THE ALGORITHM

8.

Nervously, Penny looked at the door and quickly inspected it. Crafted from rich mahogany wood with intricate carvings, it radiated a sense of timeless elegance. The surface was polished to a high sheen, reflecting the ambient light and giving a luxurious glow.

A sleek electronic panel was integrated into the door's design. The panel featured a card scanner for identification and a fingerprint recognition system. The dual-layered security added a layer of protection while beautifully meshing with the door.

Her hands trembled as she tried to bypass and override the security system. She majored in information technology and acquired a few hacking skills during her college years.

Decon arrived at the mansion earlier to handle some last-minute work for Cecil. He left the consigliere's office and passed the staircase. When he walked inside the entryway, he noticed Penny standing by the door, trying her best to gain access to the outside.

"Shit," Penny whispered to herself. "I can't get this fucking door open. What type of shit is this?"

Instead of making his presence known, he stood back and watched her. Decon observed Penny's attempts to manipulate the security system. Her fingers danced over the electronic panel as she smashed it repetitively.

"Yo, what are you doing?"

Penny stepped away from the panel, maintaining a firm and determined posture. Decon was surprised she wasn't startled by his voice. Penny was definitely different.

"I need to get the fuck out of here." Penny pushed out sternly.

Security wasn't around, and Decon was aware of that. He wasn't surprised since it was Cecil's idea to send the guards off. He wanted to test Penny and her desperation to leave. It was clear she fell right into the trap.

"You can't be wandering around here..." Decon trailed off.

"Unlock this door and let me out now."

Some staff members appeared at the entrance. They heard the commotion and wanted to ensure everything was fine. The security guards appeared, and three housekeepers discreetly surveyed the scene.

Decon sighed and countered, "You're making this harder than it should be." He neared her and said, "Breakfast is waiting for you in the kitchen."

"Hey, fuck you and your breakfast." Penny cursed him calmly. "I don't want it. Now, either you open this door, or I'll just break this fucking system and let myself out."

Penny meant every word she said, but Decon assumed she was only bluffing. He waved her off with a dismissal gesture. For some reason, it infuriated Penny. She molded her right hand into a fist and hammered the security alarm rapidly and repetitively.

"Hey, you can't do that." One of the guards called out. The guard had a tanned complexion and a bald head. The man neared Penny and tried to grab her, but she drew her arm back while standing in a defensive posture. She wanted to punch him in his face, but halted after hearing an authoritative tone.

"That's enough," Cecil announced with sternness in his voice. Everyone collectively placed their eyes on him. He stood there with a conflicted facial expression as he eyed Penny and her wild behavior. "Let's not turn this into a spectacle. Penelope, get to the kitchen as suggested. Now." He glanced at the guard and said, "Show her to the kitchen."

Slowly, Penny put her hand down while checking out Cecil. Hesitantly, she frowned as she eased toward the guard. He guided her to the mini corridor that led to the kitchen. 

She stepped inside and immediately noticed the posh ambiance. Dark granite countertops complemented dark cabinets. The appliances were stainless steel, which added a modern touch. A dining table with plush upholstered chairs was placed at the center of the room. A grand chandelier adorned with crystal pendants hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow across the space.

Amidst the opulence, security panels discreetly integrated into the wall showcased an array of surveillance cameras. Penny couldn't help but think about the paranoia inherent in such an environment.

These strange people take their security very seriously. Penny said to herself as she stood by the counter.

A few of the housekeepers were present. They moved around the kitchen with precision, each assigned to specific tasks to maintain the pristine appearance of the space. Some were busy wiping down countertops and polishing the surfaces to a sparkling shine. Others meticulously scrubbed pots and pans, ensuring they shone as if they were brand new.

Penny wrinkled her nose. There was something strange about the people in the house. They moved in a rhythmic order that didn't sit well with her.

"Have a seat," Cecil ordered while pointing toward the kitchen's island.

Reluctantly, Penny sat on the stool, uncertain of what would happen next. One of the housekeepers neared her and served her a plate filled with food. Penny wanted to be stubborn and not eat, but her stomach had a mind of its own. As soon as the fumes from the breakfast tangoed around her nostrils, she could feel her stomach stirring.

Penny was served a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, buttered toast, and fresh fruit. The plate was carefully arranged, beautifully showcasing the artwork.

"Eat up," Cecil instructed her. "I'll be back to talk with you." He placed his hand on the counter and leaned close to speak with Penny. "In the meantime, keep your composure, and don't put your hands on anyone."

He didn't give her a chance to speak. Instead, Cecil left with his entourage, leading Penny to roll her eyes.

There was no way she would be able to escape the mansion. The security was tightly secured, and there was too much militia around to be sneaky. Feeling defeated, she grabbed her fork and immediately attacked the scrambled eggs on her plate.

The housekeeper who served Penny neared the island as soon as Cecil left. She placed her pupils on the young woman and watched her scarf down the food. She narrowed her eyes while tossing her a disapproving glare.

"You were making such a big fuss out there." She spoke up, not holding back. Her thick accent informed Penny that English was not her primary language.

Penny stopped mid-chew and diverted her attention toward the housekeeper. She didn't bother to speak because her mouth was filled with food. Instead, she sat there with a stunned expression. The statement took her aback.

"It was dumb to try to bypass the security system." The woman continued. "Even if you were to bash the system into small pieces, you wouldn't have gotten far. Not out there"

Penny checked her out. She was a short Asian woman who wore all white, just like Penny and the rest of the staff. Her hair was pinned into a bun, and judging from the fine lines on her face, she was well into her 50s. Her nametag identified her as Mei.

Mei.

The young woman chewed her food and swallowed it before saying, "You people are weird and paranoid. All of this security, cameras, and locked doors. For what?" She leaned over with her eyes narrowed. "It makes me wonder what the fuck is going on."

Mei knew the Lawson family dabbled in some illegal activities. However, she knew very little about it. There were days she witnessed some of the mobsters being carried into a room and treated for wounds they earned while out on the streets. She never questioned Bilal, Greg, or David. 

"It's best to follow the rules, keep your mouth shut, and your head down," Mei advised her.

A mischievous glint appeared in Penny's eyes. She pursed her lips before saying, "Must be quite the circus around here." She picked up the crispy bacon and chewed on it before saying, "But I'll give credit where it's due—this breakfast is good. Your cooking might just be the highlight of this...high-security vacation."

Mei didn't bother to respond since two guards walked in to survey the room. It was unusual, but she figured they were on high alert due to Penny's unruliness.