What’s strange is that my nerves are throwing a bit of a fit. I volunteered for this mission, and I’m highly skilled to operate independently. I should be chill as ice.
Only, I’m not.
My heart bangs around inside my ribcage like a kettle drum, hammering out a frantic beat. Highly unusual, I chalk it up to the fact that if I fail, or my true identity is revealed, Knox and I will be lucky if they shoot us. More likely, we’ll be treated to torture with dismemberment and death to look forward to.
That’s not the outcome I desire. Not to mention that would mean Eve will be lost. Maybe that explains my unease?
Whatever the reason, I need to get my shit together.
Half an hour later, we pull up outside a heavily fortified compound. Ten-foot walls surround a massive estate. Guard towers stand tall at the corners and rise above the land. I glance up at them as we pull to a stop.
My driver hands over a manila envelope to a waiting guard. Inside is my official invitation, along with dossiers on myself and my bodyguard.
The guard peers into the front of the car, taking a long hard look at Knox, then steps to the back window opposite me. The driver lowers the window and sweltering humidity rolls in. The guard peers at me, matching up the photo on the dossier with my bored expression and disdain.
He gives a grunt, hands the packet back to the driver, and we slowly roll through the checkpoint. The winding drive through a lush canopy suddenly opens up as we arrive at our destination. Extravagantly landscaped, the driver pulls around a sweeping drive. He parks at the base of a set of stairs leading up to a massive compound.
It’s a goddamn fortress.
Mediterranean in theme, graceful archways stretch between thick stucco walls, and monolithic columns rise upward to support the tiled roofs. Wrought iron bars cover the windows. The same black iron sweeps intricately in curves to form gates that add an extra layer of security to the massive wooden doors. Those doors currently stand open to welcome guests.
I am not the only guest for this week-long retreat, and I have a feeling those gates are more often closed than left to stand open.
There’s no shortage of guards. Either from turrets lining the walls to those patrolling outside, I note both their position and number.
Knox opens the door to the car and I step out. As soon as I stand, I button the jacket of my suit despite the stifling heat and humidity. The driver hands me back my documents and gestures for us to head inside.
With Knox beside me, we ascend the travertine steps and enter the first circle of hell. I’m certain there are far more inside.
We enter a massive courtyard. All around us, a perimeter of building forms an outer fortress guarding what looks to be a grouping of even more ostentatious and elegant buildings inside. Like a fortress within a fortress.
One glance clearly reveals the outer grouping of buildings house the guards who provide security for the inner compound.
A man waits for us.
“Mr. Sage, it’s quite the pleasure to have you.” An older man dressed in a light linen suit greets us, thrusting out his hand like we’re long-lost friends. “We have your suite prepared. If you’re in need of anything, my name is James. Please don’t hesitate to call.” He glances at Knox. “Your man will stay…”
“…with me.” I cut James off before he can insist on separating Knox from me.
“But we have separate accommodations for the…”
“My man stays with me. Will that be a problem?” With no idea how they manage their guests’ lodging, I might have just consigned Knox and myself to share a bed. Although, from the looks of this place, I don’t think that will be an issue.
“Of course, Mr. Sage.” He gives half a bow. “We will make the necessary adjustments.”
“Thank you.” I make a show of looking around as if I approve of the sprawling facility.
The outer buildings surrounding us leave little to the imagination as to their purpose. It is a defensive fortification with barracks sitting atop massive footings and walkways along the top of the walls. Turrets crown the corners where men stand guard. They glance down from their lofty perches, weapons at the ready as they take in the newest visitors. Huddled in corners, groups of men bend over what looks to be games of cards. I file that away for future reference.
It’s an impressive show of force, and without a doubt, intentional.
Unlike the outer fortifications, the inner grouping of buildings stretch out in an impressive display. Intentional here as well is the display of hypercars parked out front. Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis, they’re a testament to wealth.
While scanning the perimeter, I don’t forget my place and take time to ogle the cars. They’re there to impress me with the wealth of my host. A car enthusiast, most of those cars sit in the high six-figure range. One or two are valued much higher than that; millions apiece.
My host struts his wealth like a goddamn peacock, measuring the length of his dick by this outrageous display.
James walks us past the collection of cars, making a vague gesture toward them. “For our guests’ use while here. Maybe you’d like to take one out for a spin later on?”
“That would be fun.” Although, I can’t imagine they’d let me take one of their precious cars outside the walls. Too much liability comes with that.
James picks up with his spiel, welcoming us to The Retreat. “If you will follow me…”
Once inside the outer walls, a sprawling grouping of buildings meets my gaze. The place has the feel of a luxurious resort blended with the oppressiveness of an open-air fortress. It’s, at best, disquieting.
Breezeways connect the various buildings. Guards look down from their perches overhead. At every intersection, and at every entrance, another pair of guards stand at the ready.
My shoes click against the travertine stone as Knox and I follow the direction indicated by the driver. We enter a portico with a wrought iron gate that, in addition to the six-inch thick wooden doors, give me pause. Once those close, nothing short of explosives will get them open.
This place is like a fortress within a fortress within a fortress. Alpha team will have to breach the outer perimeter, where we went through the checkpoint with its ten-foot walls. Then, they’ll have to breach the first set of inner walls. After that, they will still face this inner realm. Our job is quickly becoming more and more complicated. Unless, I can get Eve out by other means.
We’re prepared to breach the compound, but we’re not prepared for an all-out war. This is vital information for our team. It’s no longer a job solely for Alpha. We’ll need our brothers in Bravo and Charlie.
Despite the tight security, I’m impressed by the artistry used to disguise the fortress. Lush gardens, cascading fountains, and smaller pools fill out the many courtyards we pass.
If not for the armed presence of the guards, the grounds are surprisingly soothing. Exactly what a wealthy businessman needs to relax and de-stress from the rigors of the corporate grind.
Some of that tension knotting in my shoulders eases, but then I remember why I’m here.
My guide takes me through an opulent estate. We pass beneath arched doorways and walk down halls with domed ceilings. The open design allows air to flow through, mitigating the sweltering heat and humidity of the tropical climate. My guide, in his light linen, isn’t sweating bullets like me in my designer suit. Knox feels the heat too. Sweat trickles down his temple. It’s hotter than hot.