Page 49 of Playing with Fire

The interior of The Sentinel made my tech-loving brain short-circuit. The foyer alone was bigger than the trailer I'd shared with Wattson, with ceilings that soared two stories high and a floating staircase that seemed to defy physics. Smart panels were integrated seamlessly into the walls, controlling everything from lighting to security with the touch of a finger.

"Jesus," I whispered, mentally calculating how many years of my salary it would take to afford just the security system.

"Enjoying Algerone's blood money?" Xavier's voice was low, for my ears only.

"Actually, I was counting the surveillance devices," I replied, eyes tracking the nearly invisible seams in the ceiling. "Seven, just in this room."

Something in Xavier's expression softened minutely. "Eight. There's one in the light fixture."

"Show-off," I nudged him, relieved when one corner of his mouth twitched upward.

The moment of levity faded quickly as I remembered why we were here. Two fires in one week. Someone was targeting us—targeting me—with escalating violence. First my trailer at the Dogs' compound, then the funeral home. Phoenix wasn't just sending a message anymore; they were trying to destroy everything Xavier cared about.

Maxime led us through a maze of corridors, each more impressive than the last. I tried to memorize the layout, old habits from my Army days kicking in automatically. Always know your exits. Always have an escape route planned. The east wing connected to the main house through a gallery lined with abstract art that probably cost more than my entire education.

"Here we are." Maxime stopped before a set of double doors at the corridor's end. He pressed his palm to a biometric scanner, then stepped aside. "The system will need to register your biometrics for door access. All security functions can be controlled from the panel inside."

Xavier went first, reluctantly pressing his hand to the scanner. The light flashed green, and his name appeared on a small display. I hesitated before following suit. Something about surrendering my biometric data to Algerone's systems made my skin crawl, but what choice did I have?

The scanner hummed while reading my palm. "Leonardo Astrada, access granted," announced the system.

Maxime nodded with satisfaction. "The suite has been stocked with everything you might need. Mr. Etremont wants to ensure his son's comfort during this difficult time. However, should you need anything further, you can contact me by speaking directly to Chance."

"Who's Chance?" I asked.

He sprouted a smug smirk and tapped something on his tablet. "Chance, please say hello and introduce yourself."

"Good morning, Mr. Laskin, Mr. Astrada. I am Chance, the integrated artificial intelligence system designed to manage The Sentinel's operations and ensure your comfort and security," a voice responded from everywhere and nowhere at once. The sound was distinctly male but with an undefinable accent that was precise and warm without being overly familiar.

Xavier's entire body tensed, eyes darting to the ceiling and walls, searching for the source.

"I manage all environmental controls, security protocols, and amenities within The Sentinel," Chance continued. "My primary function is to anticipate and fulfill your needs while maintaining optimal security parameters. I'm programmed with complete confidentiality protocols regarding all residents."

"Is he always listening?" I asked, unable to keep the unease from my voice.

"Chance operates on a continuous monitoring basis," Maxime explained, "but personal data is compartmentalized with strict access protocols. Mr. Etremont values privacy highly."

"That's rich coming from him," Xavier muttered.

“Residents can activate privacy mode in any room by simply saying 'Chance, activate privacy mode' or using the control panels,” Chance continued happily. “During privacy mode, all audio monitoring is suspended, though critical security functions remain active."

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "And what exactly constitutes 'critical security functions'?"

"Motion detection, thermal imaging, and perimeter monitoring," Chance replied without hesitation. "No audio or visual data is recorded from within the room during privacy mode, but the system continues to monitor for potential threats such as unauthorized entry, fire, or other environmental hazards."

Maxime cleared his throat. "Perhaps you'd like to explore your accommodations? I have matters to attend to, but Chance can answer any questions you might have."

Xavier waved him off without looking at him. "We'll manage."

The doors slid open at our approach, revealing a space that made me momentarily forget everything else. The suite was larger than any apartment I'd ever seen, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a view of dense forest that somehow managed to feel both exposed and completely private at the same time. I knew instantly the glass had to be one-way and bulletproof, probably with some kind of electronic tinting.

"Holy shit," I whispered as the doors closed behind us, leaving Maxime on the other side.

The living area alone was huge, with sleek furnishings that somehow managed to look both modern and comfortable. A massive screen dominated one wall, surrounded by built-in shelving filled with books, games, and tech I couldn't even identify from a distance.

"Chance, privacy mode," Xavier said immediately, his voice tight.

"Privacy mode activated," Chance confirmed.

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