“I have a couple analysts looking into the possibility, but I’ll make sure they give you access to the information.”

“I appreciate it,” Levi said. “Any new updates on the shooters in Sereno?”

“We’ve confirmed that the two who were killed served together in the army. One washed out of sniper training when he failed his psych eval. The other was given a dishonorable discharge after an altercation with his CO. He was accused of smuggling weapons when he was at Fort Bragg, but it was never proven.”

“Any known associations with terrorist groups?”

“Nothing. So far, everything points to them being guns for hire rather than extremists working toward a cause.”

“Profiteers.”

“That’s where the intel is pointing. Our analysts are searching now for a money trail that will tell us who hired them.”

“Then we’re still looking for a motive.”

“I’m afraid so,” Director Palmer said. “I have a meeting to go to, but I’ll keep you in the loop.”

“Do you want me to work directly with someone in the Europe Division?”

“No. I’m still limiting how many people know about your current cover. You report directly to me.”

“If that’s what you want,” Levi said.

“It is. Good luck with the princess.”

“Thanks, Director.” Levi hung up and stood. Time to find Cassie. Maybe she would have some insight into how bank robberies could be tied to an assassination attempt, because he didn’t have a clue.

* * *

Cassie set the file for the French company aside. One proposal eliminated, three more still in the running. In truth, any of the four would be acceptable, but the one from France had a record of safety violations in its current operations off the coast of Cyprus. With little else distinguishing one from the others, she had used that fact to remove it from consideration.

Of the final contenders, if she followed her father’s line of thinking and removed the American companies, she had her winner: the company from Greece. But if country of origin wasn’t considered, she was leaning toward a Houston-based company because of their exceptional safety ratings. The proposed agreement would also allow her family a significant amount of control over the location of the drilling platforms and the timing of production.

Four quick knocks sounded at her door.

“Come in.”

Levi entered. “Do you have a minute?”

“Yes.” Cassie stood. “Any news?”

“Yes and no.” Levi lifted a manila folder into her view. “I had one of my men monitoring security concerns within the region. I don’t know if any of this is connected to what happened in your country, but I wanted you to be aware of it.”

Cassie took the folder from him. “What is it?”

“A series of bank robberies. Twenty-three in nine different cities,” Levi said. “We’re still gathering reports to figure out how much was stolen.”

“Why would you think this would have something to do with someone trying to kill me?” Cassie asked.

“I don’t know that it does, but the timing is suspicious,” Levi said. “If someone is trying to disrupt the stability of the region, killing a royal and attacking the economic security in nine other countries could be part of a larger plan.”