Chapter 8 #2
Petra needed new staff. Trustworthy people who weren’t connected to the Venifucus, or loyal to Abdul Kettering’s ghost. That meant reaching out to Sam and Mark’s networks again, and finding shifters or other types of magical allies who could be vetted and brought in quickly.
The problem was timing. The estate’s lawyers were coming tomorrow. The mages were returning in four days, or less. They needed to move fast, but not so fast it looked suspicious.
“I’ve been thinking about security,” Seth said, cutting into his duck. “For a property this size, you really should have a proper team. Not just surveillance systems, but actual security personnel. Boots on the ground, if you will.”
“I agree,” Katja said. “Especially given the value of the assets involved. You’re responsible for a significant amount of wealth now. That makes you a potential target.”
“For theft?” Petra asked.
“Among other things.” Seth met her eyes across the table. “People who want to take advantage of your inexperience. People who think they can intimidate or manipulate you because you’re new to this world. Even outright action like kidnapping for ransom. In short, you need protection.”
“What would you suggest?” Petra asked.
“A security assessment, for starters. I can arrange that.” Seth kept his voice casual. “Then bring in a team you can trust. People with military or law enforcement backgrounds. Professionals who understand how to protect high-value targets.”
“That sounds expensive,” Petra said.
“You can afford it.” Katja’s tone was dry. “And it’s a legitimate business expense. Security for a property of this size and value is not only reasonable, it’s expected.”
The maid returned to clear their plates. Seth watched her move around the table with the same downcast eyes and careful efficiency. She didn’t speak unless spoken to, and she left as quickly as possible.
Trained to be invisible. To listen without seeming to listen.
Yeah. She needed to go too.
Dessert arrived. It was a chocolate torte that was as lovely as it was tasty.
Between his senses and Katja’s, they’d know if any of the food had been adulterated or poisoned.
So far, everything they’d been served had been fine from that standpoint, and spectacular compared to ordinary cuisine.
The cook was talented, but she wasn’t loyal to Petra.
Maybe she was putting an effort into trying to get Petra to keep her on staff, but Seth would argue against doing so.
She might be a fabulous cook, but she could also be a snake in the grass, just waiting to strike.
Seth ate mechanically, his mind already moving through possibilities for replacement staff.
Sam had connections throughout Europe. Mark’s jaguar clan had people everywhere.
Between them, they could assemble a team of trustworthy personnel within a week if Seth pushed hard enough.
The problem was the current staff. They’d notice new people arriving. They’d report back to whoever they were reporting to. The Venifucus would know something was happening, and they might accelerate their timeline.
Unless Petra fired everyone first. She could create a vacuum that new people could fill quickly, before the mages returned. It was risky. But keeping questionable or compromised staff was riskier.
“I should mention,” Katja said as they finished dessert, “that tomorrow’s meeting may take several hours. The lawyers will want to go through everything in detail. I’ll need time to review each document thoroughly before advising you to sign, or not.”
“I understand,” Petra said. “I’d rather take the time to do it right than rush and make a mistake.”
“Wise.” Katja dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “I’ll also be asking some pointed questions about existing arrangements. Contracts with vendors, service agreements, and any ongoing commitments that might limit your control.”
She was talking about the workshop arrangement without talking about it. Seth had to admire her ability to communicate in code.
“Whatever you think is best,” Petra said. “I trust your judgment.”
Coffee arrived, served in delicate cups that looked tiny in Seth’s large hand. He sipped the excellent brew and continued his mental calculations.
Four days until the mages returned. One day to get through the legal meeting. That left three days to replace the entire staff with people they could trust, and learn the secrets of the entire castle and grounds.
It was a tight timeline. Very tight. But it was just possible, if he started making calls tonight.
“This has been lovely,” Seth said, setting down his cup. “Thank you for inviting me. And it’s been a pleasure meeting you properly, Frau Brenner.”
“Likewise,” Katja said. “Will you be conducting your security assessment soon?”
“I’ll start tonight, actually. I plan to drive the perimeter, check the access points, and get a feel for the vulnerabilities.
” Seth stood, and both women rose with him.
“I’ll also be back in the morning, so don’t worry if you see me poking about the grounds.
I’ll have a preliminary report regarding the grounds and perimeter for you by tomorrow afternoon. Then I’ll start on the castle itself.”
“Excellent,” Petra said. She looked relieved that he wasn’t leaving completely. “I appreciate your thoroughness.”
They walked together toward the entrance hall, where Herr Müller materialized with Seth’s jacket. The butler’s expression remained neutral, but Seth caught the calculation in his eyes. Recording every detail to report to someone, Seth had no further doubt.
Yeah. Müller was definitely on the list of people who needed to go.