I rounded a corner, waited for a car to drive past, then closed the distance between me and the front gate. Another hundred yards and I was standing right in front of the main doors.
They slid open to reveal a large lobby. Sculptures of geometric designs hung from the ceiling from steel wires. Large plush area rugs were positioned on either side of the room. White leather sofas, chairs and sectionals were arranged on each rug. Soft music was playing, echoing off all the otherwise hard surfaces surrounding me. Directly in front of me was a solid black granite desk where a beautiful redheaded receptionist sat. She didn’t even look up until I was right in front of her, and when she did look up, she seemed both surprised and annoyed. It occurred to me that people didn’t ordinarily just walk in here off the streets.
“May I help you?” Red asked with undisguised irritation.
“I’m here to see Dr. Williams,” I said in a voice that sounded small and insignificant.
“Have you an appointment?” she asked as she opened a leather bound calendar. I could feel her wishing I would just go away.
“No, but I am sure he’ll want to see me.” I was attempting a more confident voice.
Red looked up at me with bored green eyes. She sighed deeply, raised her brow and asked, “Name?”
“I’m Meg Winter. The doctor knows my mother, Dr. Margo Winter,” I said these words watching carefully for a change in her demeanor. She was blank.
“One moment, please,” she said automatically and pushed a button on the console in front of her. “Dr. Williams, I apologize for the interruption, but there is someone here to see you without an appointment. Her name is Meg Winter.”
Red’s face turned…well, redder as she listened to the CEO’s response. She stood abruptly and stared at me with a new level of respect. She continued to blush as she said, “Yes, sir. I understand. Right away.”
Even as she was disconnecting the call she was removing her head set and hurrying around the desk. She smiled sweetly and stammered, “I— I’m so sorry. I had no idea who you were. Dr. Williams insists I escort you directly up to his office. That is…um…after a quick security check.”
Even as she was finishing her sentence three armed guards approached us. One was female.
“Miss, do you have any weapons?” One of the male guards asked, one hand on his waist belt that housed his gun.
“No, of course not.”
“I’m required to check your person for weaponry.” The female guard began patting me down while the redhead looked on with wide eyes. The male guards never let go of their gun belts. I stood quietly and tolerated the pat-down.
“She’s clean.” The guard announced and stepped away from me.
“Um…yes, well,” Red stammered. “Right this way, Miss Winter.”
We walked to the elevators and stepped inside. I remained quiet, though Red felt compelled to chatter about the weather nervously. When the doors slid open again, we were standing right across from two huge mahogany doors. Red walked directly to the doors and gave three quick knocks before opening the doors wide.
“Come right in, Meg,” called a raspy voice. Red gave me a look of awe as I walked into Dr. Williams’ office with a false confidence.
“Meg, welcome my dear! How wonderful of you to visit me!” His voice was sickeningly sweet. A quick glance around the room and I was sure the same decorator that handled the reception area had worked his geometric magic in this room too. The only difference I saw was a huge window overlooking the front of the compound.
“Dr. Williams,” I began without hesitation. “I’ve come for my mother.” I stared into his dull eyes. Though my body looked calm and confident, inside I was terrified. Here stood the man who had given the order to torture me and my brothers. This is the man who sent thugs to hunt us. This man is the reason my mother was feeling anguish this very minute.
“My dear girl, it’s clear Margo didn’t teach you proper manners. What a pity. Well, let’s begin again, shall we? Please, have a seat. Let’s chat for a while. Catch up. It’s been too many years, and I am so very pleased you’ve come back to me.” He motioned toward a black leather sofa and positioned himself across from me on a matching chair. Not sure what to do, I obliged.