The Bed You Make
Chapter 23, continued
“Here is my report,” Yuri said with his usual economy of words. “The measures suggested were put into place.”
Tap. The soft knock on the door was not unexpected. Each night since moving into the adjoining suite, his wife made a point of politely tapping on the door that separated them and bidding him a pleasant night's rest.
He surprised her that first night with an invitation for a nightcap and a moment of quiet conversation. He'd been fascinated by the array of emotions that danced across Dara's face at the offer. She finally accepted, Stefan recalled with amusement, albeit suspiciously. Still, it had not been an unpleasant half hour or so.
“Enter.”
“I just wanted to wish you a good night.” Dara lingered in the doorway between their suites. Her eyes slid to Yuri, standing just inside the opposite door. The silent Head of Security acknowledged her presence with a tiny nod before departing the room.
Stefan gestured her into the suite. “I was merely reviewing the day's security reports.”
“I knew Mr. Petrov compiled them daily for you.” Dara took a seat on the edge of the bed nearest the door. “I didn't know that he delivered them, too.”
“Occasionally. You may peruse them, if you would like.”
Dara's eyes widened slightly at the sizeable bundle he offered. “These are just today's reports?”
Stefan nodded. Yuri's notes were painstakingly thorough. Any deviation, however small, from what the Head of Cassadine Security considered the normal routine of Wyndemere and its occupants was noted for Stefan's attention. “I assure you, Yuri is handsomely compensated for his attention to detail.”
“I'm sure he is.” After a brief glance, Dara returned the stack of papers. “I wasn't implying that you were overworking him. I can say a lot of things about you, Stefan, but undervaluing your employees isn't one of them.”
Stefan tucked the stack of papers into his attaché case, atop the single sheet he had not included for his wife's examination. “Shall we discuss the many things you might say about me?”
“It was a figure of speech,” Dara shot back. “And if we did, you wouldn't like it. At all.”
“I see.” Stefan pressed the button that would summon one of the night maids. “Very well, then. I will allow you to choose a more pleasant topic for this night's discussion.”