“Everything you told me checks out, and if I’m to trust that your family doesn’t have any internal issues going on, then I have to wonder if anyone else might have inadvertently been given sensitive information about the oil contracts.”

“Under normal circumstances, I would call him and ask,” Cassie said. “I don’t suppose that’s possible while I’m staying here though, is it?”

“I might be able to set up a secure call through the US naval base. That shouldn’t raise any red flags since Crispan is living in Houston.”

“Are you sure you feel comfortable involving the Americans?”

“I have some contacts on base I know I can trust,” Levi said. “If I ask for a favor, they won’t demand to know the details.”

“That’s saying something,” Cassie said. “It isn’t often the military of one country will blindly do a favor for a foreigner.”

“Yes, but I do have the advantage of working for a princess who is from their country.”

“True.” Cassie glanced at the sun. “With the time difference, it’s the middle of the night in Houston.”

“We can set up the call later this afternoon,” Levi said. “I thought you might enjoy a ride into town today.”

Cassie weighed her desire to explore with her lingering fear that came from knowing someone wanted her dead. “You’re certain no one knows I’m here?”

“I’m certain,” Levi assured her. “I think a couple hours away from the chateau will do you good, and it will only reinforce your cover story that you’re here to see me.”

“I suppose it would be good to keep everyone believing we’re together.”

“Is that a yes?”

“As long as you’re bringing your gun with you, it’s a yes.”

“I always have my gun with me,” Levi said. “Let’s plan on leaving at two. We can have a late lunch in town.”

“Perfect.” Cassie looked up at the sun. “I think I might work by the pool today. It’s too beautiful outside to close myself up in my rooms.”

“You’re a very smart woman.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

* * *

Levi looked over his latest reports, several of them from his CIA contacts. Cassie was right. From everything the analysts could see, her mother’s side of the family was content with their supportive role to King Alejandro, and no one had uncovered any potential motives for any of them wanting Cassie dead.

With the eight-hour time difference between Meridia and Houston, the call to Crispan would have to wait until tonight, after he and Cassie got home. He experienced a tug at his emotions when he forced himself to face the fact that within weeks, home would once again be the United States. The mere thought of seeing Belinda again, of facing his greatest failure, left him hollow inside. He had loved her once, had even wondered if they might build a future together. All those feelings had changed over the months Belinda had recovered from the explosion and he had battled his own emotional demons.