Ken crouched behind a black SUV parked a short distance from the Brownsons' estate, his eyes scanning the imposing gates and tall hedges that surrounded the property.
The mansion loomed like a fortress against the evening sky, its architectural elegance shadowed by the presence of uniformed security guards patrolling the grounds. Floodlights lit up the garden, casting long beams across the cobblestone driveway. The house was well-protected — too well-protected for someone like Ken to just stroll in.
He exhaled slowly, brushing a hand over his short beard, mind racing with options. "There's no way I'm getting through the front without triggering something," he muttered under his breath.
He observed for a few more minutes, watching the guards' patterns, their movements synchronized in a predictable rhythm. There was no way past them undetected. Unless...
A flicker of inspiration hit him.
