Inheritance

Chapter 29

"Are you sure?" The taxi driver asked, after I described the address Kendall had given me.

"Very. Why?" If he knew something I hadn't, it was best he expressed his concerns now.

"No reason, m'am. I'll make sure to get you there as quickly and safely as possible." He urged, though I could sense some growing apprehension on his part.

The drive to Kendall's place was filled with lively radio music, juxtaposing the brewing tension in the car. I still felt uneasy about the way the driver's mouth went ajar at the mere mention of the address typed into my phone. Where in fact was I going? 

As we drove through the stylish scenery of the upper-scale neighborhoods on the wealthy side of New York, it was apparent that Kendall lived in a very affluent area. Not that it was surprising.

The neighborhood was a privately-gated community comprised of gorgeous residential estates compounded across vast acres of land. When the car finally slowed to a stop, we were parked a short distance away from the entry to a grand iron gate partitioned at the end of the street.

"Alright, miss. I'll let you out here. But, as you can see, it's that estate right over there." The taxi driver pointed to the redwood manor through the car window.

"You can't take me inside the gates?" I questioned, a little annoyed at the thought of having to cover the remaining distance on foot.

"I'd rather not, if that's okay. Have a nice night, miss." I irritatingly paid the taxi driver, then got out of the car and walked up to the menacing gate disclosing my intended destination. 

Cameras posted atop the high stonewalls incessantly detected the motion caused by my moving form, instantly shifting in my direction. They seemed to trigger the presence of two barraging security guards, who dauntingly inspected me through the gaps created by the poles in the gate. 

"Hi, I'm Sasha Milton and I'm here to see Kendall...Kendall Fine." I said, feeling uncertain of whether I had the right place.

The security guards offered no indication of recognizing the two names I'd just said aloud. Instead, they lightly chattered amongst themselves, turning their bodies away from me to shield me from hearing. When one of them finally approached the entrance of the gate, he unlocked a latch large enough for one person to pass through.

"Please come inside. Mr. Fine is expecting you." The guard stoutly spoke and I hesitantly followed him through the gleaming gate, attaining a better view of the estate.

The property seemed to stretched on for miles, covered by perfectly trimmed grass and shapely trees. There was a roundabout driveway adorning the brick castle, with ivory pillars that shot up dozens of feet into the sky. The way the columns had extravagantly supported the mansion's thick dimensions screamed of old money. A centralized water fountain mounted near the front entrance of the house helped bring to life the glamorous vision of a vintage Rolls Royce parked along the driveway.

The guard led me inside the house, where the smell of fresh pumpkin spice and lavender refreshingly embellished my nose. The foyer was neatly decorated and not a spectacle remained out of place. Before I could fully appreciate the elite interior decor, a curt young woman appeared before me. She wore a sleek bun and pant suit, making her appear very stern for her age.

"Hello Sasha, I'm Miranda, the head of Mr. Fine's housing services. I'll escort you to his room, where he's currently resting." Her voice was monotone. Not quite welcoming, but also not distasteful. 

We walked up the chest-wood staircase, spanning three stories high. However, we made a detour on the second floor, where I followed her to the end of the hall and to a giant brown door.