After fifteen minutes of driving along the street in a dark luxury sedan, Rosario, Lucas's friend, finally reaches his destination: Lucas's villa. As his car approaches the imposing gates of the villa, a tall man in a dark suit—Mr. Parker, one of Lucas's security personnel—steps forward, ordering the gates to be opened over his walkie-talkie.
"Here he is," Mr. Parker whispers to himself, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
The gates swing open, and Rosario drives slowly into the villa, lowering his windows as he approaches Mr. Parker.
"That was quick, Parker," Rosario remarks.
"Mr. Rosario, I knew you would be arriving today, so I made sure you wouldn't have to wait," Parker replies with a smile.
"Good, you know how much I hate it when I have to wait."
"Registered, sir."
A moment of silence passes between them as Rosario's gaze drifts towards Miranda, a new security personnel employed by Mr. Parker, stationed near the surveillance office. Mr. Parker, swiftly intercepting Rosario's intent, subtly blocks his view of the attractive woman causing a flicker of frustration on Rosario's face before he turns his car towards the parking lot.
"I can't stand that man," Mr. Parker mutters as he watches Rosario drive away. Then he walks toward Miranda. "If it weren't for Sir Lucas, I wouldn't be at his beck and call. Last time he came in a red Toyota with tinted windows—a car I'd never seen before. So, I denied entry to this car with intent to get a closer look at the driver, but before I could do this, he stormed off, yelling at me for obstructing his way into the villa. Gosh! He acted like he owned the whole place." Parker, who is now in the office with Miranda, takes a sip of coffee placed on the table.
"Rich people, rich attitudes." Miranda, seemingly indifferent to Parker's monologue, taps his shoulder gently before returning to a book she had earlier started reading. Parker turns his attention back to the security footage on the screen.
At the parking lot of the villa, Rosario parks his sedan and steps out, then walks off with his hands deep in his pockets. As he strolls through the parking lot, he can't help but admire the array of luxury cars belonging to Lucas.
"Lucas, oh you don't play games," he murmurs to himself, a contented smile playing on his lips.
"Mr. Rosario, welcome," Anne, Lucas's maid, greets him as he enters the living room.
"Thanks, Anne. Where are they?"
"At the back of the house, sir."
"Cool."
Rosario heads towards the back of the house, where he finds Lucas, Eliza, Virginia, and Leo seated around a round marble-top table, engrossed in a game of Monopoly.
"Who's winning?" Rosario asks, pulling up a chair to join the group.
"The one and only, that's MEEE!" Leo shouts triumphantly.
As Rosario settles between Leo and Eliza, a distinct scent reaches her nostrils. Eliza feels a surge of discomfort. Fearful of making a hasty judgment, she glances around the table, finding Leo sharing her apparent unease. It's clear something is amiss with Rosario. Having less courage to speak her mind, Leo those.
"Rosa, did you smoke again?" Leo asks directly.
"None of your business," Rosario replies, annoyance evident in his voice. "And don't call me that name; I am not one of your gay friends."
Leo's question draws everyone's attention as they too detect the pungent odor.
"Well, Leo's right, Rosario. You smell of weed," Virginia says, leaning closer to get a better whiff.
YOU ARE READING
LUCAS MENDOZA
Mystery / ThrillerLucas and her friends grew up in an orphanage where life was nothing but a daily nightmare. Their only hope lay in the belief that, upon reaching adulthood, they could finally escape this hellish cycle. But one day, Lucas uncovers a horrifying truth...
