"Do that." I head back toward the exit. "And Margot? Increase security on the private rooms. No maintenance access without you or Remy present. And I want updated entry logs sent to me daily until this threat is neutralized."
"Done." She walks me out to my vehicle. "Luc? Keep her safe. Simone's... she's complicated, but she doesn't deserve this."
"I know." I load the evidence into the SUV. "That's why I'm not letting anything happen to her."
The drive back to the estate takes longer than usual in rush hour traffic. I spend the time coordinating with Andy via phone, arranging for the cameras to be processed for forensic evidence. Fingerprints, serial numbers, anything that might identify the purchaser.
By the time I pull up to the guest house, the sun is starting to set. I check my phone before heading inside. No alerts from the security system, no messages from Simone indicating problems. The operative I posted sends a quick text:
All quiet. She's been working upstairs. No issues.
She followed the command this time. Stayed put like I ordered.
I dismiss the operative with a nod when I enter, and he heads out without a word. Simone's in the kitchen when I find her, tea steeping on the counter.
"Found five cameras." I set my equipment bag on the counter. "All professionally installed, all positioned for maximum coverage of your scenes. We're processing them for forensic evidence now."
Her face pales. "Five cameras?"
"Three rooms, multiple angles." I move to the coffee pot, needing the caffeine after hours of detailed technicalwork. "Whoever planted them had access, time, and technical knowledge. We're narrowing the suspect pool based on that criteria."
"You'll find them." It's not a question, but there's hope beneath the words. Like she needs to believe I can stop this before it escalates further.
"I'll find them. But it takes time, Simone. Investigation, evidence processing, eliminating suspects until we identify the right target. And while that's happening, you need to trust me enough to follow protocols that keep you safe."
"I stayed here." She sets down her tea. "Like you commanded. Followed your operative's instructions. Even when the walls started closing in again, I stayed."
"I know. And that took strength. Real strength, not the performance version. I see that." I pause. "And you followed protocols even with someone watching you. That matters."
The careful control cracks. Exhaustion shows in the tight lines around her eyes, and the fear she's been holding at bay all afternoon.
"I keep thinking about that email," she admits. "Tonight you sleep alone. Tomorrow you won't. Like they're planning something specific. Like they know exactly when they're coming for me."
"They're trying to destabilize you. Psychological warfare. Make you feel vulnerable and exposed. That's how stalkers operate when they're building toward physical action. They want you scared, isolated, convinced that no one can protect you."
"It's working." The admission comes out quiet. "I am scared."
"Being scared is normal." I reach out, tilt her chin up so she has to look at me. "Being scared doesn't mean you're powerless."
The pulse in her throat hammers visibly. Her pupils dilate slightly as I hold her gaze.
"I don't feel brave." She doesn't pull away from my touch. "I feel like I'm falling apart and barely holding it together."
"You're holding it together fine." My thumb brushes her jawline. "Handling video conferences, running your company, learning to follow protocols that go against every instinct you have. That's not falling apart."
"Is that what you call this?" But there's something else in her voice now. Less fear, more awareness of how close we're standing.
"That's what I call learning to trust someone else's control when your own control isn't enough." I drop my hand, step back before I close the distance entirely. "And you're doing better than you think."
My phone buzzes before she can respond. I pull it out, check the notification.
Email alert. Sent to Simone's account thirty seconds ago.
Subject line:Did you like your new cage?
I open the email, feel my jaw tighten at what I find. Another photograph, this one showing Simone through the guest house window last night. She's visible inside, standing in her room in her silk pajamas, completely unaware she's being watched.
The text overlay is new.
