“I think I’m helping Levi with some research.” Cassie studied Janessa a moment. Like herself, Janessa had opted for casual attire this morning, and her long red hair flowed freely over her shoulders. Taking a tentative step toward friendship, Cassie asked, “Do you think I’m crazy for wanting to go back home?”

“If my father were sick, I’d do anything I could to be with him,” Janessa said without hesitation. “I’m sorry you have to jump through so many security hurdles to give yourself that gift.”

“Thank you.” Remembering Janessa had endured her own share of security issues, Cassie asked, “How did you and Garrett deal with the stress of knowing someone was trying to kill you?”

“We worked with Levi,” Janessa said. “He’s very good at what he does.”

“I have to admit I’ve never dealt much with security before.”

“When you have the right people working for you, ideally you don’t have to think about it,” Janessa said. “Good security is like a warm blanket. It sits unnoticed for months on end, but when that cold winter night comes, it gives you the comfort you need.”

“Unless it doesn’t work.”

“Levi will review the video feed and the security plans to identify how your palace security was breached.” Janessa reached out in what appeared to be an instinctive gesture and laid her hand on Cassie’s arm. “You can trust Levi with your life. Garrett and I have, and we’re still here to talk about it.”

Cassie looked down at the hand on her arm. Janessa withdrew it and the warmth with it. Not willing to let the tentative bonds of friendship fade, Cassie asked, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course.”

“How long did it take you to get past the nightmares?”

“A while,” Janessa said, and Cassie couldn’t help but admire the other woman’s honesty. “I had Garrett to help me through them, and he had me.”

“I envy you that.”

The door opened behind Janessa, and Levi walked outside. Janessa glanced at him before lowering her voice. “I don’t think you have anything to envy.” Janessa started to rise.

Cassie surprised herself when she reached out and put her hand on Janessa’s arm. “Thank you.”

Janessa covered Cassie’s hand with hers. “You’re welcome. You two enjoy your morning.”

“Thanks,” Cassie said. “You too.”

* * *

Levi watched the exchange between the two women, warmed by the way Cassie had let her guard down with Janessa, if only for a moment. As soon as Janessa went inside, Levi took her vacated seat. “What was that about?”

“Nothing really,” Cassie said. “You’re up early.”

“From the looks of things, I slept in compared to you. How long have you been up?”

“A while. I couldn’t sleep.” Cassie looked around the empty terrace before focusing on him. “I keep thinking about what you said about the oil contracts. For the life of me, I can’t tie that in with the bank robberies.”

“Maybe they aren’t connected.”