Chapter 4

                                    

                                          
It was pitch black outside by the time I reached Chatham. I had no idea Cape Cod would be this dark at night. Back in Poughkeepsie, light pollution attacked the night sky from every direction. 
But here? 
You could actually see the tail end of the Milky Way. I stopped for gas when I got over the Bourne Bridge and spent a full minute just staring up at the stars. I couldn't remember the last time I got to look at the stars like this.
Now, I was squinting at the street sign, trying to make sure I was heading in the right direction. I glanced at the navigation system in my new, sexy, rented–fully provided for–pickup truck. 
The gate should be around here somewhere... 
I slowed to a crawl. A motion sensor kicked on, illuminating a driveway and scaring the shit out of me. I pulled in and stopped in front of a cast iron gate.
Whoa. 
These people don't fuck around. 
I scanned the brick walls, spotting the keypad. I grabbed the papers from the passenger seat, searching for my security code. I leaned out my window, pulling on my seat belt to give me more reach. I carefully punched in the numbers, triple-checking before each entry.
I sighed in relief as the gates slid open and sat back in my seat. I took a deep breath and pulled forward, spotting lights off in the distance at the end of a seriously long driveway. 
Holy shit, this place is huge. 
I followed the instructions and veered left at the roundabout. The guest house was supposed to be above the garage. 
Or should I say mansion? I didn't get a great look at the main house, but if this was their garage... holy hell.
It was a five-door garage, and at the end, closest to the main house, I spotted a legitimate metal spiral staircase leading to the second floor. The lights were on upstairs, and one of the garage doors was open. I carefully pulled in, still getting used to the size of the truck. 
I cut the engine and ran my hand through my freshly cut hair. I grabbed both of my phones and hopped out, stretching my back. The motion sensor for the 4th parking space popped on, illuminating more of the garage. 
Oh my god. 
I looked around to make sure I was alone before I quickly snuck over and ran a finger across the hood of a black Bentley. I practically salivated as I finally got to touch a dream car. A car I never thought I would stand next to, let alone live above. 
I quickly turned towards spot number three and nearly fucking squealed like a girl at the Eras Tour. 
A Mercedes-Benz. 
I knew enough about cars to know that this was a moment I would never forget. The sleek curves, smooth lines, and that grill–oh, that grill! I walked around it, trying to play it cool. I quickly peeked inside, catching a glimpse of the dashboard and fine leather seats. 
I think I just fell in love with a car... 
Sleek. Sparkling. And everything I could have ever imagined. 
I snapped out of my daydreaming when I heard steady footsteps crunching across gravel. 
I kissed my pointer finger and placed it on the trunk of the car before quickly exiting the garage. A silhouette of a tall man was making its way towards me, phone light on to guide the way. Once he got close enough to the garage floodlights, he pocketed his phone and stretched out his hand in greeting. 
I closed the distance between us and gave his hand a firm shake. 
"Good evening, Mr. Verdejo; I'm Clarence," his baritone voice hitting lower than how it sounded over the phone.