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“Then I’ll expect full service while I’m lounging in the chaise,” she purred.
Jeremy bowed. “I am at your service. You know, this big lug and I used to do everything together.”
I gave him a hard look, stepping in front of her. “You lay a single finger on her and you die.”
“He’s so touchy with his possessions. Come on. Let’s get you settled and something to drink.”
While Isabella started to follow him, I hung back, and I wasn’t certain why. Perhaps because until I knew both the strengths and weaknesses of a house, I wasn’t comfortable. If there were any blind spots, I wanted them plugged.
I checked the front door, noticing there were two locks, one of which couldn’t be toggled from the outside. The windows seemed to be reinforced, not bulletproof but unless the assassin was standing directly outside, the glass would at least slow the trajectory of a bullet. The locks on every window in the front of the house were sufficient. When I peered out one, I noticed a camera high up in the eaves. Surveillance. Excellent.
After the initial investigation, I felt more secure. I found them in the kitchen, Jeremy immediately sliding a glass across the island in my direction. “I can see nothing has changed with you.”
“Meaning what?” I grabbed the glass, frowning. What the hell was he getting at?
He threw Isabella a look. “This was the man who triple checked everything before we went on a mission. He made notes, reading them well into the middle of the night. And when we returned, God help the men who he considered had fucked up. They didn’t hear the end of it for days. They didn’t call him Cobra ‘cause of his good looks. It was because he snapped like a damn viper.”
“Very funny,” I hissed.
“Very accurate,” she added.
“Seriously though. You’ve obviously noticed one of the cameras. Right?” he asked.
I nodded, powering back half the drink, the smooth taste exactly what I needed.
“There are sixteen located around the exterior including two on the wall by the cliff leading to the water. There’s a basement access with a secret passage leading to another exit a full mile away. That was here when Sofia bought the house. Ammunition is stored in a separate room. Given the world of technology she’s involved in, there’s an office that has been beefed up with additional satellite and other communications equipment. I also have connections to various organizations that allow me to find pretty much any information on folks you’d care to learn.” His eyes were twinkling as he reeled off the only amenities I cared about.
“What else?”
“You’re never satisfied,” he snorted. “The security system is foolproof, trip wires located throughout the grounds and on every window and door. It cannot be tampered with. Trust me. I’ve tried, although not as a test of the system.”
I lifted my eyebrow. “Keep going.”
“What else do you want?” he laughed, lifting his glass. “To the man most likely to save the world.”
“To the man most likely to fuck all the women in it. Sorry for being crass,” I told her.
“Don’t mind me. I’m fascinated.” She leaned against the island, sipping her glass of wine.
“For the lady. We have a pool and hot tub. There’s a wine cellar in the basement and the two refrigerators are stocked. Liquor cabinet as well. There’s a selection of movies and music in the media room and I know Sofia likes to read books, so you’ll find something you like in her library.”
Jeremy was enjoying this, but I sensed whatever his relationship was with Sofia had less to do with romance and more about combining needs.
“This is more like a vacation. I may never leave.” She gave me a sly look.
My friend’s smile faded. “I wish that’s all it was. Look. I purchased a few things for a more permanent disguise. You’ll find them in the bedroom. I didn’t know what size you wore, but I bought a few items of clothing with the limited time I had. Maybe you’d like to go freshen up. You’re taking Sofia’s room.”
She gave him a sly look. “My cue to leave. Just show me the bedroom and I’ll be on my way.”
“Right this way, my dear.”
Isabella glanced over her shoulder just before Jeremy led her from the room. Sighing, I headed toward the bank of kitchen windows, staring out at the tumultuous ocean. It was obvious my friend had been busy over the last few years.
Whether or not this was a good idea remained to be seen, but I was hopeful being here would buy us some time. When I heard him returning, I shifted to face him.
As he walked back into the kitchen, he had a sheepish look on his face. “She’s somethin’.”
“She’s my mark.”
