“No. We’re subject to the laws of the state and, of course, federal law. Recreational marijuana is legal here. I own a dispensary.” A pause. “I say own, but it’s all in Gabe’s name under shell corporations. He doesn’t want to be associated with brothels. He thinks it’s bad for his image.”

I nodded. A minute later, buildings came into view. The closest one was a four-story square of brick and glass that sat isolated in its own space. The others looked to be about a quarter mile away. We passed a front entrance, and the driver pulled around the back, which I suppose was mutually beneficial. I didn’t want to see anyone, and I was sure that Chris didn’t want anyone to see me. Once the driver turned off the motor, he hustled to get the wheelchair out. I said, “I’d rather walk.”

“Whatever you want.” Chris turned to the driver. “You can fold that up.”

“Of course,” the driver said. “Anything else, sir?”

“No, we’re fine.”

Chris punched in numbers on a call box. The first door led us to a sally port. The second door could be accessed only with two keys after an iris or retinal eye-recognition-system scan. After it clicked, Chris opened the door and let me go through. We walked a few paces until we hit an elevator. That too required keys and eye recognition. Once inside, we rode the elevator to the third floor, and the door wouldn’t open until Chris punched in more numbers.

Finally, we were in a small anteroom with two doors. Chris said, “This one leads to a staircase that goes to Gabe’s room. It’s where your daughter is. I’ve got a guard outside her door and one inside while she has her lessons. It would take an army to get through to her.”

“Thank you so much for keeping her safe.”

“No problem. This door leads to my lair. No one goes in there ever. Well, Gabe was in there once or maybe twice while we were waiting for a doctor. But I took him downstairs to be treated. You are an exception.”

“I can stay with Juleen if you’d prefer.”

“I don’t prefer.” He punched in numbers on a keypad and looked at a camera. “Your god is a very jealous god.” He regarded me with flat eyes. “Besides, you need someone to tend to you. That’s not your daughter’s job.”

“Agreed. I just hate to invade your private space.”

“You’re not invading anything. I want you near me.” More keys, more biometrics, more punch panels. Security on security. This one used a thumb and eye system. Finally, a door as thick as a bank vault opened. He turned on overhead lights even though there was daylight inside.

I stepped over the threshold.

I was gobsmacked.