. The office in the penthouse suite is the working home of CEO ERNEST.

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Ernest Beckingridge has a lot on his shoulders.


It has the financial hub of the city and how can a city function without cold hard cash? It puts a lot of responsibility on their shoulders of the CEO but it has been his family industry for generations so what other choice does he have?

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It’s easy to get lost in the numbers at Beck Tower.


It has withstood a lot of attacks over the years as an empire. It has waded through recession, embezzlement and through the family’s personal problems but when the FREE FALL benefit is held at the tower and party guests start to leap inexplicably from the roof it may be the final nail in the financial giant’s coffin.

It’s a long fall from the top!

Ernest doesn’t have what it takes to hold a place like the BECKINGRIDGE Tower so its up to his dragon of a sister or his psychopathic son. Quite the embarrassment of riches to choose from there Ernie!

#amreading a blog by @VivikaWidow

Ernest’s son and heir, George has been a complete handful lately and his mother is no longer around to help control him. In the hopes of giving him something more positive to focus on they bring in music tutor, Vincent.

After the events of MAESTRO someone is needing some rehabilitation. Welcome to Harbour House.

Characters, Knock, Knock, Maestro

Character Profile: Ernest Beckingridge

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Character Profile: Ernest Beckingridge

Age: 51

Occupation: CEO Beckingridge Financial Firm

Features in: MAESTRO, KNOCK KNOCK

Ernest is at the helm of one of the biggest financial investment firms in the Shady City, he hails from the richest family in the area and he would give anything to be able to give it all up.

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The main entrance to Beckingridge Tower. Statue of founder Jeffrey Beckingridge AKA Gramps.

He is a mild mannered man who as a boy didn’t see himself imprisoned in a suit and shackled to the penthouse office of BECK TOWER. He wanted a different life. He wanted to be an entertainer but with there being only him and his sister, Elizabeth, it was up to him to take over the family empire whilst Elizabeth became a novelist.

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Elizabeth Beckingridge aka thriller novelist Liz Beck

Ernest later met and married Alice. She was seen as a dragon of a woman by most but the docile CEO needed her bite by his side. Together they had two children – Catherine and George. However, there was another addition to the family that the high ceilinged halls of Beckingridge Manor managed to conceal. They do say that behind MANSION WALLS are where the true skeletons lie, not in the closets.

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Beckingridge Manor: home to the Beckingridge family for generations.

Ernest has not had an easy time and despite being placid in nature his family name and his money has managed to help him weather some terrible storms. From the accusations of child murder against Alice, the embezzlement of company funds, the school shooting Catherine was involved in and the kidnapping of his son by music tutor VINCENT BAINES.

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George learns piano from music tutor, Vincent Baines.

 

Now Ernest is brought to the forefront again when he receives a phone call late at night to inform him that benefactors of a charity ball being held at BECK TOWER have been leaping from the roof inexplicably. Could this be the final blow that finally topples one of Coldford’s largest empires?

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Ernest Beckingridge describes a phone call in the middle of the night that alerted him to the Free Fall Massacre.

If you want to take a peek inside Beckingridge Manor check Vivika Widow’s best selling thriller MAESTRO. Click HERE to read the full story.

If you follow the money trail you may find it leads you to the Knock Knock club. Ernest and the Beckingridge family will be having an impact in the hit graphic novel series.

Complete season 1 of the Knock Knock graphic novel series is free to read HERE.

Or click HERE to download for Kindle.

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Coming 2020.

Bring me your sick. Bring me your troubled. Bring me those that society can no longer cope with. They will always have a home here at HARBOUR HOUSE.

Shady City Tour

This Just In: Coldford Daily

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Location: Coldford Daily

Features in:

KNOCK KNOCK

CONFESSIONS

From the tip of the Shanties to the top of the north COLDFORD DAILY has the news.

The largest newspaper in the area they have been first to inform the people of some of the most significant events the Shady City has ever seen such as the kidnapping of Billionaire Ernest BECKINGRIDGE’s son, George. They also were first in line to report on CONFESSIONS killer Tracey Campbell after she murdered half of her anatomy class. If it happens within the Coldford City district you will read it first at Coldford Daily.

Boasting some of the best journalists such as SAM CRUSOW (winner of the prestigious PENN prize for literature) and MADELINE LOWER who despite facing discrimination in the Daily offices because of gender has proven time and time again her worth as an investigative journalist.

Owned by the OWEN family it can be said that although they are first to bring news to the people they are also in control of what the people are allowed to hear. This is perfect when you want to hide skeletons back in the closet and the Owens have many of those.

The mayor is missing and Sam is covering the story. Volume 1 is free to read on Vivika Widow Online or download for Kindle by clicking HERE.

KNOCK, KNOCK: Episode 1: Welcome to the Club

Knock, Knock: Episode 2: Don’t Come Knockin’

Knock, Knock: Episode 3: Sleep Tight Sam

Knock, Knock: Episode 4: Take A Bow

Knock, Knock: Episode 5: A Room With A View

Knock, Knock: Episode 6: Picking Up Strange Women

Knock, Knock: Episode 7: No Kids Allowed

Knock, Knock: Episode 8: Kids These Days

Knock, Knock: Episode 9: Shootin’ The Breeze

Knock, Knock: Episode 10: Calling Last Orders

Characters, Harbour House, Muse, Thrill Reads

Character Profile: Glenn

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Features in: Muse , Harbour House

Age: 47

Occupation: Harvester Farm Hand

Glenn was a hard working man. No one could accuse him of being lazy. Providing for his family is of prime importance. His daughter, Susie, is all that matters but he also takes his comittments seriously and he committed himself to the Harvester farm back when Jacob Harvester was in control. He has worked the farm ever since he was a young man and has seen the old Harvester’s only child, Julia, grow up like an uncle. He saw the farm blossom. He watched it fail.

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The Harvester farm became a brand under Dr Winslow.

 

The old Harvester became sick and it fell to Julia to decide its future. Glenn – like the rest of the farm hands – was always treated like family but decisions on the Harvester legacy was out of his depth.

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Julia Harvester saw the farm hands as family.

 

Still, as difficult as things became an overbearing investor changed the world around them. Glenn remained strong in his commitment. As long as Susie had everything she needed it didn’t matter what he had to do. Even when the investor began to push them towards new jobs, well out-with their duties, Glenn carried on. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t easy. It probably wasn’t legal but pride and family were at stake.

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Glenn is a hardworking man. Providing for his family is of prime importance.

Somewhere in the city resides a down on his luck artist whose path collides with Glenn’s as his search for inspiration brings him to the farm. As he sets his sights on Julia Harvester as his new MUSE it could be time for upheaval once again.

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Glenn is helpless in the take over of the farm.

 

 

Harvester Farm is a vast land. When an artist runs out of places to run from a childhood trauma it will be his next stop. The full story is available to read HERE

Coming 2020.

Bring me your sick. Bring me your troubled. Bring me those that society can no longer cope with. They will always have a home here at HARBOUR HOUSE.

Characters, Harbour House, Maestro, Thrill Reads

Character Profile: Vincent Baines

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Age: (During the events of Maestro) 27

Occupation: Music Teacher

Features in: MAESTRO ; HARBOUR HOUSE

Son of the great composer, Fredrick Baines, Vincent has music in his blood. From the KINGSGATE area he has lived among elite society for most of his life. With both his parents being accomplished musicians – his mother a lead cellist and father conductor of the Coldford City Orchestra – it was expected he would follow in their footsteps.

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Vincent supports his home town of Kingsgate. The oldest part of the Shady City.

Adopted by the Baines’ as a small boy, Vincent showed a natural ability with music. His true love was the violin. He was drawn to the pleading strings and the feel of the bow.

Vincent is handsome, charming but most people agree also a little odd. He has obsessive personality disorder and when he sets his mind to something he will go to extreme lengths to satisfy.

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Assigned as tutor to George Beckingridge, Vincent arrives at the manor.

When Vincent meets a new pupil he believes is in danger, he will stop at nothing to uncover the horrific secret the Beckingridge Manor is hiding.

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George learns piano from music tutor, Vincent Baines.

His obsessions lead him to the darkest period of his life. But now a resident of Harbour House he can finally get those monkeys off his back.

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Welcome, Mr Baines, to Harbour House.

#amreading @VivikaWidow and I’m ready for rehab! #harbourhouse2020 😏

I warn you Mr Baines, you have your work cut out for you. Our George has been an absolute nightmare lately. We’re hoping music lessons will give him something positive to focus on.

Son of the great composer, Fredrick Baines. A concert pianist by the age of twelve. A professional violinist by fifteen. Mr Baines is by all accounts a remarkable man so what went wrong?