“Give them hell, honey,” Rose said.
I planned to do just that. I walked into the house and away from the crowd. I headed into the kitchen, where I cleared out the staff. We now had privacy and could still watch the party.
I clasped my hands together, afraid I might strangle one, if not both.
“I need to set ground rules.”
Looks of relief crossed their faces, but that was about to disappear. “The next time either of you lies, I walk.”
They shared a confused look.
I turned to meet Maxwell’s eyes. “You led me to believe she was aware of the situation. She wasn’t. She wasn’t convincedthe threats were dangerous.”
“I’ve tried to shield her from the severity.” He raised a hand to his chest. “You have my word; it won’t happen again.”
“It better not.” I cleared my throat. “I want to meet with your security staff in the morning. I’ll be revamping your entire system to make your house a much harder target. I’d also like Cassandra and Rose to stay on the premises to help with Amelia’s and Petunia’s securitydetails.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” they both announced together.
“The only way to deal with the threat is to attack first. While your sister and niece have security thatI trust, I’m going to dig deeper into the person who’s sending the threats. If I can find them, I can neutralize them.”
They both stared at me, and the silence loomed.
“Okay then,” I said, rubbing my hands together. “Now thatwe have that covered… Counselor, you’re my date to the rehearsal and the wedding if I haven’t found the perp by then.”
“You think you can find him in less than a week?” Max asked.
I couldn’t help the “Are you serious?” sigh I made.
“Why him?” Carter asked. “No one would blink twice if I bring a mysterious, beautiful woman to the party. The guests wouldn’t even ask questions. Max is married to his work. They’ll notice if he brings a date.”
“He’s already played this game with me before,” I said, stepping around them. I stopped at the door. “I need full itineraries on both of you and a place for Rose and me to sleep. Cassandra will play sleepover in Petunia’s room for the remainder of our time here.”
****
I walked the perimeter with both Rose and Cassandra separately after all the party guests left. We each took our time looking for entry points and flaws in the security, and we’d found enough to warrant replacing the entire design and system. I sat in one of the dining room chairs with the house plans I’d pulled that morning open in front of me. I took a picture with my phone and fired off a text.
Ms. D., We need a full security reboot. Send the team in the morning with everything we’ve got. There are too many blind spots we can’t watch.
Already planned on it, dear.
“Of course, you have.” I slid the phone into my pocket and glanced up to find Max watching me. The way his blue eyes caressed me without a single touch, with a single word, made me all tingly. He might not be the brother that touched my pulse point, but he was definitely the one that was making it jump.
“Am I interrupting?” Max asked.
“Nope, I’m going over some last-minute plans. I’m not officially on the clock until morning. What can I do for you, Counselor?”
“Max,” he corrected.
“Counselor or Mr. Pierce, while I’m working. Take your pick.”
“You didn’t have a problem saying my name when I gave you a taste of promises yet to come.”
Heat claimed my body, but I didn’t answer.
“What are you going to call me at the rehearsal dinner and party?”
“I’m sure I’ll come up with something,” I said, picking up the present I’d wrapped in pink paper with a pretty ribbon wrapped around it. “I could always be inconspicuous and mingle around the guests.”
