She shook her head. “I just need to start learning my way around the lake and my neighbors’ properties. I’m looking at maps, of course, but it isn’t the same thing as actually going places and seeing where everything is with my own eyes. Maps aren’t always correct, especially if they’re old.”
“You have plenty of time,” Leone said. “Are you planning on working from home? I thought you’d decided not to take rotations as a rider. At least, that was what Elie indicated.”
Brielle wasn’t certain why she felt ashamed in front of the two men. They were Ferraros. Cousins of the Ferraros, but Ferraros. Riders were guarded fiercely. They were considered the most necessary of all family members because they kept everyone safe. There were very few of them and they dedicated their entire lives to being riders. A rider rarely chose whom they were able to marry; they led a life of duty. They certainly didn’t get to say they didn’t want to take rotations when they were needed. Everyone knew all capable riders were needed.
Brielle looked down at her nails. She kept them short, rarely put on more than a clear color, although sometimes, she liked to paint them dark red when she was in a mood. She felt moody now, but she wasn’t certain why. Once more, she looked outside. The sky was streaking with silver and gray through the blue. Clouds drifted closer as the wind picked up, making the leaves on the trees whirl a little faster. Some broke free to dip and spin their way to the ground.
“Elie said you were capable, trained as a rider, and would help out when they needed you, but you were lightning fast on a keyboard and could blow the socks off any investigator they had. Stefano backed him up on that.” Leone leaned back in his chair as Raimondo rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. “To make a statement like that, you have to be extraordinary, because I know everyone thinks the Greco family is about as good as it gets.”
Brielle pushed back her chair. The praise should have reassured her, but she had a restless feeling that wouldn’t let go. “There’s always someone better, Leone. I wish I could say that wasn’t true, but it is. No one should ever claim they’re the best at anything. If you hear them say that, you know they’re full of shit.”
“It doesn’t work that way if other people say you’re the best at something,” Raimondo objected, grinning at her. “Especially women. Women have a tendency to tell the truth.”
Leone groaned. “He’s about to tell us a lie. A big one. Don’t listen to anything he says.”
Brielle gave them a distracted smile and wandered over closer to the fireplace to stare out the windows at the gathering clouds. Storms didn’t usually make her so moody. She liked storms, especially when she could see them up close like she could when she was inside this house with its many windows, glass walls and expansive views.
The spinning and churning of the darker clouds were mesmerizing as they drifted overhead. The trees began to sway, reminding her of macabre stick dancers warming up before a performance. She had to smile at her odd fantasy.
She loved how beautiful it was here. She had lived in a city most of her life and she’d expected to live in the city of Chicago. She’d been surprised that Elie had purchased a property outside the city. She thought, without the constant sound of traffic, she might get anxious, but she found she enjoyed the peace. In any case, there were boats on the lake, the engines loud at times, rushing past their home occasionally. She liked to watch them. She’d never been around boats and lakes before so it was all very intriguing. Elie promised her he would teach her how to drive a boat and she was looking forward to that.
“Are you paying any attention to what I say?” Raimondo demanded.
“No.” She found herself really smiling.
Lights flickered along the tree leaves for a moment and then winked out. At least she thought she saw them. Inside, she went very still. “Leone, do we have cameras on the driveway?”
The long drive wound in and out of the trees. There was no huge fence to keep intruders out. With access from the lakeside, Elie had secured the house itself, rather than concentrating on trying to protect the entire property. Lights flickered again on the trees and then were gone. Someone was coming up the drive.
“Yes,” Leone answered. “The car tripped the alarms a few moments ago and they sent us the information. It’s an SUV, dark tinted windows. Rented. I’ve got the license number. I sent the details to Rigina and Rosina. They’re working it now.”
“You didn’t think it would be a good idea to say something to me?” She kept resentment from her voice.
“I was about to suggest you change into riding clothes just to be safe. Also, to be prepared to go to the safe room. This time, you might actually do it, just so Elie doesn’t replace us with Emilio and Enzo. You don’t want that.”
Rigina’s report came back immediately. The man renting the car had come in on an international flight. His name was Asier Fredrick. He was an Interpol agent who’d spent the last eight years working for the National Central Bureau in Spain, mostly providing important data on international criminal organizations.
Brielle pressed her closed fist against her chest. She had turned in her report to the Ignazio investigators in Barcelona. They had turned over the report to Interpol and were supposed to have removed her name. Interpol had her name. It stood to reason they would want to talk to her in person.
“Brielle?” Leone put the onus on her.
She took a deep breath and made up her mind. She couldn’t live her life afraid. She didn’t need Elie holding her hand while she briefly told an agent the little she knew. She would only tell him what she’d actually written in her report—what she’d observed and what she’d managed to find out on her computer. She wouldn’t include anything she’d discovered after she’d left her position in Barcelona, not without discussing that with Elie and Stefano first. She could always contact the agent again.
“I’ll change quickly. One of you hang back unseen. I’ll speak to him out in the open but close to the shadows. This little circle area works perfect for that.” She indicated the sitting area adjacent to the sofas. It was one of her favorite places. There were four very comfortable armchairs centered around a single small table. The spot was between the dining area and the sofas, along a bank of windows. “Cover him at all times. Before he comes in, make certain Rigina and Rosina get facial recognition on him to confirm his identity.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Asier Fredrick was a short, stocky man with a handsome face and a charming smile. He immediately showed his identification to Leone, who blocked the door while he closely inspected the ID as if he hadn’t already read the reports from the investigators.
“I wish to speak with Ms. Couture. Brielle Couture.”
“It’s Archambault. She’s married,” Leone corrected him. “Her name is Brielle Archambault.”
“Yes, of course. I’m aware of her marriage.” Fredrick looked around him at the front of the house and landscaping and woods behind them. “Beautiful home.”
Leone stepped back to allow the agent entry. He followed Fredrick inside, closing the front door firmly and then engaging the remote to lock down the house. When he turned back, the agent was watching him closely, hooded eyes dark with suspicion.
“You did not return my passport.”