“Then it’s a possibility I want to explore,” Cassie said.

“First, let’s get through these investigations. I want the known threats eliminated before you decide to start shaking hands with your subjects.”

“That sounds reasonable enough.” They reached the stable yard. “I guess for now, I’ll have to enjoy the illusion of freedom you’ve given me here in Meridia.”

“Come on.” Levi offered his hand. “Let’s make the most of it.”

Cassie put her hand in his. “I’m ready when you are.”

* * *

Levi rode beside Cassie and wondered why it had taken him so long to decide to go horseback riding while checking the perimeter. He could have been doing this for the past two years instead of entrusting his staff to always tend to this task.

His shirt rippled in the breeze, and he glanced at Cassie riding beside him. Her understanding of security protocols had greatly expanded since her arrival, and Levi suspected she could do the perimeter check on her own if it wasn’t for the section of fence that overlooked the cliffs. Every time they started up the hill, she veered off and took a parallel path that didn’t trigger her fear of heights.

They reached that spot, and he urged his horse up the hill until he reached the peak, and then he took a moment to evaluate the water traffic on the Mediterranean below: a few sailboats, a handful of motor craft, and a tanker passing in the distance. He noted a sailboat hovering on the edge of the chateau’s restricted waters. Levi sent Franco a text to make sure the security office was monitoring it.

Levi continued to follow the fence until he rejoined Cassie. “You really need to come up with me sometime to see the view. You don’t have to go close to the edge.”

“I’m good,” Cassie said.

Levi didn’t press. Their horses fell into step, his eyes still on the fence line. A mound of fresh dirt caught his eye. He reined in his horse.

Cassie stopped beside him. “Is something wrong?”

Levi pointed. “Do you see that?”

“It looks like a gopher hole.”

“We shouldn’t have gophers in here,” Levi said. “We have low-level electrical currents running through the ground beneath the fence to prevent animals from burrowing under the wall.”

“Then what could cause that?”

“I’m not sure.” Levi pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed. “Franco, I need you to send someone to check out the exterior fence by marker twenty-three. I see fresh dirt inside the wall.”

“You got it.”

An alarm sounded through the phone.

Levi straightened in his saddle. “What’s that?”

“We have a sensor alarm, marker twenty-one.”

“Call you back.” Levi pocketed his phone and turned to Cassie. “Come on. We have to go.”

“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked, her concern evident.

“We’re heading back to the stables. Let’s go.” Levi reached out and smacked her horse’s rump to send the gelding into motion. As soon as Cassie’s mount started forward, Levi urged his own horse into a gallop. Together they raced across the open field, down the trail that cut through the woods, and into the stable yard.