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Stone fixed his penetrating gaze upon Madison. His steely eyes held a mix of determination and calm, a testament to his years of experience in handling high-stakes situations.
“Madison,” Paco acknowledged, his voice firm and commanding. And concerned.
Her breath released, relieved. She had mastermind Stone by her side, and Paco in her court. Reassurance was hand-delivered, but would it be enough?
Stone began analyzing the monitors, capturing various rooms in the house. “You have the feeds.”
“Yes,” Paco said studiously and calm. “There’s a man on the ground.”
“Dead,” Stone pronounced, definitively as he analyzed another monitor.
Seven readings registered on the screen—three in red, the rest in blue. Beside the blue ones, were chess piece names:Queen, Knight, Bishop, Rook, andEliminated. Each had a distinct pulse, except forEliminated. That one was flatlined. And the blue ones,Pawn 1, Pawn 2, andPawn 3.
“What are those?” Madison asked.
Stone pointed to each. “Queen. Stassi.Knightis Alex.Rookwould be Jordan.Eliminatedis the butler, Sterling. Had he been taken, his reading would change toCaptured. And the pawns are each of the infiltrators.”
“Because they’re expendable?” Madison asked.
“Because there’s usually someone pulling their strings.”
Madison studied it some more. “And Bishop?”
Stone nodded. “The bishop is the most cunning of the pieces. A wildcard lurking on the diagonals. Its unique, slanting path makes it a deceptive threat, slipping through defenses when least expected. Armed with subtlety, it’s not merely a piece to be played, but a silent strategist plotting its dance on the checkered stage.”
Madison blinked. “I wasn’t looking for a lesson in chess.”
“And I wasn’t providing one.” He rested a parental hand on her shoulder. “Bishop, my dear, is you.”
“Me?” She looked around. “But how are you reading my pulse? Or anyone’s pulse?”
He straightened the locket on her necklace and didn’t say a word.
He didn’t have to. Madison understood. “It measures biometrics.”
Paco chimed in. “We can read biometrics in any room equipped with our cutting-edge surveillance system. The mansion you’re standing in has it in spades. It can capture heart rate, body temperature, even minute facial expressions to gauge deception or emotional states. Your necklace, however, also has a tracker. As does Alex’s watch, Jordan’s ring, and Stassi’s bracelet.”
Madison looked down at the locket. That would be why Jordan said,Don’t lose it. Madison pushed a smile through her concern. “Thank you, I guess.”
“You’re welcome,” Stone and Paco said in unison.
“What happened to Jordan?” Stone demanded, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and authority. Which would make sense. He raised her like a daughter. A lethal, semi-psychotic but lovable one.
“I don’t know for certain. Jordan might have eaten the dessert. It seems like the secret ingredient in Stassi’s soufflé are sleeping pills. Alex mentioned she likes to drug desserts.”
As Madison spoke, he listened intently, his fingers gently brushing over the area where Stassi’s face filled the screen. His touch seemed almost protective, a subtle display of concern.
Stone’s features hardened briefly, a fleeting expression of affection crossing his face. “Of course, she does,” he muttered, his tone laced with resignation and regret.
Stone’s eyes narrowed as he processed the information, formulating a plan in his mind. His eyes met Madison’s. “Tell me more about Damian. When was he hired?”
“Just before the news announcement of my pregnancy.”
Stone rubbed his chin. “Why was he hired? You had enough protection.”
Madison explained. “Alex hired him when Maximillion had a family emergency. His uncle fell and needed hip surgery.”
Stone sucked in a breath. “What a coincidence.”
