Cormac pressed a code from a piece of paper he’d pulled from his pocket, and an eight-foot iron gate began to slide to the right. Huge stone columns flanked both sides, several others breaking up the heavy fencing on both sides of the driveway.
As soon as the gate was all the way open, he rolled through and I was struck by the landscaping.
It was pristine with trees on both sides hiding other properties. The turf was lush, green, and thick, patterned by a perfect cut made by a lawnmower. And the house itself was gothic in architecture, a conical roof in slate perfectly highlighting the single turret in the front. Somewhat rustic in appearance, it reminded me of ancient homes I’d seen built in part of Europe.
The setting was private and hopefully perfect to accommodate my guest.
She took a deep breath and with the way her eyes were darting back and forth, I could tell she was debating whether to answer me. “I’ve been by this house before.”
Given the location, I doubted she’d accidentally found herself in Scarsdale, which begged the question of why she’d been here. That would come soon enough after we were settled.
She barely waited for Cormac to slide the gear into park before letting herself out of the SUV.
“Mr. Aristov?” Dante asked. In his youthful exuberance, he was completely amused by the light bantering.
“Don’t worry, Dante. I’ll handle her. Is everything I need already inside?”
Cormac shifted so he could look me in the eye. “As much as possible, although the bulk of the food won’t arrive until in the morning. I did what I could, but I couldn’t manage to bump the delivery.”
He was nervous I’d be angry. “We’ll make do. What about the computer and security system?”
“You have a communications room on the second floor that has a complete security system already installed with the house. There are twelve cameras including two on the pool and tiki bar with automatic security lighting should anyone breach the perimeter at night. Either day or night, if the system is armed, I’ve programmed your phone number, so you’ll automatically receive a text if anyone is within twenty-five yards of the property. In addition, there are interior cameras over every door. It would seem the former owner had been concerned about guests leaving without giving their thanks.”
“Excellent.” Chuckling, I watched as Vivian moved down the line of the house, shielding her eyes as she stared at the upper floor. What was she doing, checking for a way out? “I assume the alarms will also go off if anyone tries to escape.”
Both men grinned. “Of course,” Cormac answered. “The computers are state of the art allowing you access to all of the boss’s data systems throughout the world, which should be similar to what you’re used to. Of course you also have access to the justice department’s database as well should you find the need to check on various criminals. Don’t worry, the firewall is very secure. Nex to the communications room is a library where you’ll find access to a hidden room housing weapons and other combat supplies.”
“With the Pakhan’s advice, Dimitri made certain your favorite weapons were stocked inside, although the timing was short, but I think you’ll find what you’re used to,” Dante added.
“Nice.” I had to admit that I was impressed with what had been accomplished in a short timeframe. While the style of house wasn’t necessarily what I’d purchase myself, so far, the accommodations could ease the pain of not being home for a lengthy duration. “And transportation?”
“You’ll find two vehicles of choice plus a motorcycle inside the detached four-car garage. Keys are in the kitchen.”
“Everything I need.” With one exception. The identity of the Ghost. “That’ll be all for the day but make arrangements for the top soldiers to attend a meeting at the hotel tomorrow morning at nine. If anything occurs in my absence, I need to know immediately. Are there any updates on when Dimitri is returning to New York?”
I sensed my guest was growing impatient by the way she’d tossed more than one look toward the SUV, now heading toward the side of the house. What was the woman hiding? I’d seen not only contempt in her eyes, but the kind of hesitation indicating she’d had an unpleasant experience in the small village.
Discovering all her dirty little secrets would be highly pleasurable.
“Late tomorrow,” Dante said. “He found a piece of property he’s considering purchasing.”
“Interesting. What about the owners of this house? When are they due back from Europe?”
“It doesn’t matter. The house was purchased by the corporation,” Cormac answered.
“Dimitri?”
He shook his head, acting surprised I didn’t know. “No, the Pakhan.”
With a heavy sigh, all I could do was nod. The near assassination had rattled the hell out of Kazimir. I couldn’t blame him, but soon I’d need to tell him America was no Disneyland. “Keep me informed. Do some informal and cautious snooping at the hospital where she works. I need to know if anyone noticed anything out of the ordinary, including the police who were there last night. Also ask around about our lovely doctor. I need to know who she is from a professional point of view.”
I’d discover the facts about her life as far back as possible, but that would only provide a portion of the story. I needed to learn everything about her. Every nuance. Every desire. Every friend she’d ever made and boyfriend tossed aside.
“Yes, sir.” Cormac grinned. From what I knew about the man, this was right up his alley.
“I’ll get the bags. Your things were already dropped off since you took a little longer than originally planned.” Dante’s comment brought a cold, hard look from me.
Yes, I’d taken much longer than I’d intended. “May I suggest you remember who you’re talking to.”
