Chapter 2: Keep It Between Us
1269 Words
Elliot laid awake for hours while holding Alexia close. The weight of his choices—and the truths he’d shared—still pressed heavily on his chest. Morning came too quickly. He left a note and hurried to his room to shower and prepare for his meeting with Ben and Ava within the hour.
Back to his study, just in time for the meeting.
“Elliot,” said Ben, eyeing him carefully.
“Ben, Ava.”
“We have a lot to cover that’s very important,” said Ava.
“Regarding Maria and Macon, we’ve reviewed their logs again. They’re clean,” said Ben. “Their vacation request was genuine, but the situation underscores a bigger issue.”
“What’s the issue?”
“The fact we had doubts in the first place says something about the state of things,” said Ben. “We’ve grown complacent.”
Elliot nodded, understanding the implication. “Harris and Sarah Coltay are arriving at 2 pm and should be at my estate by 4 pm. They’ll oversee Steven and Anna directly.”
“What’s their cover story?”
Ben explained about the reassignment of Macon and Maria, and how Harris and Sarah would be stepping in as replacements. Elliot couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut since their conversation began.
“Elliot, watch what you say to anyone beyond these four. For the time being, trust no one else. We’re checking Myra and Edward also.”
“Why are you eyeing Myra and Edward?”
“When we were all at the club dancing… it was unusual for a couple just starting to get to know each other on the dance floor.”
“They were doing a lot more talking than dancing and flirting. Elliot, they acted like a couple who had been together for a few years.”
As they discussed security measures further, Elliot couldn’t help but think back to the night he met Alexia at the gala. She was radiant in her crimson-red dress that stood out amidst the golden light of the ballroom. He remembered asking her to dance; it was as if she were made for him alone. When they left together later that night, he purchased a painting, Passion, from an artist there—Alexia Marque—which still hung in his bedroom as a reminder of their beginning.
“You’re right,” said Elliot, snapping back to the present moment. His eyes focused, and a slight smile tugged at his lips. “I was just as captivated then as I am now.”
Ava leaned forward, picking up on the subtle change in his expression. “You told her, didn’t you?”
“I told her enough to protect her.”
“Be sure to tell her not to share any information with Myra about the estate's security. Make it clear whom she can trust,” said Ben.
“Elliot, be careful. Alexia is walking a tightrope without a safety net.”
Elliot looked down, understanding the gravity of her words. “I know.”
“Listen, Elliot,” Ava continued, “Harris is bringing you a new tool I have just completed and put through its paces. It’s the most advanced listening device detector I’ve ever developed. When the moment is right, give one to Alexia. Trust me, you’ll be grateful later. If anything comes up, reach out to us before our meeting tomorrow.” The Zoom call ended.
Elliot lingered, running scenarios for the staff meeting—his thoughts already circling Alexia. She needed to be informed, but he had to tread carefully.
Meanwhile, in a cozy home office in Rome, Ava and Ben sat side by side, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with unspoken thoughts.
Ben glanced at Ava, noticing the contemplative look in her eyes.
“You’re keeping a close watch on Elliot. Do you think he’s losing his grip?”
“Not losing control, but he’s changing. Alexia has had a profound effect on him. He’s unraveling, but it might be the very thing that saves them both.”
“Our push seems to have worked. Do you think she’s ready for what lies ahead?”
“She’s stronger than she believes, but there’s still so much she doesn’t know. I just hope Elliot is aware of what he’s doing. We’ll talk with him tomorrow.”
With a playful glint in his eyes, Ben added, “I’m keeping track of who’s unraveling faster—Elliot or Alexia. My bet’s on Elliot.”
Ava chuckled, her laughter lightening the room. “I agree,” she said with a giggle, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I must stop giggling so much.”
Ben reached for her hand, a smile playing on his lips.
“No, you don’t. I love that giggle because it’s you. How are you and our babies feeling?”
Ava rolled her eyes, her laughter bubbling up again.
“You have seven more months before you meet them,” she replied, a tender smile spreading across her face.
At 4 pm, a black taxi rolled to a stop at the grand entrance of the sprawling estate. Harris and Sarah stepped out, gripping their suitcases with practiced ease, their expressions calm and unassuming.
Their understated arrival was meticulously planned. Georgia, the housekeeper, greeted them warmly with a nod and a soft smile, then led them through the ornate, high-ceilinged halls to Elliot’s study.
Elliot rose from behind his mahogany desk to welcome them. He nodded approvingly as he assured them that their fabricated backstory was flawless, crafted to avoid any hint of suspicion from the other staff members bustling around the estate.
Steven and Anna attended the meeting as scheduled. Harris, with a firm yet approachable demeanor, took the helm.
“Steven, Anna, your work here has been invaluable to the estate’s success. We’re here to provide you with the resources and support needed to maintain that excellence,” he said.
He distributed small, pen-like devices to Elliot, Steven, and Anna. “This is Ava’s latest breakthrough,” he explained, holding up the black metallic gadget. “It’s designed to detect any hidden listening devices—whether they’re concealed in walls, furniture, vehicles, or even clothing.”
“Make sure to use it daily, and report any anomalies directly to us,” Sarah interjected, her tone both serious and encouraging.
As the meeting wrapped up, Harris handed Elliot an additional pen-sized detector.
“Pass this along to Alexia when the timing is right—from Ava,” he instructed, his voice low.
Steven and Anna took Harris and Sarah on an informative tour of the estate. They navigated through the winding paths, pointing out strategic security checkpoints, the elegantly furnished living quarters, and the meticulously manicured grounds.
During the tour, with the estate’s lush gardens and ornate fountains as a backdrop, Harris subtly probed for information, asking pointed questions about the routines and behaviors of the other staff couples—Jonathan and Georgia, Ricardo and Marcella, and Jacob and Sofia—carefully noting each response for future reference.
Later that evening, Elliot discovered Alexia in the studio. She was seated cross-legged on the floor, creating an abstract whirlwind of emotions. Elliot hesitated at the threshold, feeling the weight of the moment before stepping inside.
“We need to talk.”
“Is that code for more secrets you’re ready to dump on me?” Her voice was edged with sharp skepticism.
“The truth is… I…” Elliot stopped short, frustration cracking through, choking off what he wasn’t ready to say.
- Writer
