“I’ll be right back,” I tell Aaliya and head towards the sound.

Mike is waiting patiently for me outside the living room in the foyer, facing away from me, an iPad in his hand. He turns when I near him.

“Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but you need to see this.” He hands me the iPad.

“What am I looking at?” I scan the various camera pictures that are displayed in a grid.

He points to a picture. “These were taken right now, Sir. There’s an intruder in Heaven’s Gate and none of the security alarms tripped anywhere.”

He shows me pictures from various parts of Heaven’s Gate. Sure enough, there is someone. I can’t see who it is until the last picture.

“Enlarge this one please.” I point on the screen and he does so at once.

I squint to get a better look at the image. There is only a hazy profile of the person visible, but I recognize him. “This looks like Peter Dighby. Can you zoom on his face, so I can be certain?”

Mike clicks a few times on the screen and hands the iPad back to me.

“Yes, that is him,” I confirm.

An uneasy expression crosses Mike’s face. “Sir, I’ve installed security and cameras at all the entry and exit points to the property that we discussed and surveyed. How did he enter without tripping any alarms? Why does he have free access?”

I rub my temple and then splay a hand out. “Heaven’s Gate is huge and Peter always had access to the place. He’s visited there since years. As far as I recall, he always had to take permission from my father to visit. Perhaps that’s changed in the last five years.” I lift one shoulder. “I don’t know, Mike. Peter’s just survived a shooting. Cut him some slack, please.”

Mike’s lips flatten. “Sir, we need to find out how he got inside. And if I may request, can we ask him to seek permission once again before visiting? I’m not comfortable with people moving in and out of the property without prior intimation.”

“Fine, talk to him. It’s only Peter, after all. I’m certain it won’t amount to anything. But we will do what you say.”

I take a few steps to return to Aaliya when I pause and turn to Mike. “Let’s return to Heaven’s Gate. If Peter’s there then you can talk to him directly. Call him and ask him to meet us in the afternoon.”

Mike lets out a huge breath. “Absolutely!” he agrees.

“We’ll leave within the hour.”

I return to Aaliya, excited at the prospect of taking her home to Heaven’s Gate.

She’s standing at the terrace doors, once again taking in the view. I put my arms around her waist and settle my chin on her head.