ALEXANDER
I arrived at the mansion a little while later.
The gates opened automatically as I approached, and I drove through before parking in my usual spot.
For a moment, I remained seated behind the wheel.
Just listening.
Watching.
Half expecting some part of me to suddenly decide this entire trip was ridiculous and unnecessary.
It didn't.
With a quiet sigh, I got out of the car.
Then walked around to the back seat and grabbed the shopping bags.
There were more of them than I had intended to buy.
Apparently, when someone as clueless as me entered a grocery store with vague instructions from Irene, the result was excessive spending.
I shut the car door with my hip and headed toward the house.
The mansion stood exactly as it always did.
I climbed the front steps and rang the
