Chapter 11 #2
He moved through the room methodically, checking behind picture frames, under tables, around light fixtures. It took fifteen minutes. When he finished, he nodded.
“Three audio devices,” he said quietly, pointing to locations Seth had suspected. “No video. I can disable them now if you’d like, or leave them active while I sweep the rest of the castle. Your choice.”
“Leave them for now,” Seth decided. “Clear the rest of the common areas first. When you’re done, disable everything simultaneously, if you can. That way they won’t know we’ve found them until it’s too late to react.”
“Can do.” Guthrie made notes on his actual phone. “This will take most of the afternoon. Where should I start?”
“Dining room, entrance hall, and corridors. Then the occupied bedrooms if the ladies will let you in. Leave the lower level and particularly the workshop alone for now.”
“Understood.” Guthrie packed up his equipment. “I’ll be as discreet as possible.”
Seth introduced him to Müller as a “systems consultant” conducting routine maintenance, which was technically true. Müller accepted the explanation with his usual impassive expression, but Seth could practically see the report being drafted in the butler’s mind.
By dinnertime, Guthrie had swept most of the castle’s public spaces. He joined Seth outside as the sun was setting, looking satisfied.
“Forty-eight devices total,” he reported quietly. “Sophisticated setup, probably installed during renovations. Audio only in most rooms, but there’s a camera in the entrance hall disguised as a smoke detector.”
“Can you disable them all at once?”
“Easily. I’ve already set up a remote trigger. One button press and everything goes dark.” Guthrie smiled slightly. “They’ll know immediately that they’ve lost surveillance, but they won’t know why or how.”
“Do it after dinner,” Seth decided. “Around eight o’clock. That gives us time to brief the ladies on what’s happening before the enemy realizes they’re blind. Did you find a control room? Can you trace where the feeds were going?”
“I haven’t located the control center yet, but I can do that by tracing the wires once everything is off and they can’t see me.
After that, I’ll do my best to figure out where it was all being compiled and sent, but that’s more forensic work for later.
And I need to know if you want me to put in my own equipment so that we can spy on the common areas as part of a security system. ”
“Not right now,” Seth said slowly. “The enemy knows this ground better than we do and I’m concerned that they could hack into any feed we may put up.
Better to have nothing that can be subverted right now, until matters are settled.
After we defeat them and drive them from the place forever, then we can talk about a security system that we can control. ”
Guthrie nodded. “Wise choice. I’ll just set up everything for later action.”
Dinner was another carefully neutral affair.
Petra looked tired but determined, Katja remained focused on her work, and Seth kept his attention divided between the excellent food and cataloging every detail of the staff’s behavior.
Frau Dietrich’s cooking was impeccable as always, but her attitude toward Petra remained just this side of hostile.
She was definitely getting fired.
While they were finishing dessert, Guthrie sent Seth a text.
GUTHRIE: Done.
All over the castle, surveillance devices went dark.
Seth set down his coffee cup. “Ladies, would you join me in the library? There are some security matters we should discuss.”
Katja caught the emphasis immediately. Petra looked confused but nodded. They got up and made their way to the library, Müller watching them go with his usual unreadable expression.
Seth closed the library door and turned to face both women. “We can talk freely now.”
Petra’s eyes widened. “The surveillance?”
“All disabled as of eight o’clock. Oliver Guthrie, the technical specialist, found devices throughout the castle. They’re all offline right now.” Seth gestured for them to sit. “Which means we probably have a little breathing room before they realize the system didn’t just go down by accident.”
“How much did they hear?” Petra asked, sinking into a chair.
“Everything that was said in public spaces since you arrived.” Seth leaned against the desk, arms crossed. “The good news is that we were careful. They know you’ve hired independent counsel and security consultants, but they don’t know the full scope of what we’re planning.”
Katja’s expression was grim. “They’ll escalate now. Loss of surveillance will tell them you’re preparing to move against them.”
“Almost certainly.” Seth met Petra’s worried gaze. “Which is why I’ve brought in additional security. My team is positioned around the property as of this afternoon. Six highly trained operatives, all experienced in dealing with magical threats.”
“Six people?” Petra looked surprised. “That seems like a lot.”
“It’s the minimum needed to secure a property this size properly.
” Seth pulled out his phone and showed her the team positions on a map.
“Pax and Ari are my point men. They are former U.S. Navy SEALs and demolitions experts. The others are positioned to cover all approaches and provide early warning if anyone tries to infiltrate. You’ll note that there’s a front gate guard now.
Nobody drives in or out without challenge anymore.
All vehicles will be stopped and checked. ”
“Demolitions experts,” Petra repeated faintly.
“Hopefully we won’t need that particular skill,” Seth said. “But it’s better to have the capability and not use it than need it and not have it.”
Katja was studying the map. “What about the staff transition? Have you heard from Sam and Mark?”
“Sam’s sending candidates tomorrow. Mark has backups if needed.” Seth switched to a different screen showing profiles. “Butler, cook, housekeeper, three maids, a groundskeeper, and a personal assistant for Petra. All vetted, all trustworthy, all aware of the magical world and the threats involved.”
“When do we fire the current staff?” Petra asked quietly.
“Tomorrow night. That gives the new people time to arrive and settle in before we escort the old staff away.” Seth looked at her directly.
“I know it feels harsh, but everyone currently working here is either actively working against you or loyal enough to the previous regime that they can’t be trusted. You really need a clean slate.”
Petra nodded slowly. “I understand. I don’t like firing people, but I understand the necessity.”
They spent the next hour going over details. Security protocols, communication procedures, contingency plans if the enemy moved sooner than expected. Petra listened intently, occasionally asking for clarification but mostly just absorbing information.
Finally, Katja gathered her papers. “I need to finish reviewing the signature documents and finalize the severance papers for the staff so everything is ready.” She stood, looking between Seth and Petra with an expression that might have been amusement.
“I’ll leave you two to finalize the security arrangements. ”
She left before either of them could respond, closing the door with a soft click that somehow felt significant.
The library suddenly felt much quieter.