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“Cassandra stayed with us when she studied abroad.”
“Ah…” He readjusts the rearview so he can better see Dr. Rolfe. “You’re the one who has that criminal profiler dad. Like a regular Sherlock Holmes.”
“He’d like to hear you say that.”
“Jack’s mentioned him. So, you working with anyone? Or on your own?”
“It’s just us.”
“No FBI?” Wayne asks.
“No. Do you have kids, Wayne?”
“The wifey and I never did have kids. Good thing, too. I work so much I would hardly know ’em.” He points out the window. “Now, see over there? If you get a chance, since you’re Navy, that exit right there will take you to the USSMidwayMuseum. It’s Navy. Tourists love that shit.”
Forty-two minutes later, the SUV rolls into a gated neighborhood. A security officer mans the gate.
“Is that guard twenty-four-seven?” I ask.
“Yep. I live in this neighborhood, too. A couple of blocks away, near the clubhouse.”
“I’m guessing there’s not much crime here,” I say as we pass stately homes with manicured lawns.
“Nope. But word’s spreading about Sophia. It’s stirring up concern.”
“Any wild theories?” I ask.
“Not that I’ve heard, but I’ll ask my wife and let you know. I try to avoid all gossip, whereas she lives to spread it.”
Minutes later, we come to a stop in front of an oceanfront mansion. The circular drive leads to an arched gate. Through the gate, oversize, formidable iron and glass front doors offer a view through the entire home and out over the breathtaking ocean beyond. Palm trees line the sides of the yard. The scent of fresh-cut grass overloads my nostrils the second I open the car door. In the distance, waves crash. A slight breeze carries a floral scent. A Grecian statue with a narrow fountain base stands midway between the entrance gate and the front door beyond.
Inside the front courtyard, an array of fuchsia pink bougainvillea vines and matching pink potted geraniums splash color against the white stucco walls, the trimmed, plush green grass, and a white stone path. I scan the eaves of the three-story home for cameras. One roving camera hangs from each corner. A doorbell beside the front door likely houses another camera, judging by the black plated glass. In the yard, beneath oversize yucca plants, are spherical metal objects. They could be yard lights or cameras. An extension of the driveway continues along the side of the massive home. I assume that leads to the garage and side entrance, and additional security cameras.
Wayne pushes open the front door and hustles inside. A moment later, he lifts a small, obese dog.
“Come on in.” The dog in his arms squirms and growls. “Ignore Sasha. She thinks she’s bigger than she is. She’s a little bitch until you give her a snack. Then she’s all lovey dovey.”
“Hi there, Sasha,” Dr. Rolfe coos to the dog in a singsong voice. The growling simmers.
“Jack calls her Pita, Sophia calls her Sasha. Dumb dog responds to either.”
“You look like a Sasha to me. Not a Pita. How did he get Pita?” In response to the smooth, kind tones, the dog’s lips unfurl and her tail wags.
“Pita stands for pain in the ass.” Wayne closes the door behind us and sets the dog down. “You do have to watch her getting outside from the front. There’s a gap in the corner over there that opens onto the side of the house. Path leads to the beach. She takes off for it, and once she hits the sand… Man. Even though she’s a fat little thing, she’s hard to catch. She loves that beach.”
Sullivan’s house befits an exorbitantly wealthy man. The foyer ceiling rises two stories high above marble floors and pristine white walls. A large glass elevator shaft centers the back wall, allowing unfettered views of the ocean. White orchids sit atop a round table in an ornate porcelain bowl. Everything is ornate. Lots of scrolls, gold, and flowers.
“Jack asked me to take you to your rooms. There are two rooms on the street side of the house. They don’t offer a view, but they each have their own bathroom, and there’s a small kitchen and den. The only way you can access it is through the side staircase that’s right over there. There’s another bedroom that’s on the main floor with fantastic views. It’s beside Sophia’s room. There’s a basement bedroom with access to the pool. It’s off the game room. Jack said to give you the choice.”
“The two rooms in the back next to each other will work.”
Alex’s answer takes me by surprise. If she and Jack had anything going on, she wouldn’t want a room next to mine. But, given I prefer to keep my team together, I can’t fault her logic. Not that she’s on my team. If this goes well, we won’t even stay the night.
“Come on, guys. I’ve got to get back to the office.” We obediently follow Wayne as he strolls through the house.
“What do you do?” Alex asks Wayne.
“Oh, I’m marketing, but I’m a wearer of all the hats. I’ve worked with the Sullivans for a long time. Once you guys get settled in, feel free to explore the house.”
