Annie pulled up in front of the gate of Samantha's house, the sound of her car's engine breaking the silence of the afternoon.

As she stepped out of the vehicle, she was greeted by Samantha's gateman, who eyed her with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"Good afternoon," Annie said, flashing a bright smile at the gateman. "I'm here to see Samantha. Is she around?"

The gateman shook his head, his expression apologetic.

"I'm sorry, miss. Samantha is not at home right now."

Annie's face fell, but she quickly recovered.

She had anticipated that Samantha might not be home, and she had come prepared.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled...