Linda and her friend were on their way to the party at Diane's house. They didn't know what to expect. They didn't expect the armed security and the lit up property.
The drive up the hill was
slow: they had to follow a long line of cars and limousines making their way up
the narrow country road. At the tall metal gates encircling Diane’s property, each car had to be checked by the guards on duty. Linda caught a glimpse of Diane’s glass house in the
distance. It was lit up with bright lights sparkling throughout her property.
The lights extended far into the distance, weaving through the many trees and bushes.
At the front gate,
uniformed men were inspecting everyone’s invitations. At Todd’s car, Shirley
handed the officer her invitation.
“It says here that the
invitation is for only one person. Who are these other people?” asked the officer,
looking into the carload of people.
“These are my guests.
Diane told me that I could bring guests,” Shirley replied.
“I must verify this with
the gate house. Please wait here,” ordered the officer before returning to the large gate house.
All the officers were
huge and muscular and looked to be very professional. The security seemed more appropriate
for an important political event than for a plain dinner party. Linda didn’t
like the look of things, and they hadn’t even entered the property yet.
Todd jumped out of his
car to speak with the officers on duty at the gate house. After some hushed
conversation he returned to the car, informing them that they were cleared to enter. The huge gates swung open for them and he drove up
the gravel road between the two lines of tall trees with glistening lights
hanging from their low branches.
“Why did they stop us? Why
are they checking everyone?” Linda asked.
“The sheriff just wants
to make sure that everyone is safe at the party,” said Todd.
“These are not the
sheriff’s men, but private officers,” said Mike.
“I know,” responded Todd.
The four of them in the
back seat glanced at each other
with worried looks, but they all remained silent.
