She looks back once. Catches me watching from the lobby window. Smiles.
I nod because right now I’m not capable of smiling.
“Marcus.” I speak his name, activating the earpiece. “Status.”
His voice comes through crisp and clear. “I’m in position. Security center, sub-level two. I’ve got eyes on the cameras covering the pool area.”
“Any sign of Damien?”
“Nothing yet. Last location was his room.” A pause. Keys clicking. “Elena and Sofia just entered the pool area. Poppy’s joining the bridal party group near the cabanas.”
Poppy disappears from my line of sight. Even from here, Marcus’s intel is more precise than my own observation.
“Keep me updated. Every movement. Every anomaly.”
“Understood.”
Our connection ends, and I head toward the suite where Nathaniel is waiting, lounging on the sofa enjoying a glass of blood.
“The ladies have their orders?” he asks as I enter.
“Watch and wait. Engage only if Damien attacks.” I cross to the window. The pool is visible from here if I angle myself correctly—a flash of blue water, colorful umbrellas, the distant sound of laughter. “Marcus will be feeding us real-time intel on Damien’s movements from the security center.”
“Smart. Using the resort’s own infrastructure against him.”
“One advantage of owning the property.” I turn to face him. “The Council is watching, too. If we move first, we lose any protection their laws might offer.”
“The Council.” Nathaniel takes another drink. “You really think they’ll intervene?”
“I think they’ll use any excuse to consolidate power. Damien’s vendetta is personal, but if I kill him without justification, it becomes political.” I pull up the tactical display on my tablet. “I won’t give them that leverage.”
“So we let him get close enough to threaten her. Close enough to hurt her.”
“Close enough to damn himself. There’s a difference.”
“By the way, this is some of the best blood I’ve had out of a bag,” he pours himself another drink. “Very fresh. Would you like one?”
“I suppose I should.”
“You’ll need all the energy you can get,” he says as he hands me my glass.
“Another perk of owning LifeSource Medical.” I hold my glass up and toast him in the air. “I made sure the Bahamas were part of its expansion plans.”
I don’t waste time enjoying my drink as I polish it off. Other priorities demand my attention right now.
“You have to love it.” He follows suit. “Ah, fresh blood in a beautiful vacation spot. I’m glad someone finally realized we still need somewhere to relax.”
“I will not lie; it has been quite profitable having a hotel that can cater to our needs.”
Marcus comes through my earpiece. “Julian. Facial recognition just flagged something. East entrance. Male, approximately thirty years old, matching Damien’s build and gait pattern. Face was obscured. If it is him, he knows where the cameras are.”
“Of course he does.” I relay the information to Nathaniel. “Marcus, can you patch me into the pool feeds?”
“Sending them through now.”
I pull the feed up on my tablet and send it to the TV. “I’m in.”
Marcus again. “Julian, we have movement. East garden, near the service entrance. Same build, same gait. He’s circling the property, staying in the blind spots. He’s mapped every camera angle.”
