“Cassie, this is Rachelle Bourgeau. She’s my replacement here.”

Cassie extended her hand. “Good to meet you.”

“You too,” Rachelle said.

“Where are you headed?” Levi asked.

“I was thinking about a picnic on the beach.”

“Mind if I join you?”

“I was hoping you would have time,” Cassie said.

“I’ll leave you to your lunch,” Rachelle said. “It was nice meeting you, Cassie.”

“You too.”

Levi slid his arm around Cassie’s waist, and they started down the hall. “How have you spent your morning?”

“Working.”

“Sounds like we’re both due for a break,” Levi said.

“I agree.”

Fifteen minutes later, Cassie slipped off her sandals when they reached the beach. Levi carried the picnic basket in one hand and a blanket tucked beneath his other arm.

“Is this okay?” Levi asked, pointing at the stretch of sand halfway between the seawall and the rising tide.

“It’s perfect.”

Levi spread out the blanket and set the basket down. He then crossed to the shed situated beneath the stairs leading to the chateau and returned a moment later with a beach umbrella that he placed at the corner of the blanket. “Thought you might want some shade.”

“Thank you.” Cassie opened the basket and handed a plate to Levi.

Levi sat beside her and set out the food. “Did you get a lot of work done this morning?”

“I did. In fact, I have an idea that might help reduce the threat against me.”

“I’m listening.”

“I selected the company I want to award the drilling contract to,” Cassie said. “That is, assuming you can confirm they weren’t involved in the shooting.”

“I’m still working on determining who is behind the attack, but all evidence points to Satori. We can see where a payment was made to the shooters.”

“And the American firms?”

“My staff hasn’t found any flags for either of them,” Levi said. “We’re still looking into Vector Oil, but so far, the only firm where we can trace unexplained payments to Pantheon was Satori.”

“Then I have a winner.”

Levi took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“Does awarding the contract have anything to do with your idea?”

“It does,” Cassie said. “It seems to me that once the announcement of the winner is made, winning the drilling rights will no longer be a motivation to come after me.”

“That’s true.” Levi popped a grape in his mouth.

“Do you think it would be a good idea to dispense with that possible motive?”

“Yes and no.”

“Explain.”

“Yes, I think it would greatly reduce potential threats against you, especially if we’re right about who is behind the assassination attempt.”

“And no?” Cassie asked.

“No, because I worry your security in Sereno will see that as the only possible motive and won’t consider that another threat might still be out there.”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“I think you should move forward with your plans. I’ll do what I can to work with your security forces to make sure they know this may not be over.”