Shadows and Exposures: Chapter 4 – October
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Invitation: Side One
We want You to attend the Grand Reopening of Locke and Keyes Nightclub beginning at eight o'clock on October 29th. The theme for the evening is 1940s Wartime Party. Dress in costume – military gear, camouflage or 1940s attire. Manhattans, martinis, lemonade, coffee and tea are the drinks of the evening; served with a buffet of all American food (hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad and apple pie). A swing band and a DJ will provide music for the evening. There will be a costume contest with prizes. A war room and a black market will occupy Suite A. We will show vintage movies in Suite B. Swing Dance lessons will be conducted in Suite C. Grab your fedora, seamed stockings, ration books and sense of adventure and join us for a ration of fun. Please R.S.V.P. at .
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Invitation: Side Two
Welcome to Locke and Keyes, a membership-only nightclub for discerning adults. We are a SSC environment for new and experienced BDSM lifestyle couples and singles. Our renovated facility offers a large night club on the first floor. Our three themed playrooms, munch lounge and members-only bar are located on the second floor. Playrooms (King Arthur's Court; the Silken Road and Starry, Starry Night) are available by reservation only. Our updated sound and lighting system compliment our expanded dance floor. Frequently we host live band nights, but we have a professional DJ on duty every night (Tuesday to Saturday) from eight to midnight. With an expanded kitchen and bar area on the first floor, we are ready to party! We can host your birthday party (complete with spanking, cake, ice cream and champagne), your bachelor or bachelorette party, an anniversary party or a personal celebration of any kind!
Our Playrooms:
King Arthur's Court – You will be transported to Camelot in our largest playroom. Painted in rich colors of gold, amethyst and emerald; it is furnished with double St. Andrew's crosses, spanking bench, prayer bench with restraints, stock pillory, a queening stool, a throne, and curtained and canopied bed with restraint hardware head and foot boards. Equipped with an ensuite and one-way mirror for a viewing audience (you choose if you want an audience by opening/closing between-the-glass blinds). It will be a popular suite for a group of up to twelve participants. The viewing area has a capacity of twenty four.
The Silken Road – You will be transported to the Orient in our second largest playroom. Painted in crimson red with gold and Oriental accents, the room is furnished with bamboo canes, silk tapestries, St. Andrew's cross, sex swing, spanking horse, floor cushions and a reproduction opium bed. Equipment is available for kinbaku or shibari (Japanese bondage techniques). Equipped with an ensuite and one-way mirror for a viewing audience (you choose if you want an audience by opening/closing between-the-glass blinds). The room occupancy is limited to six, and the viewing area is limited to eighteen.
Starry, Starry Night - A navy leather spanking bench, navy leather sex wedge and large navy leather bondage bed make for some delicious restrictive bondage and positions. The room is furnished with a St. Andrew's cross, massage table and sex swing. A bondage/stripper pole is located in one corner of the room. The navy walls with silver and crystal sconces lend a secluded air to the room. Constellations are painted on the ceiling in reflective paint. This suite contains an ensuite and is completely private, no viewing area.
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Thursday, October 6, 2011
Aedan and Sabine's Home
Sabine's POV
"Invitations are out for the grand re-opening. I printed flyers for distribution that night with our upcoming schedule. The list of facility rules are printed on the back side of the calendar. I want to make sure everyone knows we are closed from two in the morning on Wednesday November 23 until four in the afternoon on Tuesday November 29, for Thanksgiving. Staff is off with pay." Aedan announced. "Since Elena's death basically announced our BDSM presence to the community…we might get a lot of tourists our first month, causing regulars to stay away. We might get more police attention than we've ever had. We may be shunned by the RACK community…but then again…we might be a raging success now that Elena's no longer a strong presence in the community."
"Are Louie and Dominick going out of town over Thanksgiving?" I asked.
"Why?" Aedan looked at me curiously.
"If we find Elena's playroom that weekend, I'd like to clear it and move any files from Elena's house to the management offices." I explained.
"Will we get away at all? Aedan asked.
"We have Thanksgiving Thursday and Family Day Friday with one another. We're back in at Elena's house on Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving. I contacted Household Helpers. I have interviews with three potential housekeepers on Friday morning. I'm setting it up for housekeeping, meal prep and laundry on Tuesday and Friday in the late afternoon/early evening when you are awake and before you go to work. I contacted Dream Dinners and will go this Sunday afternoon to purchase and bring home thirty dinners. Dream Dinners assured me we can get a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner from them if I order it before November 1 and pick it up before November 10. I will talk to the potential housekeepers to see if they are interested in assembling meals for us for the next six months at Dream Dinners. They can assemble there and bring them here to freeze and cook at a later date."
Aedan pulls up a calendar program and we coordinate schedules.
"The estate sales companies have representatives combing the house November 1-3 to put together their estimates and contracts for Grey House. If their services are acceptable, they are scheduled to empty the house December 1-3. We have to find the safe and playroom before December 1st. Until we find the playroom, I'm at Elena's house when Franco is available. Franco has planned for deep cleaning the first full week of December at Elena's house. Not counting time out for Christmas, everything should be inventoried, cleaned, repaired and painted before the middle of January. Franco is hoping to hire a real estate agent by the first week of January for selling Elena's house." I explained.
"January is ugly for me because I'm doing the W-2 forms for the six salons and Elena's household staff. Plus W-2s for Falcon Financials, plus W-2s for Locke and Keyes. Plus starting my final semester at WSU. I will try to work at Grey Management from 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday after we get the club reopened. I'll be home before six; we can have dinner before you have to be at work by eight."
"Saturday we start taking swing dance lessons. The instructor requires four hours every Saturday and Sunday afternoon for the next three weeks. We learn beginner footwork, followed by intermediate footwork. Next Saturday we learn basic turns followed on Sunday with intermediate turns. The Saturday after we learn to develop style for fast swing tempo songs; and Sunday is developing style for slow swing tempo songs. We just have to schedule time to practice during the week – preferably at night when I'm not working on the renovation and when you aren't working on Elena's issues." Aedan noted on our calendar.
"What are you doing?" I asked as his fingers began roaming over my body.
"Touching my wife," he plays with my knee. "Let's go spend some time with one another…and finish coordinating calendars later."
He scoops me up and carries me off to our bed for a generous helping of vanilla served up by my sweetheart and husband.
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Friday, October 7, 2011
Grey Management
Sabine's POV
"This is not your concern. When we bring you something and say, "deal with this" then you deal. Otherwise, your main task is to keep the salons from being burgled, the house from being burgled, keeping my ass alive….and keeping your hands and your security staffs' hands off Sabine."
Cole argued. "I'm not sexually interested in Sabine. I just want to know why her husband signed an NDA. I can't believe Grey House hired a forensic accountant who has ties to the nightclub where Elena killed herself."
"She is the least of three evils," Franco said. "Do you want to deal with an ex-FBI agent or ex-SPD accountant – because those were our choices? Given the severity of Elena's allegations in her suicide note, Grey House chose someone they worked with in the past who is known for their discretion."
"It is a conflict of interest," Cole asserted, "especially when you have the husband helping both of you at the house."
"Grey House vetted everyone on the management team. If you have issues with anyone on the team, contact Welch or Taylor over at Grey House." Franco snapped.
"I'm not happy with her having the only key to the conference room," Cole blazed.
"Per Grey House orders, only Sabine and I have access to the materials in that room. She and I will sort, scan and compile. She will conduct the forensic accounting work and report to the team and to Grey House. We are already missing files from the businesses and Elena's life. We don't need any more files taking legs before we complete this task. We're not shredding anything until every piece of paperwork has been sorted by me or Sabine. Ergo, the files have to be locked up until we finish with them. Upon completion of our tasks; we're hiring a shredding truck to come here and shred it all in one afternoon. Your task is to protect the management team and these offices so that you walk away with a healthy bonus and recommendation from Grey House." Franco stared at him. "Cole, I want you to know exactly where you stand – Sabine is irreplaceable. You are not. If her new husband demands to play bodyguard while we clear up this mess…it's none of your business. I won't tolerate interference. The next person you discuss this with had better either be Taylor or Welch; because if I hear that you are discussing Sabine with anyone, you will be terminated with cause."
XX
Same day; late afternoon
Macy's Department Store, Seattle
Aedan's POV
"What are you doing here?" Sabine whispered to Aedan. She spotted him when she came out of the dressing rooms.
I kissed her cheek. "I've been watching you."
Her face fell. "You have?"
"You're having doubts about the new office; or you would not be here buying work clothes." I watched her face and knew I was correct. "We've found a storage unit of dead files that will be moved to the GM office on Monday. We've pulled every piece of paper from Elena's house and business offices this week. I know the conference room is full of file cabinets and file boxes. I know it is overwhelming. But you are beautiful and bright…and if anyone is going to make sense of Elena's finances, it will be you – you don't need pencil skirts, silk shirts, and stilettos to camouflage your insecurity."
"I guess I've been wrapped up in my head and haven't been watching the people around me." She sighed. "Are you going to punish me for being unaware?" Her eyes dropped to submissive level.
I lifted her chin so she looked at me. I leaned down to whisper in her ear, "If you were naked and bent over to show the world your pretty assets…then I'd whip your ass until you couldn't sit down for a week. I don't know who punished you for concentrating on tasks, but it's a trait of yours that I cherish. I just want to take you home and ravish you." I straightened as she sighed. "Sabine, it's been a joy watching you trying on clothes. Buy the teal pencil skirt, teal shoes, the tote you looked at with the teal, royal blue, orange and yellow stripes, and the teal accessories – all of it will go great with the aqua shirt you tried on."
"Do you have time to shop with me?" Sabine asked. "Shouldn't you be at the club, working on the renovation?"
"I tracked you down through security at the GM office. They explained you had interviews this morning and planned to be gone this afternoon. Cole ran a tracker on your Blackberry and told me where to find you."
"I've arranged for a new housekeeper through the end of June. She will work from three to six on Tuesday and Friday. On Saturday she will go to Dream Dinners and prepare two weeks of dinners for us. She will bring them to the house and freeze everything. She will cook dinner on Tuesday and Friday. I will batch cook on Sunday and Monday when I can. It might just be soup in the slow cooker. I gave her house keys and pass codes. The playroom will be locked and unavailable for her to see or clean."
"Dominick and Louie finish their Emergency First Aid Training this weekend. They are scheduled for CPR class this afternoon, so I took the afternoon off as a surprise for you. I like watching you model pretty clothes. It's not as much fun as watching you model lingerie for me, but it has its perks." I held her close for a minute and then reminded her of our task. "Show me what you are considering."
"I wrote out a list of basics I needed to fill gaps in my wardrobe. It's all blues – wool crepe pencil skirt; tweed pencil skirt; red and navy plaid pencil skirt; navy pinstripe pencil skirt, wool crepe navy blue slacks and an aqua silk blouse and navy blue boyfriend's jacket. And now the teal skirt and accessories. I need some new carry concealed hobo bags, but I can buy then online." She whispered. "But…" her eyes twinkled, "it would be more fun to shop online for lingerie with you."
"Sounds like a tough task which requires a newlywed husband, a computer and a charge card." I grinned.
XX
Friday evening
Aedan and Sabine's Home, Seattle
Aedan's POV
"Come on baby, let's take a hot bath." I took Sabine's shopping bags and put them in our master closet. I carried her into the ensuite. When I set her on the floor, I reach for her chin and tilt her head up to look in my eyes. "Yield to me tonight, let me make the decisions. I wash you, you wash me. I dry you. You dry me. I dress you, you dress me. After we order pizza, we'll curl up in the family room and make out while watching a movie. We had planned to relax this week and get over our jet lag; but between the Elena situation and the renovation, our schedules have been busier than ever. Saturday and Sunday we have dance lessons in the morning; and working on Elena's house in the afternoons."
"No nights at Elena's house next week. I want evenings where we can relax - watch movies, listen to music, play cards, shop for lingerie or toys, make love or just hang out. Weeknights next week neither of us contemplates solutions to Elena problems, contemplates the renovation nor contemplates life issues. Cell phones are turned off. Email will not be checked. You will clear your mind and recharge your emotional batteries. I bought a footlocker with combination lock for our master closet to hold any toys we might have in our bedroom. That way we don't have to make sure everything is returned to the playroom and locked away when our new housekeeper begins."
I start the tub filling and pour in bubble bath. I strip my wife and help her into the tub. I strip and sit behind Sabine, wrapping my arms and legs around her. I whisper in her ear, "You are my power. You are my reason. You are my heart. You are my refuge." I am rewarded when she sighs and snuggles into my arms.
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Saturday Afternoon
Elena's House
Sabine's POV
"I'm sorry Franco, my legs feel like rubber," I sat on the staircase and massaged my legs. "Dance lessons this morning kicked my ass."
"Dance lessons?" Franco sank down on a few stairs above her, two paintings balanced on the stairs behind him.
"Aedan and I decided to host a wartime party for the club reopening. We're taking swing dancing lessons on Saturday and Sunday morning for the next three weeks. Four hours this morning in two-inch pumps have made my legs rubbery. I run daily but I guess this last month off has made me into a girlie girl. I have no stamina."
"Is your reopening for members only?" Franco asked.
"Need to spice up your social life?" Aedan heard the question as he came down the stairs, carrying two more paintings.
"I need to know Locke and Keyes will weather Elena's death. If her death impaired or ruined your business, I want to know." Franco said honestly. "Besides," he teased, "I'm sure the Boys on the Bottom club of San Francisco makes Locke and Keyes look vanilla."
"Thank you, Franco," I reached up and clasped his hand for a minute. "I'll bring you an invitation and put you on the list." It was nice having a gay male friend who didn't judge me and could gossip like the best girlfriend in the world. I'll bet he was a shopping fiend!
"Let's not do any more stairs today," Aedan suggested. "Those dance lessons are killing me, too. Let's put these in the living room."
"I never knew there was such a thing as abstract Oriental art," Franco murmured. "I don't know if the oriental sales group wants it, or if the art sales group wants it. It's nice to know that it might be wanted by both."
"I'm glad someone might want it," Aedan said. "I think abstract water cranes are fairly ugly. I am convinced Elena had no taste in art."
"Believe it or not," Franco said, "I looked up the painter of that abstract water crane oil painting – he has sold pieces in the high five – low six figures." Aedan and I gaped at him. Franco nodded.
"I vote we call it a night," I said. "I think there's some muscle soak at our house with my name on it."
"I think there's some organic ginger deep-tissue massage oil with my name on it," Aedan sighed.
"Yeah, let's call it a night," Franco said. "I have a really good bottle of white wine waiting for me. Tomorrow, we'll do at least one more sweep for paperwork. I'll take the one box of paperwork we found today back to the office. You find a way to deliver that envelope." He nodded at the large manila envelope Sabine carried.
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One hour later
Seattle
"Are you following me?" Franco called while we were driving home.
"We're about ten minutes from our house," I replied. "Why?"
"My CPO and I were followed from Elena's house. He called security at the estate to ensure extra staff is there tonight in case of an incursion. I was going to go to the office, but he's taking me straight back to my condo." Franco said.
"I don't know who is following you, but it's not us." I explained. "What kind of car?"
"Older model Audi, maybe a year older than yours," Franco said. "We haven't been able to get a plate number on it yet. Are you being followed?"
"Let's find out," Aedan replied and took four consecutive right turns, followed by four consecutive left turns. "There's no one behind us," he said.
"We're not being followed," I said. "If it's an older model Audi; I think you are being followed by an ex-sub. Just pull off in a private area. Get out and stand away from the car where she can approach you. Then let me know who she is and what she wants."
"My CPO will bring tracker checkers for you and Aedan tomorrow. He recommends using them each time you get in the car. Most tracking devices are smaller than cell phones these days."
"Sounds like a plan," I said. "See you tomorrow afternoon. Stay safe." I spent the rest of the trip home thinking about the black Audi SUV in Elena's garage. I have to remember to ask Franco what we found out about it. It's time to get out of my head and watch my surroundings. I've been caught unaware three times –the men Grey had tailing me, Elena in Pike Place Market – where I commented to her about how I didn't think she knew any men; just teenage boys – and Aedan when I was shopping. We took classes from SPD for a reason. I may have a conceal carry permit; I may have a gun – but neither of them will protect me if I am not aware I'm being followed.
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Sunday, October 9, 2011
Elena's House
Franco's POV
"Her name is Jennifer Wilson. She said she was sub number six. She just returned to Seattle after a six-month contract with a backcountry wilderness manager who worked for the Department of Interior in Alaska. He was on temporary assignment in Alaska and she kept him warm at night. He returned to Virginia since the assignment is over and she's returned to Seattle." I propped the next picture on an easel and took a picture of it. Sabine tried to inventory while I took pictures. Aedan kept bringing in artwork from various corners of the house.
"Backcountry wilderness manager?" Sabine asked. "Is there anyone in the lifestyle who didn't know Elena?"
"Not that I'm aware," I shrugged. "Anyhow, Miss Wilson is originally from Atlanta. Her grandmother is not well and wants her to come home. Jennifer asked me to fly her first class to Atlanta. She hoped Elena had contacts there that could help her find a new…situation."
"Dom?" Sabine asked.
"Yes," I blushed. "It was so much fun explaining Elena didn't leave her anything in the will, didn't leave any advance money or a new contract, didn't leave any bonus money from an old contract, and certainly did not supply a list of Doms in Atlanta. I also told her I wasn't going to pimp for her for the rest of her life. She may be able to pass for twenty-nine for another year or two if she takes good care of herself, but she's got a short expiration date from what I can tell."
"Don't be rude, but tell me the rest of the conversation." Sabine scolded.
"I suggested she sell everything she owns here, hop on a plane, train, bus and go live with grandma. She heard about Mr. Grey getting married. She wants me to ask him for money to relocate." I shrugged.
"And," Sabine gently prodded.
"I told her Mr. Grey would turn gay and announce our impending nuptials in the New York and Seattle Times before I would ask him for relocation money for the sub club. The only ones who haven't contacted me are Dr. Charlotte, Leila Williams and you. It's official – I've heard from the rest. I also told Jennifer it was against her NDA to contact me. She's going to get the sub club together and see if they can find a new benefactor." I air quoted benefactor. "They are looking for a new pimp because I won't take on that task, not for love, money or Mr. Grey."
"Who is Dr. Charlotte?" Sabine asked.
"Sub number two from what I understand. Elena said she was a medical student when she contracted with Grey. It's my understanding she's the reason he didn't accept submissives who had on-call jobs." I explained. "He paid for her to finish medical school. Once she finished her internship and became a resident, she was able to support herself without help from Grey. He paid off her school loans as a graduation gift. She is a pediatric surgeon at Seattle Children's Hospital."
"Dr. Charlotte married her new Dom. Her husband/Dom did not allow contact her contact with anyone from her past; especially with Elena or the sub club. He purchased tickets for them to attend a charity event for the hospital shortly after their marriage. During the cocktail party and introductions, he had a tete-a-tete with Grey and Elena and explained he would expose both of them if Elena ever contacted or came near Dr. Charlotte again. Elena vetted Charlotte for Grey. She was vexed about Charlotte cutting ties with her. I say kudos to Dr. Charlotte for not being used as an ATM machine. Just like you, Dr. Charlotte didn't use Esclava Salons after she and Grey parted ways with one another."
Sabine laughed. "I think more of Doms who don't share rather than Doms who overshare. You are keeping a database of these encounters, right? You are letting Grey know the other subs have been in contact with one another?"
"I am and he knows." I said wisely. "Isn't this the most god-awful picture you've ever seen in your life? What is that supposed to be?"
"Looks like a Picasso-ish geisha girl?" Sabine laughed.
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Monday, October 10, 2011
Leather and Lace Playroom
Aedan and Sabine's Home, Seattle
Aedan's POV
I knelt behind Sabine while she was in position one. I braided her hair, and spoke softly to her. "We haven't been in our playroom in over a month. I want to do things in here with you that we could not do while we were honeymooning; especially toys we have not played with for a while. Are you up for the challenge, pretty girl?"
"Oh yes, sir!" Sabine eagerly replied.
"Rise," I dominated her mouth as I moved us toward the St. Andrew's cross. I restrained her facing the St. Andrew's cross which I had specially made to fit her petite form. Her beautiful back and ass faced me. I slipped her braid over her shoulder; brushing against her right breast so her hair would not get caught in the flogger.
XX
Later, same day
Her last climax rolled through her body over and over again for a few minutes stripping every ounce of self denial I had relied on to this point. I was utterly spent when I withdrew from her. I untied her legs. Her body shook as I lifted her from the cross. I barely made it to the bed with her before we collapsed from exhaustion. We lay next to each other for a while, still trying to catch our breath. Finally, she rolled to her side and tucked into me.
I pulled the comforter over us and cruised on an endorphin high. "Tonight – lingerie shopping." My knuckles brushed up and down her arm. I'm sure she was asleep, but there would be time to remind her. Eventually I slept, and when I awoke, my arms were still wrapped around the woman I loved.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Grey Management Office Building
"May I drop off election materials for everyone in the building," the private detective asked.
"The building rules and regulations say no, but we are allowed to place a poster in the break room down the hall," the security guard informed her.
"What's GM? It's a new company since I was here last," she asked.
"GM is an independent and privately held company dedicated to conducting forensic accounting investigations." The security guard replied.
"That's an interesting line of work!" She bubbled. "Thank you for taking the poster and putting it up. Councilwoman Annette Ferrell appreciates your vote!"
She watched with interest as a rental truck pulled up to the freight elevator and began offloading large four or five drawer filing cabinets. Two men were doing the work, but each of them had a security guard with them. Once the freight elevator was full, the rental truck was locked and one security guard stayed with the truck and one security guard went with the files.
XX
After she finished her delivery of political paperwork to her assigned area; she stopped at Starbucks for a coffee. "Interesting day," she explained via cell to Lawrence Lincoln. "I found a new company in a secure office building. They are a privately held forensic accounting company. How much do you want to bet the G in the name stands for Grey and the accounts they are investigating are Elena's?"
"How secure?" Lawrence asked.
"Security guard is at the desk from seven in the morning to seven at night. After that, it is entry by key and key code, including elevators. The parking lot below the building is secure. I could see a guard at the entry/exit, but I also saw a touchpad electronic screen for entering pass codes for after hours. While I was there, a rental truck arrived and began offloading file cabinets. How much do you want to bet they brought files from Elena's home to the office?"
"What else is on the street?" Lawrence asked.
"General parking for visitors on the north side of the building, an open space for lunch/breaks on the south side. It's a general complex of nine buildings. All of them mirror our building and layout exactly. There is a Starbucks one block north and a deli open for breakfast and lunch a block south." She gave him the address. "I won't say the complex is impenetrable, but I don't like your chances of a successful impromptu visit. I didn't make it past the security guard at the front desk who also guards the elevators."
"Options?" Lawrence barked.
"The deli delivers. The kids who deliver at lunchtime could be bribed for a small amount of cash. They wear khaki jeans and navy blue short-sleeve Henley shirts, no logo. Navy blue baseball caps, no logo. From what I can tell, they carry $20 in singles on them. Both of them work from seven to three. Maybe you can bribe one of them to keep an eye out for De Luca's name. If either of them delivers and gets upstairs, have them scope the place out for you. Maybe get him to drop a bug or two in the office."
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Grey Management
Gage's POV
What fresh shade of hell is this? Someone's trying to hack the secure server at Grey Management. Now I have to check server access and everyone's email accounts to see if someone left us vulnerable. I put out a call to Barney at Grey House and let him know what's up. Someone might be testing the wifi connection to see if they can access files or internet history. I send Cole on a walk about around the perimeter of the building. He's looking for someone with a smartphone, tablet or laptop that seems to just be hanging out. I have Sabine and Franco turn off their Blackberry and shut down their computers. They don't need them online as they are sorting files, again.
XX
Franco's POV
"Holy cow!" I handed Sabine the real estate listing for Elena's house.
Listing Details for Single Family Home in View Ridge Estates, Seattle Washington
6 bedrooms, 4 full, 1 partial bath, Open living on first floor with fireplace, Master Bedroom Suite with Private Ensuite and viewing balcony. 6000 sq. ft. in main house, Chauffer Quarters (1B, 1Bath, LR, Kit), Housekeeper Quarters (1B, 1Bath, LR, Kit), Groundskeeper Quarters (1B, 1Bath, LR, Kit)
Divine view from the Olympics to the Cascades w/ Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier to greet you with amazing views. Vaulted ceilings, alcove for a reading nook or a baby grand piano off the family room. Three levels of living space, including outdoor decks and viewing balcony off master bedroom suite.
Sabine looked it over. "Well, she obviously had the wine cellar and playroom installed after purchase. The groundkeeper quarters are where security hangs out. The layout of the house in the paperwork doesn't teach us a damn thing." She made a new folder marked House Description and filed it away in Elena's file cabinet.
XX
Cole's POV
I've been through the parking lot, no one around. I cruised through the lobby, no one around. I spot one of the delivery kids from the deli coming down in the elevator as I'm ready to go up.
"Delivery again today," I ask casually.
"Yeah," he remarked. "The Axis Architects let us bring a basket of sandwiches and stuff to their office instead of calling in their order. When I leave here, I will stop at the law offices in the next building. They are good customers too."
"Come on up to our office – I won't have time to go to lunch, and neither will my co-workers. We were just going to call in an order. Looks like you have a good selection there!" I noticed the smartphone turned on and laying in the top of his basket of sandwiches, cookies, chips, fruit and drinks. "Great phone!" I say enthusiastically, "my niece wants one for her birthday." We talk about all the special features and the free apps for the phone on the way up to the office.
I station him in our reception area. Franco and Sabine play their parts well. They know I brought him up for a reason. They close the door to the conference room when they exit it. He can see the office layout. He can't see into the conference room. First Franco selects a sandwich and drink, but comes back for a piece of fruit. Sabine checks out all the vegetarian offerings before selecting her lunch – all she has is a $50 bill so we're standing around trying to make change for her which wastes time. Franco finally spots her $10 to pay for her lunch. Gage nods at me that the kid's phone is actively running a hacking program on our wifi signal. I get his picture captured on CCTV and observe as he looks around the office. Gage hacks the delivery kid's phone for information. When Sabine is done, Gage meanders out and selects his lunch and then I select mine. We've kept the kid busy for over twenty minutes. I walk him back to the elevator and we go down to the lobby. I thank him as he leaves.
Back upstairs, Gage and I have a conversation about the kid. Barney confirmed his phone was trying to hack the wifi connection, but we have a triple firewall. It would take a hacker much smarter than the delivery boy to get through to us. Barney is going to get the kid's information from the deli and conduct a background check on him. I call Taylor and tell him we need eyes on the kid once he returns to the deli to see who is paying him for his feeble attempt to hack us.
