“He does get overexcited when his bedtime is delayed. Maybe I’ll put him down early.”

“Now there’s a thought.” Her husky voice was doing funny things to his insides. “Actually, I was going to capitalize on Sammy’s competitive nature. You are aware he has one, aren’t you?”

“It has raised its head a time or two.”

“Any idea where he gets that from?” she teased.

“I haven’t the foggiest notion.” Harry grinned.

Elise was flirting with him. The experience was so exhilarating, Harry leaned back against the headrest and savored the moment. Even though she had agreed to give them a chance, he had sensed hesitancy in her. This phone call went a long way to settling his anxiety.

“See you soon,” she said.

“Not soon enough.” Harry rang off.

Anders Gilmont parked beside the castle gate. Gray clouds gathered overhead, and a stiff breeze gusted. Outwardly, Gilmont remained calm, his movements measured. Internally, his pulse thundered, but if he had learned one thing over the last twelve months, it was that patience paid off.

He removed the set of knives he had purchased and placed them inside his pockets, weighting each side evenly for balance. He preferred blades as his weapon of choice; they were much more personal. The gate code, compliments of a former student whose mother had worked on the Roxbury estate, was quickly punched into the electronic pad.

The gate swung open. People in general rarely took precautions in out-of-the-way places. It would help considerably if the rest of Roxbury’s staff were every bit as lax.

The gate closed behind him. Now all he had to do was locate Roxbury’s eldest daughter. If she wasn’t in residence, one of the staff would know where to find her. He’d jog their memory if they proved difficult.

On the left side of the castle, near the heating-and-air British thermal units, he hid the car. Climbing out, he stood for a moment and gazed at the nineteenth-century castle—a Victorian’s medieval replica of a romantic era. Gilmont preferred a modern home over this pile of rock and responsibility.

According to his informant, the staff took lunch at this hour. He eyed the security camera and key-card reader on the side door. New updates had taken place since his student’s mother had worked here. He averted his face from the camera and walked with confidence, taking one of the paved paths along the castle’s exterior.

Halfway down the outer wall, a door stood slightly ajar. Gilmont sighed with relief and let himself in. Footsteps clattered on the stairwell.

Gilmont’s heart skipped a beat. Dashing to the window, he climbed into the deep sill and pulled the curtain to cover himself. Perhaps this person would be of use.

A second pair of footsteps. Men’s voices. Too many people. He’d bide his time and take someone by surprise, someone he could overpower with ease.