Page 1 of Sundowners
PROLOGUE
September
Donna Hicks smoothedthe fine silk skirt she’d picked out for her husband’s event and fidgeted in the front seat of their McLaren. “Are you sure we’re dressed all right?”She gave her husband’s attire a onceover, grinning at how well the Hugo Boss hugged his lines.
“Of course, darling. You look stunning,” her husband Timothy said, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. “Grant assured me that casual-nice was the dress code. Oh, honey, this is huge. I thought we’d have to wait at least a year before getting this invitation.”
The McLaren handled the curves of Highway 17 with ease on the dark January night. They took a blind turn onto a two-lane road and then another onto a much narrower one with no street signs. Donna wasn’t sure how Timothy knew where he was going, as it was pitch black outside. The private drive was only wide enough for one car. Thankfully it was paved. Timothy had already had to take the new car into the shop because he’d run over a concrete parking barrier in the lot at the gym, scraping the underside of the luxury car.
“So tell me more about this group,” she asked her husband of sixteen years. “Am I allowed to discuss my research or should I simply play the trophy wife tonight?”
Timothy chuckled. “They know about your work,” he said. “I brag about you all the time. Just be yourself. They invited us because we meet their requirements for membership, I guess.” He laughed nervously. “I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.”
“Timothy, you made your company over a billion dollars last quarter. You’ve revitalized the processes for your team and you’ve already been promoted twice despite only being there for a year. I think you’ve shown these people that you are absolutely worth their investment.”
When Timothy had told Donna about the opportunity to join a private club for influential Silicon Valley businesspeople, she’d been intrigued. He hadn’t had a lot of details, but he’d been so excited. She’d grown up on the Peninsula, but he’d been raised in the Central Valley, and had spent his career in finance trying to make people forget he was the son of farmers. They’d met when his original company invested in her medical research program and he’d checked all the boxes on her suitable-husband-qualities list. He was younger than her, independently wealthy, no children and didn’t care to have them, and more than happy to let her rule the roost in their Palo Alto mansion.
“Here we are,” he said, and they both took a moment to breathe.
The magnificent structure before them was all glass, redwood, and steel. It was illuminated from within with soft lighting that only went as far as the thick copse of trees surrounding the house. The roof appeared to be…moving?
“It’s got a green roof even,” Timothy breathed. “It’s just like the Meta offices. I bet you can’t even tell there’s a home here from above.” He parked between a Ferrari and a custom Tesla and shut off the engine. “I can’t believe we’re here.”
“Timothy, just promise me one thing?”
“Anything, darling,” he said, taking her hands in his. “I want you to be comfortable with this too.”
With great wealth comes great opportunities.
“Let’s not get in over our heads, you know what I mean? If they start asking for us to commit money or time…talk to me before you make any decisions? We’ve worked really hard to pay off the houses and cars. I want us to have something to show for the sacrifices we’ve made.”
“Absolutely,” he said, but she knew he’d probably forget the moment they were inside. “I want us to have all the things we’ve dreamed of. A long, happy, and healthy life together.”
He pulled her forward and their lips met. He really was a sweet man. Hardworking, decent. Took good care of his body, and took excellent care of her in bed. They were a team, and if all they’d heard about Elite Ventures Enterprises was true, they were going to be a part of something important.
“Let’s do this,” she said, kissing him once more. He pulled back and growled a little before moving back in for a deeper kiss. She laughed as he slid a hand under her skirt.
“There will be time for that later,” she purred. “All you want.”
They left the car and climbed the steps up to the front door, which opened as they approached. Timothy took her hand and smiled at the tuxedoed man at the door.
“Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hicks,” the man said as he gestured with his hand. They stepped inside and the door closed behind them with a whoosh. Donna’s heels clicked loudly on the concrete floor. The foyer was wide and empty save for a few sculptures and paintings. Two tall vases stood on either side of a vast entryway before them that was completely dark. Timothy hesitated and the man from the door called out, “Please, step inside.”
Donna felt Timothy squeeze her hand, and then they stepped into the darkness, ready to take their lives to the next level. For a split second before her heel connected with the floor, she thought perhaps they were pushing their luck, that they’d already been so fortunate. Was joining the organization more than they deserved?
The darkness enveloped them, and with it, Donna felt hands on her arms and shoulders. Timothy’s hand was pulled from hers and replaced with a stranger’s. Bodies pressed against her and she tried to fight the panic. She whispered her husband’s name but only heard muffled voices around her, attempting to sooth her, quiet her. Prepare her.
The light came on—and she gasped at what she saw.
It was too late to turn back now. She knew that, and yet she dug her heels in, afraid to move any closer. She’d lost sight of Timothy and was now on her own, and yet she wasn’t alone. More bodies closed in on her, like people crowding a full elevator heading to the lobby at the end of a long workweek, everyone excited for the weekend.
And just like in an elevator, the floor began to lower.
“Welcome, guests.” The voice that came over the loudspeaker reminded Donna of something out of a sci-fi movie. “The Source is grateful for your work and dedication. Please prepare to pay tribute, and then we shall begin your introduction.”
Donna sucked in a breath and before she could exhale, the press of bodies came even closer. She felt like screaming, and then she was bathed in a warm light from above, until everything was…fine.
She sighed, letting her body go slack, and heard sounds of approval around her. Everything was glorious, everything was wonderful. She’d never felt better…
