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She’d been hoping he would get to that point before she had to reveal her plan.
“Exactly. That’s why I’d like to involve a couple of my Option Zero teammates.”
“How so?”
“Serena Donavan is one of the most gifted hackers in the world. She would be able to determine if any of these people have any financial gains outside the norm. She might also be able to track the texts to a phone number associated to someone.”
“I don’t like the idea of outsiders delving into our lives.”
“Papa, I know you don’t, but I trust these people like you trust your people. Maybe even more so.”
Not responding to her statement, the king walked around the office again, assessing. She gave him the quiet he needed, knowing any decision he made would not be easy for him. These people were family, friends, and dedicated employees. His aide and secretary had been with him for decades. She knew this was hard for him.
When he stopped at the most recent messages, a change came over him. He was studying the response to the message that she was back at the palace. The smiling devil emoji was creepy, and she couldn’t deny the threat. Subtle and perhaps even childish, but it was there all the same. Gideon had definitely concurred.
“Very well, Lina.” He turned to her. “I’d like to meet your teammates, if possible. Would they come here?”
“Yes.” She drew in a breath. She would have a lot of explaining to do. “I’ll call them now.”
“I’ll send a plane for them.”
“Not necessary. They have their own.”
“All right. I look forward to meeting them.”
A chime sounded at her door. Her heart in her throat, Eve raced to the door and opened it. Relief flooded her to see Gideon standing there, not a mark on him.
Eve pulled him inside the apartment and then threw her arms around him. If he hadn’t realized things had changed between them because of last night, he knew it now. She had never shown this much emotion in greeting him or allowed him to see her worry.
Holding her close, Gideon breathed in her hair. “I’m fine, sweetheart.”
“Gideon, good to see you back, young man.”
He raised his head to see the king a few feet away. If he was surprised to see his daughter’s arms wrapped around his former employee, he didn’t let on.
“Thank you, sir. And I appreciate you vouching for me.”
“I wish I could have done more.”
“There was no need. I called the friend I was with in San Juan. He verified my alibi that I was with him when the murder took place.”
“That was quick,” the king said. “He must have some clout.”
“He does. He’s the police chief there and very well respected.”
“That’s a relief. Do they have any other suspects?”
“If they do, they didn’t tell me.”
“You left before breakfast,” Eve said. “Are you hungry?”
“I wouldn’t say no to a couple of sandwiches.”
“I’ll order up some dinner while you and Papa visit.” She turned to her father. “Papa, can you stay for dinner?”
“Yes. My evening is free.”
Glad to have the chance to speak with the king in private, Gideon pressed a kiss to Eve’s forehead. While her head was turned away, he caught her father’s eye and nodded toward her office.