Page 19 of Until The Stars Don't Shine

“What do you suggest we do?” he asked Kane, turning from his daughter to avoid seeing the devastation in her eyes.

“I’d start with a detailed search of your property. I’d find where those photographs were taken from, and see if my dog can pick up anything they left behind that could lead us to them. Then, I’d get my team to set up a new security system around the property. Just on my short inspection alone, I discovered several blind spots. We need to eradicate those, have eyes on every corner of your home.”

“You mentioned interviewing my staff?” Stonewall’s tone had become resigned, knowing that his family was about to undergo intense upheaval.

Kane felt some sympathy for him. His own home — though small — was a haven to him, a private and necessary sanctuary where no one could intrude. The ocean helped to calm, while the peacefulness kept some of the terrors of war away.

He of all people knew how important it was to feel safe in your own home.

“Yes, I’d need to speak to all of them, not only your current security, but the maids, gardeners, everyone who works here. I’d also want details of any regular suppliers that are used.”

“Ruth has been with us for years, she’ll have that information for you.”

Kane nodded his thanks. “From now on, each of you will have to have your own security detail. You can’t step foot out of this house without a bodyguard. For the time being, you’ll also use our trained drivers instead of your usual ones.”

At this, Mandy balked. Uncrossing her legs, she moved to the edge of her seat. “Is that really necessary? Jose has been with me for a long time. I’m positive he wouldn’t have anything to do with this.”

“He might not, but he isn’t trained to deal with an emergency. You need drivers who know how to react if you are suddenly attacked.”

His words must have conjured up a vivid image in their minds as, other than Lexi’s eyes growing impossibly wider, there was no other kickback to his suggestion.

“What else?” Stonewall had moved to his wife and put his arm around her. She leaned into him, taking his strength as her own.

In that split second, Kane saw how connected the two were. Even after all these years together, they loved each other with a passion he wondered if he would ever feel.

“That’ll get us going for now.”

Stonewall looked at Mandy. Their gaze held for several beats, an unspoken dialogue going between them. Finally, Mandy nodded her approval. Turning his gaze to his daughter, he waited for her opinion. “What do you think?”

“I guess, if we have to do this, then he’s as good as any.”

Her response deflated Kane’s ego some. He hadn’t expected cheers and a parade, but some kind of recognition for his good work would have been nice.

“Then you have the job.”

“Good. I do have one thing I’d like to raise now, since all three of you are here.” He went on without waiting for their consent. “Wilson mentioned something about a party taking place in a few days’ time. Given the circumstances, I think it’s best if you postpone it. A party with the kind of numbers you are planning on will open up your home to hundreds, if not thousands, of people, each of those a potential opportunity for threat.”

“No,” Lexi answered, looking suddenly alarmed. “Absolutely not. It’s important that we go ahead with it. We’ve already spent months planning. It’s too late to cancel now.”

Kane was shocked by how willfully strong she was about this. Annoyance took hold of him. Given all that had occurred, how could she care so much about a party? That didn’t take long for her to show her true colors.

Mandy looked torn, wanting to please her daughter, yet needing to keep her safe. “Maybe we could postpone? Everyone will understand.”

“You think all those people who have lost everything will understand why we can’t inconvenience ourselves for them? What about their pets? You think they will understand?”

Her voice had turned sharp with feeling.

“Lexi… you know that’s not what she means.” Stonewall’s tone held a note of reprimand. No one lay into his wife, not even his own daughter.

“Am I missing something here? I thought this was just a birthday party?” Kane didn’t bother to hide how little he thought of the idea. Hollywood people had such strange notions about what constituted a life and death emergency.

“That’s just an excuse,” Lexi explained, pushing up her sleeves that were a little too long at the cuff. “It’s really to raise money for those who have been displaced by the wildfires and help fund the local animal shelters. They’ve been swamped recently.”

She went on to explain.

“Whatever families have been saved, haven’t been able to keep their pets with them in their new lodgings.”

Kane hadn’t read much about it in the news, but it made unfortunate sense. He stole a glance at Bud, sitting quietly beside him. His intelligent brown eyes met his.

---