The limousine slowed as we approached a large, wrought-iron gate. It was flanked by two imposing brick pillars engulfed in ivy that had been aged by the winter months. A stoic guard lowered his head in acknowledgment as we passed through the gate. His shackles, barely exposed beneath the cuff of his pants, were chained to one of the pillars.

We continued along the cobblestone drive for a couple hundred yards. The grounds were a massive maze of grass and hedges, interspersed with the occasional fountain sculpture. At the end of the drive sat a three-story mansion, the most spectacular I had ever seen. Its portico, riddled with columns was a proud, toothy smile greeting visitors.

Two men, of average height and build, walked towards the limo as we pulled to a stop in front of the house. The unshackled one opened the door for my new owner. “Good morning sir.â€? His gaze shifted to the girl as she followed her father out of the limo. “Ma’am.â€?

“Take this one out back,â€? my new owner threw his thumb in my direction.