RISEN
Arriving just after three at the Crown house, I pull up at the gates. Hitting the button, I announce myself. As the front gates open, I make my way to the front. Showing up with my project car would be a bit tacky, so instead, I opted to bring my nicer car. I highly doubt she would go out in public in my project, as it would be beneath her to be seen in a wrecker.
Pulling up to the garage, I leave my car in front of the third door. I doubt any of the Crown’s park outside. Hopefully, I’m not blocking anyone, and on the off chance that I am, I’m sure someone will let me know.
Grabbing my bags out of the trunk, I lock up and walk my ass toward the front door. Standing just outside, waiting, is an elderly man of South American descent with thinning hair, bright eyes, and a friendly smile. He reminds me of Carter, the gardener at my parents’.
“Hello, sir.” Holding out his hand to take my bags, I give him the smallest one before shaking his outstretched one. “I’m Ciccero. I’m the housekeeper and grounds master. I will be taking you to your apartments. If you require anything at all while you’re here, just let us know. I hope that we can make your stay here enjoyable.”
“I’m Risen. Nice to meet you, Ciccero. I’ll keep this bag. It’s awfully heavy.”
Nodding, Ciccero grins, leading me inside.
Just inside the doors, I look around. The grand front is spacious, inviting, and airy. There are windows banking in almost every direction. Even the top of the staircase where light shines in from above. It’s beautiful. I must have been standing with my jaw gaping open because Ciccero laughs. Pointing up the stairs, he leads me further into the house. Passing closed door after closed door, we finally stop. Ciccero opens the door and motions for me to enter first. He follows, setting my bag down on the bed.
“The kitchen is in the left wing, as well as the entrance to the gym facilities, the saunas, and the garage. You’re welcome to venture anywhere. Cassidy, the cook and caretaker for Miss Crown, is also here for anything you may need. If you require any specific dietary needs, please feel free to leave me a list and I will have her pick them up promptly.” Walking away to leave, Ciccero turns back toward me with apprehension. “I must thank you for everything you’ve done thus far for Miss Crown. I know she can be a bit daunting, trying, and overall stubborn soul, but she is a lovely woman. Have patience.” With that, Ciccero leaves me to explore and wander the chambers alone.
I’d be joking if I thought it was any different than where I live. It’s an expansive space with its California King in the center, two side tables, an oversized flat screen that’s visible from anywhere, and a walk out patio that leads to the back of the house. It’s carefree in design and décor, which is a total contrast to home. Opening the patio doors, I’m surprised. It takes quite a bit to surprise me with opulence, but there’s an Olympic size pool with two smaller pools. I assume one’s the Jacuzzi, and the other a cooling pool. There’s a raised deck that overlooks the sea, which I’m sure boasts an amazing view during sunsets, and an oversized gazebo housing outdoor couches and chairs. All of it looks very relaxing. Well, except for that. Rounding out the back of the property is something only the Crown’s would have; a full speed track, complete with a time board. What a lovely place to play, I’m sure.
So the real question is, why would China go off street racing? Why? What would entreat her to leave this, taking her chances on the uneven blacktops of Crenshaw Blvd. when she has all this?
It’s just another anomaly in the giant jigsaw of China Crown.
Closing the doors and checking out the rest of the apartment, I see nothing else of note. Of course, the bathroom has a massive shower that could hold three people comfortably, a tub that would house a family of six kids in one shot, and a walk-in closet that’s larger than the first house I grew up in.
I decide to venture through the rest of the house. It’s like getting to the hotel and wondering where the best restaurants are. Shutting the door behind me, I take off toward where Ciccero mentioned the kitchen is.
The halls are quiet. Museum quiet, and I would know. I’ve grown through my formative years in the same sterile environment. I may have my parents and an ugly dog to keep me company at all times, whether I like it or not, but with her brother in the hospital, her father dying a few months ago, and her mother dead from the car accident that placed Wyatt in the hospital in the first place, I understand her rebellion.
Her police file stated that she’d never had infractions up until her father’s death, that this was out of character. With the track out back, I can see why she’d never before needed a life-altering, legally opposed outlet. After death and destruction, it’s easy to see a need to rebel. Judge Prada was a slicker man than I thought when he appointed me guardian of China during this interim.
What I wonder, though, is who’s actually being incarcerated? Who will win this war of wills? Can I handle this? Can I survive being around China Crown, day in and day out? My libido will definitely be put to the cold shower test for sure. I’ll just have to be professional, keeping her at arm’s length.
Good luck with that, Risen.
Good fucking luck.