Secrets of the Dead by Kylie Brant Page B

who owns this property.” Adam had rescued Mulder’s daughter from kidnappers not once, but twice in the past several years. Little wonder that all the man’s homes had been turned into fortresses. “Don’t tell me he has a hankering for the ocean?” Mulder’s Virginia Beach property had been put at their disposal. It was located on a secluded wooded peninsula with a private beach. Its large helicopter pad allowed Adam the freedom to move between here and the agency compound. Or further, as was the case this morning.
    “I don’t want to alarm you. But he’s received some intelligence regarding a threat against his family that he’s taking quite seriously. He has no idea at this point in what manner it might present itself, but he’s upping his security on all his properties. He advised me to take precautions.”
    She gave a humorless laugh. “It would be difficult to imagine this place with more security.”
    “Even so. Your mother will be joining you there soon, and that will free up a couple more team members to join the security. It’s a distant possibility, but I’m already looking into alternate sites to evacuate to if it becomes necessary.”
    The words hit her with the force of a left jab. “It all just keeps getting more complex.” She couldn’t prevent the bleakness from sounding in her words. Her mother could be difficult under the best of circumstances, but the trials she’d been having with a hip replacement, then a subsequent fall and follow up surgery would try anyone’s patience. Patricia Marlowe’s recovery and necessary therapy had caused constant delays in reuniting the woman with the rest of the family here. And her presence on the property would also complicate a rapid response in case they were compelled to leave this compound quickly.
    “Jaid.” His voice softened a fraction. “At this point it’s merely a safeguard.”
    “Just another few weeks,” she murmured, her gaze on her son. “Maybe three. We’re so close.”
    “Keep thinking that way. And Stephen will update me as new intelligence comes in. If we need to clear out, we have options.”
    Of course they did. They said their goodbyes, and she tucked the cell back in her pocket. But they’d spent a great deal of time discussing it and thought this property was the best option available. Royce slowed, and jumped off his skateboard. “I’m thirsty. Can I get a Gatorade?”
    Jaid forced a smile. “You may.”
    “Sweet.” He unstrapped his helmet and set it on the board. “By the time I get all this gear off, I’ll probably need two.”
    “By two I assume you mean a Gatorade and a water.” She trailed behind him as they entered the house. Surely the property could be secured for the next few weeks. Because as much as she was coming to hate the constant confinement, she was just as reluctant to change hiding places when this ordeal was so close to coming to an end.
    _______
    “There’s been an incident.”
    Xie Shuang looked up from the computer she was using to communicate with Gallagher. Like most men, he believed that his assistance was worth far more than what she was willing to pay. She pressed send to email her latest offer before focusing on Malsovic.
    “Now what?”
    “You need to come quickly.” He stepped aside as she got up and rounded the desk, checking the clock on the wall. It was past twelve. If his tone hadn’t been enough of a warning, the time would be. In her experience nothing good happened in a hotel after midnight.
    “Where are we going?” She spoke in English, her voice snappish. She followed him to the employee elevator, which was reserved for cargo.
    “Eleventh floor. Room 1107.” He stabbed the appropriate button impatiently with a forefinger. “It’s Dajana. She’s dead.”
    Xie said nothing more, even when the elevator doors closed behind them and they were assured of privacy. There was nothing to say. She’d assess the situation, and then she’d take action. It was what