“Rude. Allegra, do you want coffee?”
“Please. I won’t be long.”
“I will interrogate you,” Esther warned through the door.
“Where were you last night?” Allegra countered.
Silence.
“Maybe I’ll hold off on the questions. For now,” Esther said.
Dylan gave Allegra a thumbs-up sign and spoke into his phone. “How can I help you, Saber?”
“I’m helping you,” Saber said. “I spoke to Leo and Isabella. Isabella has loads of contacts in Europe. She told me to tell you she’ll meet you at the café for breakfast. She is helping Emily this morning.”
“That’s great. What time?”
“ASAP,” Saber said.
“Okay. Thanks, Saber. We appreciate it.” Dylan turned to Allegra, who was busy searching for something to wear since her clothes were in Esther’s room.
“Did you get that?”
“Yes. Is this Isabella trustworthy?”
“She’s married to one of Saber’s brothers. If Saber recommends we speak with her, I’m inclined to trust her. Saber wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
“I’ll need to do the walk of shame,” Allegra announced. “I need clothes.”
Dylan huffed out a breath. “Esther spent the night with Alex. At least, that’s what I assume. I should play the big brother card and ask her what she is doing hanging around with a leopard and sharing his bed.” He spoke loudly, and a wolfish growl resounded from the kitchen.
“I’ll wash and get dressed,” Allegra said. “Won’t be long.”
When Allegra entered five minutes later, Dylan and Esther sat at the table, hands cupping mugs of coffee. The radio played a lively song Allegra hadn’t heard before.
“Good morning.” She poured herself a coffee into the mug sitting ready for her.
“So, you and my brother, huh?” Esther said, waggling her brows.
“He’s very sexy. Very handsome and charming. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Thank you,” Dylan said.
“Oh, please.” Esther emitted a choking sound.
Allegra laughed and took her first sip of coffee. She lifted her gaze and stared out the window. “Before we leave for the café, I’d like to scout around the house. Last night, I had trouble sleeping and came to the kitchen for water. I didn’t turn on any lights, but I had a weird feeling that someone was watching me. It could’ve been my imagination.”
Dylan’s eyes narrowed, and he set down his coffee mug. “Let’s go check it out.” When Esther stood, too, Dylan halted. “Esther, maybe stay here and watch for anything suspicious. Whoever Allegra sensed might still be there. You can call the cops or Saber if we get into trouble.”
Esther’s expression turned serious, and she nodded. “Got it but be careful. Wait, take your phone with you.”
“It might be nothing,” Allegra said.
“And it may be something,” Esther said. “You and Dylan should investigate.”
“You thought someone was in the garden, near the kitchen?” Dylan asked.
“Yes.”
