“I don’t care how many hours it takes.” Where Roman’s voice had been commanding before, now it was all hard edge and cold warning. “You will sit with the man I’ve provided to help you, and you will capture pictures of any individuals who appear to be using their phone.”

He waited for an agreement, then added, “Good. And this does not leave your office. Is that clear?”

Another pause. When he’d heard what he wanted, he ended the call and refocused on Kir. “It will take some time, but we should have photos for Cassie to review soon.”

“And the email?” Kir asked.

“I called Knox,” Sergei said. “Your skills are superior, but leveraging his industry connections will get us information more quickly than any trace might provide.”

It was a valid point, and if it meant ensuring Cassie’s safety and finding Kevin’s killer, he was more than willing to swallow his pride and let someone else drive. He nodded and added his own plans. “I’ve sent Sam, Patrick and Abel to Cassie’s house. They’ll sweep for bugs and signs of forced entry.”

Sergei inclined his head toward the devices in his lap. “And those?”

“Powered off. I’ll screen them myself and will get her a new phone if they’re compromised.” He hesitated only a moment, then added, “I’ve sent my men to retrieve her aunt and bring her to the carriage house as well.”

Roman shifted in his seat.

Sergei cocked one eyebrow.

“Her aunt is special to her,” Kir added. “The only family member she is close to, and she was afraid for her safety.”

“An appropriate action,” Sergei said, surprising Kir. Even more surprising was the dry humor in his voice and the smug smile that came with it. “Though, I must confess, I don’t envy you dancing around the questions posed by not just one woman, but two.”

He wasn’t wrong. To the degree he was able to share information, Cassie deserved to know the truth of who he was and what he did in the same way Evette did. But beyond that, the lines with family grew tricky. “I’ve met her once. I take her as a very no-nonsense woman with street smarts and common sense. My hope is that she will read between the lines and offer Cassie the support she needs without requiring specifics.”

Sergei nodded. “Fair enough. So long as she is loyal to the family, there are no concerns from me.” He volleyed his gaze between Kir and Roman. “What else?”

“Cassie’s family is in Houston,” Kir said. “I don’t see whoever is behind this having that far of a reach, but leveraging them is a possibility.”

“Not likely,” Roman said, “but possible. We could engage other family connections in Texas.”

Sergei shook his head. “Keep ties to us limited. Contact Beckett in Dallas. Ask him for security options in Houston, and hire them privately.”

“Done,” Kir said. “I will also upgrade security at my home so that Cassie can relocate there.”