Page 20 of The Torturer's Target

“Alright, give my regards to Jack and my love to Hazel,” Max said as he dished the eggs out onto a plate.

“I’ll let them know. Don’t worry, Hazel and I will come to visit you soon.”

Max smiled. “Looking forward to it.”

“Goodbye!” The line went dead.

Max shook his head. Valerie had her hands full with Hazel. He looked up when the kitchen door opened, and Bose walked in.

“Boss, Harvey is here,” Bose announced, taking in the pleasant aroma that filled the kitchen.

Harvey Shaw was his chief of security. “Ah, great. Someone to share my toast with since you and Clinton are hell-bent on your jock lifestyle and can’t eat carbs,” Max said as he retrieved two mugs—one for himself and one for Harvey. “Send him in.”

A few minutes later, Harvey greeted his boss as he walked to the dining table, with Bose carrying two plates of his breakfast.

“Good morning, Harvey. Come on in and take a seat,” Max said with a smile, gesturing to the chair across from him. “I was just making breakfast, so you can join in if you’d like.”

Harvey gladly accepted the offer and took a seat. Max motioned for Bose to bring over the coffee, and he did so with a quick nod before standing at attention behind Max. The fragrance of freshly brewed coffee and cooked eggs filled the room, making Harvey’s mouth water.

“Thank you, sir,” Harvey said, taking a sip of his coffee. “This is great.”

Max smiled. “I’m glad you like it. So, what have you got for me?”

Harvey leaned forward, his eyes meeting Max's. “Everything is ready, sir. Rest assured that you’re going to be safe there.”

Max raised his eyebrows. The grand opening of their new hotel was in two days’ time in Massachusetts, and Max would be spending most of his time in The Cardel, his yacht. If there was going to be another attempt on his life, it would be on The Cardel or at the new hotel. That was the main reason Harvey was here today.

Max took a bite of his toast and scrambled eggs before asking. “What measures did you take?”

Harvey put down his coffee cup and leaned back in his chair. “I hired additional contractors, all with special forces experience. There will be a unit at the new hotel, and a team of twelve will be deployed on your jet and twenty-three on your yacht, sir.”

Max nodded, impressed. “Alright. Walk me through the security for The Cardel. How are you fortifying it against Tesiera Anderson. That woman is an expert.”

Harvey paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “With the help of the special surveillance and security team, we are setting a trap for her. We’ll be prepared for her, sir. We expect her to attack you in your hotel room or on the yacht, and that’s where we’ll get her.”

Max nodded in satisfaction, taking a bite of his breakfast. “What about Walker? I’m getting tired of his antics.”

“The additional contractors are aware of the threat Walker poses. They are running drills to prepare for Walker’s preference to attack you while you’re moving. I’m confident in their abilities to spot and neutralize any threat Walker throws your way,” Harvey replied.

Max sighed. “Just how many new men will be following my every step, exactly?”

“Five, plus Bose and Clinton. Seven total,” Harvey answered.

Max shook his head. “I can’t do that. You know I don’t like an entourage. It will only thrust me into the public consciousness and bring more danger to me.”

“Sir, Bose and Clinton are just two men. Though highly skilled, I believe you need more bodies to protect you at this treacherous time,” Harvey tried to convince him.

“Nope.”

“Okay, how about one additional guard for you, sir? That will bring you to three bodyguards.”

Max hummed thoughtfully, considering the offer. He had survived two major attacks on his life in as many weeks. Neither pursuer would give up their quarry. He could protect himself in normal circumstances, but this situation was now far from normal. He had no choice but to agree. “Alright then.”

“Excellent, sir. Thank you.” Harvey replied, relieved to have cleared this hurdle. “As for The Torturer, if she attacks you in Massachusetts, she will walk right into our trap.”

Max's lips twitched. If everything went according to plan, in two days, he would capture Tesiera Anderson. The hunter had no idea she had become the hunted.

CHAPTER 9. A MISSION IN MOTION.

---