I used to rule the world. Seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning I sleep alone. Sweep the streets I used to own. (Coldplay)

That afternoon I went to the place that meant the most to me here. Senior was doing whatever he does and I left the house without his notice. I didn’t know my driver’s name nor did I want to. I made a conscious effort to remain detached from him. He could never take the place of either of his predecessors: not Joseph or William.

He pulled up beside the WeHo apartment building and he thought it must have been the wrong address.

“You sure this is the right place, Miss?”

I nodded silently and sat there a moment. It was covered in warning signs and construction debris. I got out and walked slowly to the gate. I wrapped my fist around the padlock. I was barred out of the place that had been my beginning, my empire.