Chapter 1 - THE MAN WHO WASN'T IN THE MIRROR
“How is Camille?”
Adrian Vale looked across the breakfast table at Walter Kessler.
“Why?”
Walter smiled.
“Because you haven't mentioned her lately.”
Adrian slowly stirred his coffee.
“She's fine.”
“Good woman.”
“Is she?”
Walter's smile faltered.
Only slightly.
But Adrian noticed.
For twenty-two years, Walter had been the closest thing Adrian had to a father.
He'd taught him how to negotiate.
How to survive.
How to recognize enemies.
And now Adrian wondered whether the man who'd taught him to identify betrayal had been preparing to betray him all along.
Walter reached for his coffee.
“Something wrong?”
Adrian shook his head.
“Just tired.”
Walter nodded.
“You've been working too hard.”
Perhaps.
But Adrian hadn't slept because of work.
He hadn't slept because a five-year-old girl had asked why he wasn't in a mirror.
And because that question had revealed an observation room hidden inside his home.
He looked toward the hallway.
The mirror was still there.
So was whoever had installed it.
And until Adrian knew who was responsible, he intended to pretend he hadn't discovered anything.
Walter finished his coffee.
“I'll see you this afternoon.”
Adrian nodded.
“Of course.”
After Walter left, Adrian called his security chief.
“Marco.”
“Yes, boss?”
“Come to the library.”
“Immediately?”
“Yes.”
May you like
Adrian paused.
“And bring the architectural plans.”
