Chapter 5

In the house, Michaela was just heading down to dinner.

She had studied the layout of the house that K.A.I.S.Y. had shown her on the way over. Now she planned a route that would intersect with Martin Drakon's, as he went to dinner from his office.

She was about half way down the hall, when Drakon opened his office door and stepped out. When he saw her, he called out, "Jessica!"

Michaela jumped in feigned surprise and fear, allowing her hand to go to her chest as she turned.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Drakon leered at her like a wolf does its prey.

Michaela couldn't help but notice the predatory look on Drakon's face.

Laughing nervously, she replied, "I seem to be jumping at everything these days. Even my own shadow." She thought to herself, This wolf is going to have a nasty surprise when my sheep's clothing comes off and he finds himself face to face with another wolf.

"May I escort you to dinner?" Instead of offering her his arm, though, he put his hand in the small of her back. As he propelled her forward, Michaela got the distinct feeling that Drakon was in control.

* * *

Drakon was sitting in his office, enjoying an after dinner drink.

The office was beautifully appointed with hardwood floors and mahogany book cases and desk. A warm fire roared in the stone fire place.

Hands steepled in front of him, he gazed absently into the fire, fantasizing about the exquisite creature fate had brought him.

The knock on the door caused him mild annoyance, but he said, "Come!"

Eric Smith, the brutish mechanic, came nervously into the room.

"What is it, Eric?" Drakon asked, taking note of the other man's shaking hands.

"Boss, there's something off about the truck the girl drove in today!"

"How so?"

Explaining everything he'd noticed about the truck, and everything he'd tried to do to it, Eric watched as Drakon's eyes narrowed in anger.

"What the hell did I tell you about the booze!" Drakon exploded up out of his chair towards Eric, rage evident on his face.

Picking up his glass, he threw it viciously at Eric, who managed to duck just in time.

The glass shattered on the stone hearth.

Even though he out massed Drakon by at least fifty pounds, Eric coward back.

"I ain't been drinking, boss! I swear!"

"Then why are your hands shaking! Get out of my sight!" Drakon roared.

Vowing to himself to come back later, Eric turned and practically ran out the door.

Drakon smoothed his jacket and settled back into his high backed leather chair.

The phone on the desk rang, and Drakon grabbed it, nearly snarling, "What!"

"Sorry to bother you, sir. We're picking up an anomalous radio signal."

"Yes?" Drakon released his anger, for the moment at least. "Have you traced it?"

"It's bouncing all over the board, changing frequencies so quickly we nearly didn't even detect it."

"Is it originating or terminating on the property?"

"Unknown, sir. It's bouncing around too quickly to trace."

"Assume we've been infiltrated. Put everyone on alert. Keep on that signal, find a way to trace it or jam it."

"Yes, sir!"

Drakon replaced the headset in the cradle. He could feel the anger building again. He knew he had to release it, and he knew just how he would do that.