As a boy, the river was my playground. The long-forgotten cabin on the edge of the property that had been my private retreat is the onlything about the house I miss.
The car rolls to a stop under the cream portico that covers the house’s main entrance.
The driveway was designed to accommodate thirty cars at a time. On the nights of my father’s infamous parties, hundreds of cars streamed through and the army of valets made sure that each guest heard the “Akwaaba” that greeted them as the herald to an evening they would never forget.
Today, six black SUVs are parked ahead of ours and there is no one waiting to greet us.
The driver opens Alice’s door first. “I’ll be right in,” I say, “I just need to make a quick call.”
She hesitates for a moment but doesn’t push back. “They’re starting at one o’clock sharp. I promised your father I’d get you here on time.”
“You’ll keep your promise. I’ll be right in.” I turn my attention to my phone until she closes the door. I watch her until she slips inside the front doors.
That’s something she wouldn’t have done three months ago. This estate operated like a well-oiled machine and my parents didn’t have a single security breach or press leaks because of her.
As much as I wish she was still here as the new era of the house’s life begins, I’m glad she doesn’t work here anymore. She deserves a life dedicated to her own happiness and wishes.
We all do.
I knock on the privacy glass and it comes down again. “You have a minute?” I ask Ian in a playful reproach.
“I thought you were making a call.”
“I just said that so we could have a minute.”
He meets my eyes in the rearview mirror and the corners crinkle with his familiar smile. “You know your father doesn’t like it when we talk to the passengers.”
“He’s not here. And since when was I a passenger?” He’s been driving for my family since I was a kid.
“You became a passenger when you were gone long enough to forget that he’s always watching.” He nods at the rearview mirror where a green light blinks.
I shake my head and expel a humorless laugh. “What a waste of money and time. I bet he has someone whose sole job it is to watch these. Has he ever caught anyone?”
“I don’t know if he’s looking to catch anyone so much. More like tomake sure he’s got receipts if he needs them.”
“Yeah, for all the people who are out to get him.” We share a smile in the rearview. I glance at my watch. “Better get going, Nice to catch up.”
“No problem. Do you want me to go back to the hotel to get your luggage and bring it over?”
“No, I’m not staying here. Could you wait and take me back when I’m done? I have a flight to catch tonight.”
His eyes dart to mine in the rearview mirror. “Does your father know that?”
“Not yet.”
“What time is your flight?”
“Eight tonight.”
He grins. “You’re not wasting a second, are you?”
I return his smile. “Nope.”
He nods. “I’ll wait in the valet lot. Just send me a message when you’re ready to leave.”
He waits until I’ve stepped through the threshold before he starts the car and rolls slowly down the drive.
I stand at the front door of the house and wish I still loved it. Wish I could call it home again.
