Page 75 of Code Name: Atticus
“Cottage twelve is ready—one of our premier accommodations, with valley views. Mr. Morrison has arranged full access to all amenities. Golf, spa, tennis, whatever you desire.”
“What about riding?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. Would you like me to schedule something for this afternoon?”
Brenna put her hand on my arm. “Let’s get settled first, darling.”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Whatever makes you happy, dear.”
The path to our cottage led us past a water feature and elaborate gardens that, like the other landscape, were made tolook wild. Several cottages appeared and disappeared through the trees, each tucked into its own pocket of privacy.
As Bradley had said, ours was perched on a small rise that gave it views across the valley. Its stone and timber construction matched the main lodge, and it had an expansive deck with a hot tub. There was enough glass to make surveillance easy from multiple angles—in or out.
“This is lovely,” Brenna said as the bellhop unloaded our bags.
“The welcome reception begins at six in the main lodge,” Bradley informed us. “It’s in the Canyon Room, which is to the left of the main fireplace.”
“We’ll be there,” I assured him.
The moment the door closed behind them, I started my security sweep while Brenna went through the motions of unpacking. The cottage was basically a high-end hotel suite masquerading as a rustic cabin. It had a living area with a fireplace, a kitchenette we wouldn’t use, a bedroom with a king bed and more pillows than ten people would need, and a bathroom that belonged in a spa magazine, but was nowhere near as nice as the one in Sausalito.
I pulled out the electromagnetic scanner Kodiak had provided, a device about the size of a phone that could detect any audio or visual devices. Moving methodically through each room, I watched the display. Normal signatures for a Wi-Fi router in the closet, cellular from our phones, electrical wiring in the walls. There was a minor spike near the bedroom window—probably a repeater for the resort’s network, boosting signal to the cottage, which was interesting, given we were warned cell coverage would be limited.
The deck was clean, but the sight lines were what really concerned me. The cottage faced the valley, which was beautiful,but it also meant anyone with binoculars or a scope could watch us through the windows.
“Well?” Brenna asked when I returned to the living room.
“Clean as we can verify. But I wouldn’t bet my clearance on it.”
She crossed to where I stood, sliding her arms around my waist. “Then we should probably kiss. You know, for appearances.”
“I’m nothing if not an excellent actor.” I kissed her longer than necessary, tasting the mint she’d eaten in the car. “The method approach is very demanding.”
“You haven’t seen demanding yet,” she said, winking.
“I’m definitely up for the challenge.”
Brenna raised a brow.
“Literally.”
“You’re ridiculous, Atticus.”
“Ridiculously in love with you.”
She laughed. “That was terrible.”
“But true.”
She took a step back. “I’m going to change.”
“I can help if you’d like.”
When she disappeared into the bedroom without responding, I took that as a “no, thanks.”
My phone vibrated with a message from Kodiak, saying they’d see us at eighteen hundred unless we needed to meet sooner.
Roger 1800, I responded.
