Part 5: You didn’t think this through

“Bret, you said your client was wealthy but I it’s been 2 minutes since I past the front gates.” I said into my steering wheel. Bret called me on my ride over to his client’s house to give me more information about his client.

“Oh yeah, it’s about 5 miles before you get to the actual mansion. Once you get past the trees, you’ll see some beautiful topiary once you get past the trees.” Bret said. Through the phone, I could hear some bags being zippered. Thanks so much for taking this case, man. These are one of my wealthiest clients, so remember I’m giving you a 50% cut off the profits, so get the job done right.”

“Yeah, I know it should be straightforward, right? I didn’t take off on Monday, so I won’t have time to do anything crazy.” I said. Looking ahead, it seemed like the trees were parting and opening to a clearing.

“All the software is written and works properly; I just need you to set up the hardware and test it for bugs.” Bret said. In the background, I could faintly hear a door locking.

“Yeah, it should be pretty easy…Wow you weren’t kidding about the topiary!” The clearing was filled giant tree statues of all shapes and sizes. They were spread all throughout the clearing as far as the eye could see. There was a knight fending, holding a shield to a towering dragon. There was a koala hanging from the branch of a hedge shaped tree. I slowed my car down to get a better look at one of the large foliage sculptures. “Is that a cow eating a chicken?”

“Yeah, the person who designed all the topiaries was not a fan of people eating cows. So, he works in that image with all of his works.” I could hear the opening of a car door in the distance. “I already put the cameras in all the topiary so one you install the software just double check they are working

“Of course, there are cameras in the…” I was cut off by the gigantic shadow overtaking my car. In front of me was a large gothic castle. It was wide and on either side was the forest. The points at the top of each spire seemed to stab the sky. “Bret, who is your client? Dracula!? You told me they lived in a mansion.”

“Yeah, it’s a castle that was turned into a mansion.” an engine came to life in the background it quickly went into a low hum. “Alright Tom, I got to get going. There should but a butler in the front that can take your car and park it in the underground parking lot. See you later.” Bret said, ending the call.

By the front door of the castle was a butler waving at me. He wasn’t kidding. Who has an underground parking lot in their house!? I might put in my two weeks Monday if this job goes well.