THE sleek silver car rolled to a halt just in front of Oswald Escobar’s estate. Out stepped Kate in a figure-hugging outfit and glittering sandals, her sunglasses pushed up on her head like a crown. She looked around at the well-manicured lawns and towering gate, the pristine surroundings mocking her with their perfection. She walked up to the security booth, trying to maintain her confident stride, though the nervous flick in her eyes gave her away.

A tall guard in a navy-blue uniform stepped out to meet her, giving a nod of polite acknowledgment.

“Good afternoon,” he said.

Kate flipped her hair and returned the gesture casually.

“Hi. I’m here...