Chapter 7 - THE CAMERA THAT WENT DARK
Thursday arrived beneath heavy clouds.
The estate was unusually quiet.
The Atlantic delegation was scheduled to arrive at nine that evening.
Marco had placed trusted security personnel near the west wing.
Adrian had quietly contacted federal authorities through his attorney.
But Dean didn't know that.
At least, that was what we believed.
At 8:47 p.m., I was carrying fresh towels toward the guest suites when I noticed something strange.
The hallway camera above the west staircase had stopped blinking.
Normally, a tiny green light flashed every few seconds.
Now it was dark.
I froze.
Then heard footsteps.
Dean.
He appeared at the far end of the corridor.
His eyes settled on me.
"Claire."
My stomach dropped.
"Sir."
He smiled.
"Still working?"
"Yes."
He glanced at the towels.
"Hardworking girl."
I tried to step past him.
He blocked my path.
"Funny thing about this house."
I swallowed.
"What?"
"People think the cameras see everything."
My blood turned cold.
He leaned closer.
"But cameras only show what someone wants them to show."
I couldn't move.
Then he whispered:
"Did you enjoy sleeping outside Adrian's bedroom?"
My heart stopped.
He knew.
He had known all along.
Before I could answer, Dean grabbed my arm.
"You're coming with me."
I struggled.
"Let go!"
He tightened his grip.
"Quiet."
Then a voice came from behind him.
"Take your hand off her."
Dean turned.
Adrian stood at the end of the corridor.
Marco beside him.
Two armed security officers behind them.
Dean's face changed.
For one second, he looked trapped.
Then he smiled.
"Boss."
Adrian didn't move.
"Let her go."
Dean released me.
I stumbled backward.
Marco caught my arm.
Adrian's eyes never left Dean.
"You're finished."
Dean laughed.
May you like
"You think so?"
Then the lights went out.
