Page 151 of Scarlet Angel

BONUS EPILOGUE

SCARLET

Six Months Later

Vehicles line the road straight to the fountain. The sound of hammers and mechanical saws slice the spring morning with signs of renewal. The garage and the underlying tunnel were destroyed in the explosions, and a fire that ripped through the mansion left the stone façade and little else.

In true billionaire fashion, the way only someone without a budget could do, Nick set about restoring the estate, remaining true to the period of the home. The progress the restoration team has made is awe-inspiring, a testament to the power of a team motivated by the prospect of a substantial financial bonus.

Given most of the walls burned, the furniture and art destroyed beyond recognition, the interior was a blank slate. Nick wanted to hand the reins over to me. After resolving the issues with his global partners, he became obsessed with drones. He bought up a small drone start-up and sees the tech as an important component for ensuring European independence and stability.

As there’s a good chance many of my days will be spent in this country home, I’ve weighed in on plans. But at my urging, he let Lina loose with the interior design, and she’s found a passion. She’s enrolled in an interior design program, and she’s enthused.

“Is Lina meeting us here?” I ask Nick as he weaves around the parked cars and trucks.

“She said she’s got too much on her plate this weekend. A project of some sort due. But she wants us to message photos.”

I study him, searching for anger or concern. With his sister, he always anticipates the worst, but I’ve told him he’s got to believe in her and let her tread her own path. He can be near and help her if she falls, but he’s got to give her the space to conquer those demons.

“Are you worried?” I ask, choosing the direct approach.

Bright blue eyes meet mine for a brief second as he parks the SUV in a location that will block other vehicles from looping the circle.

“Not at all. Her sponsor says she hasn’t missed a meeting. She’s got one this afternoon.”

“Don’t park here.”

“Why?” He opens his mouth to argue, and I swat him.

“It’s my place,” he mumbles. “I can park where I bloody well like.”

“Won’t hurt you to be considerate.”

“I’m always considerate.”

I toss him a soft glare, and he half chuckles.

“To someone other than me.”

He pulls up and shifts to park.

“Your wish is my command.”

I roll my eyes as he comes around to my side of the vehicle and opens the car door, offering me his hand.

“Watch where you step,” he warns. “Nails.”

I do as he says, meeting the gaze of one of the security guards on the perimeter. I give the stern man a curt nod.

I’m uncertain if the abundance of security has to do with the upcoming trials where I will serve as a witness, or if it’s simply an ongoing precaution, but I’ve grown accustomed to their presence.

Shall we go inside? The sound of hammering and power saws fills the air. The front-facing facçde will largely remain unchanged, but inside it’s a thoroughly modern home.

“I’m going to go around back,” I say.

Ash approaches with four dogs hot on his heels, tails wagging. Ash survived the explosions, but not unscathed. His hearing took a hit, and he’s still in physical therapy. He recently returned to his post as head of security and lives in a neighboring home Nick purchased for him.

The three additional dogs with Ash are mine, and when I bend to greet them, I’m nearly plowed over by their exuberance.

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