Page 73 of Betrayed in Blood
Now, we’d find out. But when he asked the question about the uproar, I wasn’t going to go first. I wasn’t cadre, and it was times like this, I was happy I wasn’t. So, I crossed my arms across my chest—defensive much—and put on a smile, knowing Ginger had my back and, surprisingly, Bella’s and Lucas’s.
Who knew?
It was a control issue, and Sergi was all about control, especially where security was concerned. I couldn’t blame him. At least, I’d considered contacting him before replying to the mysterious text. If I’d considered it rationally at the time, and not after I don’t know how many drinks, I might have realized I’d been searching for my own control. It was my father, my history, my family.
But what done was done, and now I’d face the repercussions.
When silence was Devon’s only answer, I was surprised when Sergi glanced at me. Was he expecting me to explain it?
Devon was an astute vamp, and it didn’t take him long to see the glares between his head of security and me. He turned his chair to look out the window. Great. He was going to wait us out.
Sergi smiled. God, he knew how much that irritated me. Like he’d won or something.
“I received a return text last night, and I responded without asking Sergi,” I blurted out. “So, now he’s pissed at me.”
Devon let a few minutes slip by before asking. “Sergi, do you have the transcript of the text exchange?”
“Yes.”
“Please read it back for everyone.”
Sergi glanced down at his tablet. Apparently, he’d been ready for the request. I hated to admit it, but the vamp was good at his job.
Once the conversation had been shared, Devon, the back of his chair still facing us, said, “So we have a couple of days before they expect another response.”
I didn’t think it was a question, and the cadre didn’t respond. I glanced at Lyra, who had on her serene “I’m just here because it’s expected, but I’d rather be painting” face on. No help there.
Colantha was reading something on a tablet. Was she still reviewing texts? I still couldn’t get used to her working with technology. For some reason, I was still expecting her to roll out sheets of papyrus.
I didn’t and wouldn’t look at Ginger. It was impossible to ignore her silent snickers at the entire situation.
“Remind me again,” Devon said. “When’s the next time Willa goes for her hair or spa appointment? And which one is it that she has lunch with her friends afterward?”
I was surprised by the question since we’d talked about it yesterday, and Sergi had already prepared a surveillance team to monitor both locations. Was his discussion with Simone bothering him, or something else? “Her hair appointment is tomorrow, followed by lunch with her friends. Her spa day is on Thursday.”
“Bella, what do you have regarding the estate?” Devon leaned over and moved a clay sculpture, then relaxed in his chair, putting his feet on the shelf.
“The estate sits too far back to see from the road. There’s limited activity and, as we expected, when someone leaves or arrives, it’s impossible to know who’s inside the vehicle. The driver sometimes has their window down. I’ve only seen it happen twice, and it’s been the same white male. If I had to guess, I’d say vampire, but that’s only speculation.
“We drove down the alley that runs behind the back of the estate. There are two gates. One rolls back, allowing a vehicle or truck to enter, and there’s a single man-sized gate a few feet from that. There are security cameras on both.”
“Sergi, anything on the security system?”
“The aerial view matches Bella’s report with security cameras at all gates. According to the security records, there’s a security system in the house for the windows and doors. Cameras are located outside the house at each door in addition to the ones at the gates. They send a patrol car through the neighborhood four times a day, two of those during the evening.”
“We haven’t been watching long enough to know if the security patrols are consistent in the timing of their drive through the neighborhood or if they change it up,” Bella added.
“Any men stationed outside?” Devon asked.
“Not according to the aerial footage,” Sergi said. “But that doesn’t tell us anything.”
I would have added something, but Sergi and Bella seemed to have it covered. Of course, it had been almost a year since I’d been there, and if someone else was controlling the estate other than my mother, it was anyone’s guess what changes had been made.
“Cressa, you used to meet April when Underwood was out of town. I believe you met her at the pool house.”
His statement shocked me. I told him that months ago. Who was I kidding? He was a vamp. Solid memory recall when it suited him, which only made me wonder why he didn’t seem to remember which days my mother went to her appointments.
“I went over the wall. There are a couple places where the trees grow close, and they’re easy enough to climb. I’m obviously out of touch with any security updates, but Christopher was lax in his security, always depending on the tech. From what Sergi shared, it doesn’t sound like anything has changed, but I’d need to see the report. If there aren’t guards walking the property, then it’s not any more secure than places I’ve robbed.”
