Page 68 of Betrayed in Blood
“What can I do?”
“Nothing at this point. Perhaps something once we hear back from the mystery person and I decide on a plan.” He rubbed his hands together. “Shall we take a drive?”
“I have a jeep waiting.” She checked her watch. “We just had a shift change; the shifters should be in place by the time we arrive. We’ll start with the back of the property.”
They drove the perimeter, stopping occasionally for Simone to point out security cameras and perimeter sensors. Devon had to give her and their security chief credit for their creativity in the camouflage. Unless you knew they were there, physically ran into them, or had equipment to identify their energy output, most would walk past them.
When they arrived on a knoll overlooking the north side of the property, Simone stopped the jeep.
“We don’t expect an invasion from this side because of the gully. It’s not impossible, but it’s a hard run to the manor. We’ve increased the number of monitors and have two shifters that patrol this area at any given time. We’ll increase to three or four once the new pack joins us.
“You’ve done a marvelous job. Credit to both you and Decker on integrating the shifters, and the security chief as well for the additional tech.”
“The teams deserve most of the credit.”
“Of course, but I assume you’ve already cared for bonuses.”
“Yes.”
Devon scanned the landscape and breathed in the air, the scent thick with sage. It was a peaceful setting. The only sounds came from birds and Simone grinding her teeth.
He sucked in a sigh and kept an eye on a slow-circling hawk, searching for its next meal. “When are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”
She jerked at the question but didn’t look at him. “As you said, everything is coming along well.”
“And you know I’m not asking about Oasis.”
When she turned to him, the tips of her fangs showed. She began to say something, then closed her mouth and gazed into the distance.
He waited. It was important to take things slow with Simone when the topic became personal. It was a fifty-fifty chance she’d speak now. Otherwise, he’d have to try again after dinner.
They sat together for almost thirty minutes before Simone relaxed.
“I’ve been trying to reach a friend, but I haven’t heard back.”
“How long has it been?”
“Since I returned to Oasis.”
“Not very long. Not all vampires monitor their emails or texts often.”
She shook her head. “Not this vampire. He might be an ancient, but he stays on top of world news. An old habit.”
“So, a close friend.” If he was an ancient, it was most likely she’d known him for a long time.
“No. When I walked away centuries ago, it wasn’t on good terms. But I had a reason to contact him recently.”
She turned to him. “He’s the one that gave us Gheata.” When Devon nodded, she returned to gazing at the landscape. “He’d changed from the last time I’d seen him. This time we separated on good terms, or at least better than how it had been before.”
“Is there anyone you could contact that would know where he is?”
She gripped the steering wheel, her gaze unfocused. “No.”
“Give it some more time.”
“There’s not much else I can do with the lockdown.”
“Keep me posted if you don’t hear from him after a few more days.” He laid a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go back, have a nice dinner, and watch the sunset.”
