Deranged

Earlier...

As the fading light of the sun yielded to the soft embrace of dusk, painting the sky with a delicate palette of colors as evening unfolded, a taxi glided to a stop outside the ornate gates of the Springsview Valley Estate.

Springs Valley Estates was a gated community exclusively for the ultra-rich.

The security guard approached the driver's window with a stern expression. "I'm sorry but public transportation is not permitted through these grounds."

The driver twisted in his seat to address his lone passenger. "Ma'am, you'll need to get another ride from here."

The tinted window slid down with a low hum to reveal a woman in her early twenties. Though her stylish appearance was marred by dishevelment, the guard felt his heart stir as he recognized those delicate features.

She flashed him a winsome smile that made his pulse quicken. "Kelvin."

He puffed out his chest imperceptibly. Who would have thought she even knew his name?