—Eloise—

The tall fence of Mama's vintage mansion came into view ahead.

As we got closer, a security guard stepped out of the small gatehouse and raised a hand.

The taxi slowed to a stop.

The guard walked to my window and looked inside. Before he could ask any question, I lowered the window so he could see.

“Ma'am.”

He gave a curt nod and signaled to the other guards to let us in. The barriers were lifted, and the heavy gates creaked open.

I glanced out the ...