The car arrives at 10:00 a.m. on the dot. Same light-absorbing sedan and silent driver. Same leather interior that smells like it’s been cleaned between uses.
This time, I’m buzzing for an entirely different reason. Though, the pit in my stomach is still there.
I get in with my suitcase and my bag and my heartbeat in my throat. It’s too much. I can’t help but babble.
“Beautiful day, right? I mean, for November. It’s cold, but the sun’s out, which is nice.”
Silence.
“Do you mind if I ask your name?”
A pause. Then, without turning, “Dmitri.”
My eyebrows jump. I really didn’t expect him to answer.
“Dmitri,” I nod way too quickly. “Nice to meet you, Dmitri.”
He says nothing else. His eyes remain on the road, hands resting on the wheel at a precise ten-and-two.
I don’t push my luck. One acknowledgment is enough for me. I really am moving up in the world.
With an awkward grin I can’t seem to get rid of, I fold myhands in my lap and watch Chicago slide by through the window.
It isn’t long before the familiar streets give way to broader avenues, then tree-lined roads, and finally the long private drive with its soldier-straight trees and its hoity-toity gravel.
The gate opens. The guard performs a facial recognition scan. This time, he also takes my fingerprints.
“This is for estate access,” he explains. “Biometrics are required for entry and exit.”
It sounds extreme, but who am I to complain?
When we arrive at the front of the house, I find the same man who conducted my interview waiting for me in the foyer.
Mikhail, I believe his name is.
“Miss Calloway. Welcome.”
“Thank you, Mikhail. And please, it’s Ellie.”
He nods, but I suspect it will be Miss Calloway for the foreseeable future.
“This way, please.”
He leads me upstairs. The house unfolds in corridors and turns I’ll need weeks to memorize. And the question materializes in my mind again: what kind of people live in a place like this, let alone build it?
We stop at a huge door. Dark wood, brass handle.
“This is your room.”
I have to physically swallow my gasp when he pushes it open.
“Oh my God…” The words slip out as I step inside.
The room is enormous.
So is the bed. From a quick glance, I’d guess it could easily sleep four people. It’s covered in white linens, and what I’m fairly certain is a down comforter.
The headboard is upholstered in soft gray. The walls are warm ivory, and the hardwood floors are partially covered by a thick cream rug.
