Kate Educates Jacob #39

Fortifying the castle

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I’d been out for an early morning jaunt before breakfast, clearing my head of work-related problems, while leaving Kate to rest.

She felt tired and although we discussed the cause might be her pregnancy, my privately held opinion was that weeks of family tension and high-intensity work-related stress had fatigued her.

Kate was my constant concern and specifically in terms of how we seemed to roll from one crisis to another.

I’ll break the cycle starting today.

I spotted my new partner in crime while crossing the gravel car parking lot in front of Granger Hall, so I jabbed a finger repeatedly, pointing towards the far corner and a side entrance leading to my office. He acknowledged me with a wave and changed direction immediately.

At my office, we shook hands, exchanged our usual pleasantries and I unlocked the door.

“I have yesterday’s CCTV footage on a thumb drive, Claude. Shall we check it out?”

No sooner had I inserted the drive into my computer than Kate arrived along the corridor from our main house kitchen with a half plate of crispy bacon and Hannah in tow.

They seemed excited about the intrigue although I couldn’t be more concerned.

“A security breech isn’t cause for celebration ladies.”

“Come on Jacob, can it be that serious?”

“You’re the billionaire owner of a Defence and Security company working on the nation’s most sensitive military weapons programs, Kate.”

My fiancee scowled but I was respectful when explaining because my warning was intended as much for Claude and Hannah’s benefit since they were all involved in Kate’s circle of trust.

She linked her arm through mine and smiled apologetically.

“It is serious, Jacob… I’m sorry. Adapting to what feels like the restriction of our freedom, isn’t coming easily to me.”

“It’s okay darling. We’ll work these problems out.”

I turned to Claude, pointing at my screen where the first images from a minute past midnight were displayed in infra-red.

“Roughly what time did you see the woman, Claude?”

“It was 09:35 exactly when she stepped out of her truck.”

I smiled at the irony that he knew exactly what time the incident occurred while scrolling forwards to the correct timestamp.

When I restarted the feed, the woman’s face was clear once she exited her vehicle. I paused the footage and turned around, by which time Kate was already on her phone.

“Come to the house today, early afternoon. We should talk about your binoculars.”

I heard a muffled voice reply but couldn’t make out what they said. Kate looked irritated and I wondered how bad the problem might be.

“It’s Carol. She used to be a senior research technician at Global Dynamics.”

“How high was her security clearance?”

“All the way to the top, Jacob. Carol knew every secret we had and could access most files.”

“What happened to her?”

“She disappeared one day about a month ago and never returned.”

“Okay, I’m confused sweetheart. How did you have her cell number to call just now?”

“The person with that phone kept sending odd messages, suggesting we talk, never announcing themselves. I just put two and two together based on recognizing her just now.”

“And what did you do when she messaged you, Kate?”

“I just ignored them.”

“Okay. We should probably discuss more security in every aspect.”

“You mean more intrusion into our lives?”

Kate’s temper flared, but she contained it quickly. I saw defiance and fire burning in her eyes and preferred to broach the subject later in private but now would be so much more appropriate, involving Hannah and Claude, even if it attracted my future wife’s ire.

“I have a simple question darling. Once our baby is born, if they were kidnapped, how much ransom would you pay for a safe return?”

Her jaw hit the floor and Kate’s face went white as a sheet. Claude looked stunned, Hannah smiled and put her arm around my fiancee. I felt horrified and hugely disappointed in myself.

I’d just let the cat out of the bag.

“I meant if we had a baby.”

Kate smiled lovingly and took pity on my distressed state, stepping close, and embracing me. She whispered in my ear.

“It was an innocent mistake, Jacob so please forget about it. We’ll swear these two to silence and yes, you are absolutely right, things around here must change.”

Kate turned around and grinned delightedly at her long-term friend, then wrapped an arm around me.

“We’re having a baby, but it’s far too early for a public announcement so please don’t mention it.”

Claude shook my hand wearing a beaming smile and Hannah hugged Kate but our elephant was still in the room.

A selection of breakfast buffet and coffee was set up in my office by the Chef’s kitchen brigade, one of many benefits of being close to his empire.

Everyone got stuck in because who doesn’t enjoy a good breakfast while dealing with conspiracies?

Eventually, having eaten well and threatened their lives if either Hannah or Claude revealed the secret, our impromptu, disorganized meeting returned to order.

I shut the CCTV footage down, deciding it needed to be reviewed properly by someone who understood how to evaluate security vulnerabilities.

“Would you like a job?”

“What do you mean by that Jacob?”

“As Security Chief. You’d be responsible for all family members’ security. That would include Kate, Catherine, Claire, and maybe some key staff living on site like Hannah and Tiffany.”

“Fuck, Jacob. I’m not an expert in security.”

“Not in the technologies perhaps, but that’s just a matter of brushing up. You have the right instincts and already care about this family.”

He mulled over my suggestion, glancing at Hannah for her opinion. They held hands, clearly in the early stages of some kind of relationship, because I saw the unspoken messaging of eye contact at play. Claude wasn’t sure.

“What do you think, my love?”

“It’s up to you Claude. We’re early days in our relationship, but I’d love for you to stay, at least until I have no further use for you.”

“Oh Hannah baby, you’ll always have a need for daddy.”

I chuckled, and Kate followed suit, raising an eyebrow at her friend. Claude looked more comfortable with my suggestion and paced the room while stroking his chin as though considering his next words carefully.

When he turned around, Claude looked concerned.

“What about you, Jacob?”

“I’m too busy managing the estate and helping Kate. My eye is off the security ball. Our family is vulnerable.”

“No, buddy… I meant what about your security? Could you let me manage that? Would you behave? You might become the very security breach you’re trying to avoid if you aren’t in that circle that would be controlled by me.”

Kate burst out laughing, almost to the point of tears. Hannah joined the giggling fit, but Claude was deadly serious. I got the humor of my movements becoming controlled, but I also knew how seriously Claude meant it and how right he was.

“You make a very good point.”

“We’re becoming friends Jacob. I don’t want to lose that because comradeship is a scarce commodity these days. You understand?”

“Of course. I’ll have to submit myself to the same security protocols as everyone else.”

“That’s at home, work, wherever you go, buddy. If you were kidnapped, Kate would give everything up for your safe return as well.”

“That’s very true, Jacob. Are we really that vulnerable?”

“Not if we’re cautious. It’s not just about our physical security, though. We need to consider how well key people at GD are protected.”

I sat down heavily while Claude continued pacing the room. There was more to come, so I let it play out, as did everyone else, maintaining a deadly silence. He sauntered back from Richard’s library of books at the end of my office, grinning at Hannah.

“I will do this, but if Hannah ever feels uncomfortable should we break up I will disappear the same way I arrived.”

I shook his hand while Kate shot an approving glance at Hannah. Claude had grown on everyone, mostly because he was an amiable and gentle man with a killer streak if improperly provoked.

I couldn’t think of a better man to watch out for my family. Kate and Hannah left while Claude helped himself to Catherine’s chair.

“Oh, you’re fucking brave.”

“I will hear Catherine coming and run brother.”

I had to laugh and enjoyed his company, especially knowing how safe he would make my beloved without her being inconvenienced.

“Can you message the security team and let them know Carol is arriving sometime this afternoon.”

“Already done, and I used the vehicle registration number from the CCTV. I will be in the security lodge monitoring everything as soon as you reassure me privately that you’ll be careful.”

I eyeballed Claude and for a moment we were two stone-cold killers figuring each other out, testing one another’s resolve. My freedom and personal space were sacrosanct, but my wings were about to be clipped for the greater good.

“If I don’t like something you’ve got planned we’ll discuss it, but I won’t go off the reservation until we do that unless in an emergency.”

“That’s as much as I’d give you, Jacob. Thank you. I will enjoy working for you buddy.”

We shook hands again and Claude left, welcoming Catherine as they passed by each other in the corridor.

“I’ve purloined a couple of Danish pastries for us this morning along with your usual cappuccino.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

“You’re very welcome, Son.”

Sitting in Catherine’s company was very comforting. She spoke little unless it was called for, letting me get on with my work. Her advice was always considered, well-meant, and worth following.

“We need to discuss puppies, Jacob.”

“I know. I feel now might not be the right time with a baby coming soon.”

“Nonsense, you need the companionship now, especially if you have need of a warning system that someone is about in the woods when you’re out running.”

“That’s a very good point.”

“And besides that, they’re already here.”

Kate came dashing in cradling two adorable German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, one in each arm. She kissed both and handed them to me. Both had brown faces with a white streak from their nose, splitting the eyes and running to the top of their tiny heads. The bodies were mottled brown on white and I loved them instantly.

“Wait a few days, and they’ll tell you their names by behavior.”

“I love them, Catherine.”

“I know, Jacob. You and I understand one another and I know dogs.”

Time flew by while I played with my new puppies. I couldn’t believe how absorbing they were. Kate and Catherine brought in a litter tray, a bedding basket for the pair, and some small treats, cautioning me about feeding them too many.

By the time both were asleep, Claude arrived with a terrified woman in tow. Kate went immediately into business mode while I phoned Chef for refreshments.

“I need more furniture in here, Catherine.”

“Shall I select some for you?”

“Yes, please. In the meantime, Kate, you have my seat please.”

I had the utmost respect for Kate and even though we functioned like any other couple, ours was still a female-led relationship although far from some that were entirely dictatorial. If I were to describe my perspective, I considered myself a Knight in shining armor to Kate’s Princess.

Carol clutched her coffee with two hands and bony fingers. I studied her gaunt face and saw an unhealthy complexion. Her clothes were hanging off her as though drastic weight loss had afflicted her. Overall, she looked like someone trapped in a dark place suffering from malnutrition.

“Why did you leave, Carol?”

“I didn’t. I was fucking taken by complete bastards, Kate.”

She burst into tears and Catherine kneeled, placing an arm around her while the woman sobbed, almost falling forwards out of her chair. Hannah was last to join us, entering the room silently, leaning against a filing cabinet.

Kate seemed harrowed, and I knew our earlier conversation was tormenting her. Claude took Carol’s hand.

“Nobody will harm you here. Tell us what happened.”

“I was leaving GD as usual about six weeks ago, and some men pulled me over. They wore police uniforms, spoke in strange accents, and told me I was being pulled over for a routine stop.”

“What did they do?”

“I don’t remember anything until waking up in a steel shipping container, strapped to a hospital bed.”

“Why?”

“They want the blueprints for StarCom.”

“Fuck!”

I shot a glance at Kate, surprised she’d sworn. Although cursing was permitted, she rarely did so unless when making love to me. I smiled wryly, but the serious look on her face confirmed we had a problem.

“That’s our US Government battlefield communications system for those who don’t know.”

I didn’t know and that surprised me. It meant that Kate, quite rightly kept some things even from me. Claude was making progress calming Carol and she seemed comfortable with the former French Special Forces killer, so Kate let him proceed with the interrogation.

“Where did they take you?”

“Cuba.”

“How did you get away?”

“They released me and said I wasn’t to return to GD under pain of death. I saw some company plans, files, and data lying around where they held me. A couple of times a few of the men showed me specific documents, demanding I help piece it all together.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because I don’t know how. If I did, honestly, I would have given them what they wanted.”

“Did they torture or harm you, Carol?”

“Emotionally and psychologically, yes. They pumped me full of drugs and fuck knows what I said. In the end, I went on hunger strike. I went to sleep one day as usual in a filthy cell on a urine-soaked mattress, and the next thing I woke up in my bed.”

“Did you go to the police?”

“No, they said I was being watched. I snuck in here, used a horse, and tried to find you, Kate.”

My fiancee stared at her former employee and I saw horror and anger mixed in her expression. She leaned backward in my chair, clutching both hands behind her head, thinking.

“You’ll stay here until this problem is fixed, Carol.”

The scrawny woman sniffed, wiping her nose with a tissue someone handed her. She handed her empty mug back to Claude who helped Carol to her feet.

“Let’s fix you a meal. I find mushroom and bacon omelet works well after interrogation.”

She smiled weakly, but I knew Claude was deploying humor to lift the woman from a traumatic situation. Once she left Kate looked at me, shrugging her shoulders.

“What can we do for her Jacob?”

“Get the doctor to visit today and take it from there. We might have to open a new wing in the house for waifs and strays.”

“It’s getting weird Jacob.”

“I think this must have been normal for Richard too, right Catherine?”

We all looked at Kate’s Mom who shook her head.

“This never happened before. We should prepare for something awful and hope for the best.”

I ushered a gaunt-looking fiancée out of my office, and up to our apartment. After calling downstairs for some cake and coffee, I sat Kate down, slipped off her shoes, and massaged her toes.

“You’re worried Jacob.”

“Only about you darling.”

“Don’t lie. You’re worried about Carol.”

“I never lie to you.”

“That’s true. I’m sorry, it seems I’m a step behind.”

“That’s not true either.”

Kate leaned forwards, touching her forehead gently onto mine. I felt tension but confidence, strength, and great fortitude.

“Do you have a plan darling?”

“Yes. We’ll get Carol back on her feet, Claude will carefully extract everything he can then she’ll retire to someplace of her choosing with a pension and new identity papers.”

“And what about the people who took her?”

“Claude will upgrade security in all regards. They won’t trouble us again.”

“But that sounds like a cop-out. Shouldn’t we find them?”

“Not much point starting a war. They tried to steal technology, did that brutally, failed, and melted away.”

She processed what I’d said, mulling it over in the incisive manner my fiancée always did.

“You don’t want to start a war, right?”

“No point. I think this happens all the time. Richard kept it away from your mother which is why she panicked.”

“Are we safe Jacob?”

“Absolutely. Leave this to me and Claude. Carol will be fine and well cared for.”

“I can always rely on you, Jacob.”

“As I can you beloved wife-to-be.”

I wasn’t worried. The people who kidnapped Carol would have moved on and I’d be ready for the next gang of thieves.

When Kate slept I went downstairs to the small room next to the kitchen where Catherine usually drank her late-night tea, watching TV.

“Hello, Jacob. Care for some tea?”

“Yes, please.”

“Sit with me.”

She was watching a movie about zombies which set my teeth on edge. I sat with her for ten minutes before she spoke.

“I panicked, Jacob.”

“That’s hardly surprising.”

“Did Richard have these problems?”

“Probably more than we’re having. He was a good man who protected his family.”

“Can I relax?”

“I promise you can Mom.”

“Thank you, Jacob.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you, too.”

“What for?”

“Trusting me with your daughter.”

“My Kate is in very good hands, Jacob.”

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