"How long?"
"Couple hours at most." I send the text to Remy, get an immediate confirmation. "Derek will be here in ten minutes. You stay upstairs until he arrives and I clear him with you."
"Yes, Sir." The words come automatically now. Less resistance, more acceptance.
"Good girl." Her shoulders stiffen. But she doesn't look away.
Derek arrives on schedule. Former Marine, solid tactical background, knows how to maintain a perimeter without being intrusive. I brief him at the door, then bring him inside so Simone can see who's protecting her.
She appears at the top of the stairs, assesses him the way she probably assesses new executives. Derek nods respectfully but doesn't speak. Good. He understands his job is security, not conversation.
"I'll be back soon," I tell her. "Follow his instructions the same way you'd follow mine."
"Yes, Sir."
The drive to the operations center cuts through afternoon traffic. Rapier Strategic's third-floor office overlooks the Warehouse District, two floors above Dominion. The tactical briefing runs tight and efficient. Remy sits across from me, tablet open, while I map security protocols for tonight's op.
"Multiple cameras were recovered from three private rooms." The photos come up on screen. "Professional-grade equipment with wireless transmission and sophisticated installation. Andy's running forensics now—serial numbers, purchase records, anything that traces back to the buyer."
"Timeline on results?" Remy asks.
"He's pushing for tonight, but realistic estimate is tomorrow morning." The file closes. "Either way, we're moving forward."
"Margot's security upgrades?"
"Enhanced surveillance in hallways and common areas. Restricted access to private rooms with keycard tracking. Security personnel at every entrance." I meet his gaze. "Military-level op."
"Good." Remy leans back. "Suspect pool?"
"Julien LaSalle is primary. Banned from Dominion months ago after attempting to force a scene Simone didn't consent to. Obsessive behavior, boundary issues." The file comes up. "Andhe's connected to Armand’s company—his law firm represents the exploration division. Regular contact, access to company information."
"Corporate and personal working together."
"Looks that way." The file closes. "We also have the HVAC tech who had access months back. And the member pool—limited suspect list who could have booked those specific rooms during installation. Andy's working that angle."
Remy studies me. "You're using Simone as bait."
"I'm drawing out a threat under controlled conditions. She's protected."
"While you scene with her in a private room."
I hold his gaze. "While I find out if she can actually submit. If her surrender is real or just another performance." The words come out harder than intended. "I need to know if she trusts me enough to follow commands when it matters."
Remy leans back, studying me with that look that says he sees straight through the operational framing. "You want her."
Not a question.
"Yes."
"And you're mixing that with the op."
"Her ability to surrender impacts her safety." I keep my voice level. "If she can't follow commands without hesitation in that room, she won't follow them in a crisis."
"That's one way to justify it." Remy doesn't look away. "The other way is you want to claim her and you're using the op as cover."
The words land because they're true. I want her submission. Not just for the tactical advantage. For myself.
"Both can be true."
