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I began to text my response as we walked, still searching for the service entrance, whatever that was.
i can’t wait to be back.
Then I texted:
we are in montecito. but things are a little fishy. i’m not sure we’re in the right place.
He responded immediately.
send me your location.
I thought about it for half a second. It was a good idea. I whispered to the girls, “I’m sending Marco our location just in case something happens.”
“What could possibly happen?” Poppy said a half second before a floodlight snapped on, and we all dived for the bushes.
After a few seconds, nothing else happened, and we all began to nervous-giggle.
“Okay, we have to get a grip,” Annabel said as she stood, brushing herself off. We all did the same, our collective hearts pounding. “We’re allowed to be here, yet we’re skulking around like we’re breaking and entering.”
“Rich people are weird,” Poppy said. “They like to keep their stuff private at all costs. Even if their daughter said we could come here, they could claim she’s lying if they wanted to.”
“Do you think we should leave?” Yasmine asked. “This feels a little bizarre. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Annabel shook her head. “I agree with my sister. Rich people are weird, but no one seems to be here. I think we’re safe, at least until morning.”
“Not only am I giving Marco our location,” I told everyone, “I’m sending it through Find My Phone so he can see us moment to moment. And I agree with Yasmine that this is a little bizarre. We’re sneaking around this massive yard in the dark with no clue what we’re doing.”
“This location is horror-movie ideal,” Poppy said. “If we all screamed, I’m not sure anybody would hear us.”
“You Google Earthed this,” I said after I’d sent Marco my location, okaying it for the next twenty-four hours. “There are literally tons of people living all around here.”
“I’m not seeing any lockbox Kelly described,” Yasmine said. “I think this is the service entrance.” She gestured toward another door that was tucked away.
I went close to the house to peer through the window next to the door. Without putting my hand on the glass, I leaned in as close as I could. “I think this is the kitchen, or at least a staff kitchen, so that makes sense. When they entertain, the catering staff probably comes through here.”
“I wonder where the catering staff would come into one of those efficiency apartments.” Annabel chortled. “Just kidding. There’s only one entrance.”
“Let’s walk around to the other side,” Poppy suggested. “Then we can see if there are any other doors with lockboxes.”
Annabel followed, punching two fists in the air. “I’m ready to fend off the gerbils.”
