Andrei arrives atfour-thirty for our regularly scheduled security briefing, settling into his usual chair with the kind of focused attention that means he has concerns to discuss. “Port operations are running smoothly,” he says, consulting his phone for notes. “The additional surveillance protocols caught two more attempts at interference, but nothing that required direct intervention.”
“Luca’s people?”
“Most likely. Same patterns and timing as the previous incidents. He’s testing our response times and mapping our security measures.”
I settle back in my chair with a scowl. Luca is patient in his approach to conflict. He won’t move against us directly until he’s confident in his intelligence about our operations.
“Any changes to our shipping schedules?”
“Minor adjustments to avoid the most obvious surveillance windows. Nothing that affects our bottom line.” Andrei sets his phone aside and looks at me directly. “There is something else. The estate’s perimeter security had a minor glitch last night.”
My attention sharpens. “What kind of glitch?”
“The south-facing cameras went offline for approximately ten minutes between two and two-ten a.m. The system logged it as a weather-related interruption, but the timing feels too precise.”
Ten minutes. Just long enough for someone to approach the house undetected, to plant surveillance equipment or assess entry points, or gather intelligence about our domestic security measures. “What were the weather conditions last night?”
He grimaces. “Clear skies, no precipitation, and minimal wind. Nothing that should have affected the camera systems.”
I exhale sharply. The cameras didn’t malfunction randomly. Someone with enough technical knowledge to make the interference look like a system glitch disabled them deliberately. “Increase the patrol frequency around the estate perimeter. I want guards checking the south approach every ten minutes, and I want those cameras inspected for any signs of tampering. Add a few more guards to the detail.”
“Yes, boss. I also want to discuss upgrading our domestic security protocols.”
“In what way?”
“Background checks on all household staff. Updated security clearances, enhanced monitoring of communications, and restrictions on access to certain areas of the house.”
The suggestion makes sense from a security standpoint, but it also means scrutinizing people who have worked here for years without incident. People like Carmen, who has never given me reason to doubt her loyalty. People like Mrs. Yranda, who manages the household like a drill sergeant.
People like Danielle, who overheard sensitive information and whose behavior has shifted in ways that suggest either guilt or fear. That knowledge can’t be ignored. “Run the background checks on any new hires from the last six months. Focus on anyone with access to areas where sensitive conversations might occur.” I pause, thinking about Danielle. I imagine this idea is his subtle way to point out we need to handle the potential situation without angering me by mentioning her specifically. I can’t disagree though I want to because he’s correct. “Keep monitoring Ms. Arden’s behavior. Note any further changes in her routine or attitude.”
He looks surprised that I mentioned her specifically. “Are there any new concerns?”
“Her behavior has been different since she heard part of our conversation.” I think about her pale complexion, her careful movements, and her sudden reluctance to work overtime. “Either she’s planning to use that information, or she’s afraid of the consequences of having it.”
“I could have a conversation with her to remind her about confidentiality agreements and make sure she understands the importance of discretion.”
The suggestion sends a surge of protectiveness through me. The thought of Andrei “reminding” Danielle about anything makes my hands clench into fists, but I relax and breathe in and out. It’s for the best if he handles it. “Do it but keep it subtle. A gentle reminder about the terms of her employment and nothing more.”
Andrei nods, making notes on his phone. “I’ll handle it carefully.”
“Make sure you do. We don’t want to create problems where none exist.”
He studies my face with thoroughness, having learned to read between the lines of my orders. “Are you sure that’s your only concern? Your personal involvement with this employee complicates the security assessment.”
I glare at him even though he has a point. My feelings for Danielle, whatever those feelings are, make it impossible to evaluate her objectively as a potential threat. I want to believe she’s innocent of any intention to harm us. That desire to protect her could be a fatal weakness if I’m wrong about her intentions.
“I’ll handle any personal complications appropriately,” I say finally. “In the meantime, increase security around the estate and monitor the situation. I want to know if her behavior changes further.”
After Andrei leaves, I sit alone in my office, staring out at the ocean while thinking. Luca is escalating his surveillance of our operations, testing our security measures in preparation for something more direct. The estate itself may be under observation with our domestic routines monitored for weaknesses.
In the middle of all this, Danielle is behaving like someone with secrets to hide. Has Luca gotten to her? That’s Enemy Takedown 101. Find a weak target inside your enemy’s stronghold and exploit it. If she’s desperate enough for money, or to get away from me…
The smart thing would be to remove her from the equation immediately. I should terminate her employment and arrangefor enhanced surveillance to ensure any threat she might represent is neutralized before it can develop.
I can’t bring myself to give that order.
Instead, I’ll watch and wait and try to determine if she’s planning to destroy everything I’ve built, if she’s simply a civilian caught in the crossfire of a war she doesn’t understand, or if her change in behavior is purely personal after our amazing sex and subsequent silence.
