Page 64 of Born a Queen

"She does that every single time she walks past a camera, whether it's the camera at the front entrance, the back entrance, or the offices, where we also had cameras installed. She knows exactly what she's doing."

Vee frowned thoughtfully. "But what exactly was she doing? And did she accomplish what she set out to do? I assume she's been in the wind since suspicions were raised?"

"Si, yes," Angela nodded, using both English and Spanish as she spoke rapidly. "Raina was careful when speaking to Daniela, but it was clear that she was suspicious. And the woman is skittish. Probably from the moment she was caught in Mateo's bedroom, she decided her time here was done. As for her intentions? We don't know. We need to determine her identity first."

"Replay the footage for me, different angles please." Vee leaned in closer to the monitor and watched as Daniela walked past the camera over and over and over.

There was a familiarity about her. The way she walked, elegant but purposeful. The way she looked over her shoulder and surveyed her surroundings. The woman's posture. Her clothes, her shoes, her jewelry. Everything seemed to be carefully coordinated. The woman was almost militaristic with a side of elegance. Raina would bet the Venezuelan compound that she knew this woman personally. But how? And when?

"Thank you for showing me this. If you get in trouble with Mateo, let me know. I’ll set him straight.”

Angela shook her head and gave Vee a reassuring smile. "You were kind to me in Venezuela. You showed me how powerful a woman could become. You showed me that a woman could embrace her femininity and still be a total badass. I've always looked up to you and I don't agree with the way Mateo treats you. But that’s between you and him. As far as I'm concerned, you and I are friends."

Vee smiled a heartfelt genuine smile. "Thank you. I will treasure our friendship. If you’re ever in need of help, you come to me."

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