Page 64 of Hunted Temptation
I don’t know why I’m here at all, though. I can see four cameras focused on me just from where I’m sitting inside my car. Maybe they don’t like the current service, but I find it oddthat they would even call me out here if they already have a service. We’re not typically a monitoring company.
We set shit up for people to monitor on their own. The only place we monitor full-time is the Night Devils MC, and that’s just because of a deal we made with them and not because we want to. But I’m wondering who the fuck this person is and what the fuck they want.
The gate opens, and I shift the car intoDrivebefore I move forward. The drive isn’t too long until I reach a circular driveway. Pulling up, I shift the car intoParkand turn the engine off. I open the driver’s door, unfold from the car, and look ahead at the brick building.
The front door of the house opens, and a woman stands in front of me. She’s beautiful, albeit she appears frail. She’s petite with long dark hair and lifts her hand into a wave as she smiles at me from across the drive.
Moving toward the house, I close the distance between us as I extend my arm, holding out my hand to shake hers. “Hello, I’m Vaughn McCrae from Securus.”
She doesn’t speak immediately, her frail hand slipping into mine as she gives me a weak shake. She’s smaller up close than she was from a distance. Her features are sunken in, and it’s clear she’s not been eating enough, though I’m not sure for how long. Could be months, could be decades. Hell if I know.
The woman’s hand falls from mine as she shifts to the side. For a moment, I think that maybe she’s a maid or something, the way she holds out her hand for me to pass through the doorway.
I move through and stop in the foyer. This is an odd encounter already, and it makes me feel uneasy. I’m not sure what is happening here, but I don’t like any part of it. I don’t say that, though. In an effort to remain completely professional, I give her a small smile and dip my chin in a single nod.
“My husband would like to have the home under surveillance,inside and out.” The last three words are said in a whisper.
My brows snap together, not because I have a problem with the surveillance aspect of this, but more because I think she might have a problem with it. I don’t say that, though. I’m not going to say a word until I can be sure of what the fuck is going on here.
“Every room?” I ask.
She opens her mouth, but a man’s voice echoes from somewhere else in the house before she snaps her lips closed and dips her chin, her gaze quickly moving to the floor. Turning my head, I watch a man move down the spiral staircase. And if I weren’t so concerned about what the fuck is going on here, I could appreciate the grandiosity of this mansion.
The man makes his way toward me, his eyes dark and sharp. He’s like every cocky man in power that I’ve ever come across, and I’ve come across a lot. I don’t know if he’s just a dick or if he’s one of those sick fucks.
I don’t make a judgment about him, at least not until I’ve had some kind of conversation with the guy. Although I am judging him a bit, based on the way his wife has completely shut the fuck down at his presence. He could be just a cocky, egotistical dickhead… hell if I know.
“I’m Lucius Tannon,” he announces.
Cocky fucker.
My lips press together in a tight smile, and I keep my gaze focused on his. If I look away or appear intimidated, a man like this will pounce. And I’m not that man, never could be.
“My name is Vaughn McCrae. I noticed that you already have the entrance under surveillance. I assume the rest of the outside is as well. Do you want me to do both inside and out? Or just inside?” I ask.
I’m assuming he didn’t give the exact details to Theron. Otherwise, he would have told me before I got here. Theron doesn’t really give half information. He’s thorough. If he’s got it, he’ll give it.
“The current system was set up by the previous owners. My wife and I just moved in here a month ago. I want all their shit gone. I want mine in its place and add the interior.”
Dipping my chin in a single nod, I turn to the formal sitting room that is on the right, then shift my attention back to meet his. “Do you have any areas of concern?” I ask.
He hums. “Every single room. I want every square inch of this house visible. Zero blind spots.”
That does not give me a good feeling. “Bathrooms?”
“Bathrooms,” he confirms.
What the fuck?
Instead of asking him that, I jerk my chin in his direction. “Shall I get started outside and then knock when I’m ready to do the inside?” I ask.
I’m trying to stay cool with this, but I don’t like it at all. Lucius gives me a smirk, then turns and walks back up the stairs. He snaps his fingers, and I watch the woman sprint to follow behind him.
The moment I step outside, I take my phone out of my pocket and text Theron.
SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS LUCIUS TANNON?
THERON: DO I NEED TO SEND HALE OVER?
