Chapter 5 - The Gate at Sunset
The following afternoon, around four o'clock, Derek drove his sleek black Porsche up the winding suburban road toward the entry gates of the mansion. Chloe sat in the passenger seat, laughing at a video on her phone.
As they rounded the final curve, Derek slammed on the brakes.
The massive wrought-iron security gates, which were usually kept open during the day, were shut tight.
Parked directly in front of the gates were two black SUVs and a marked local Sheriff's department cruiser. Standing beside the vehicles were two armed private security officers, a sheriff’s deputy, and a tall, silver-haired man wearing an immaculate charcoal suit.
"What is this?" Chloe asked, frowning as she looked through the windshield. "Is there a movie filming here?"
Derek’s brow furrowed in anger. "It's probably just a power glitch with the gate code. Or some bureaucratic mistake."
He threw the Porsche into park, stepped out of the car, and marched toward the gate with his arms crossed.
"Hey! What's the meaning of this?" Derek shouted at the guards. "Who authorized you to park in front of my driveway? Open these gates immediately!"
The silver-haired man stepped forward calm and unbothered. He pulled a thick leather folder from under his arm.
"Mr. Derek Halston?" the man asked in a crisp, sharp tone.
"Yes, I'm Derek Halston! And who the hell are you?"
"My name is Arthur Harrison. I am senior counsel representing Vance Holdings LLC and the legal estate of Audrey Vance."
Derek scoffed, tossing his head back. "Audrey? Are you kidding me? Did she hire a lawyer to lock me out of my own house? Tell her to stop playing games and open the gate before I call the police!"
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The sheriff's deputy stepped forward, resting a hand casually near his belt. "Mr. Halston, the officers present are here to enforce a lawful court order. I suggest you listen to Mr. Harrison."
Derek's heart took a sudden, uncomfortable plunge. He glanced back at the Porsche. Chloe had rolled down her window and was leaning out, watching the scene intently.
