As I took the steps down to the living area, I noticed to my left and right—before the steps—were doorways, which I figured led to bedrooms or bathrooms. The living room and kitchen were impossibly big, and I imagined that the bedrooms were the same.

The house was impressive and moderately decorated, having a more modern, rich feel than the old-fashioned money feel that I was used to associating with my father.

I dumped my bag onto the floor and flopped onto the couch. I was exhausted after getting up early after a night of bad sleep. The flight and the hour-long cab ride here. It felt like I'd worked...