143

Lucas offered a brief, understanding bow, already assessing the intricacies of duplicity and manipulation involved in the game. How was he not able to discern the fact that the players were all being positioned? Fabian, Loretta, Tasha, and even this woman, all quite literally, acted as mere pawns of a game much bigger than themselves, a game that the woman played with great finesse.

“Do you have any other orders for me?” Lucas ventured to ask.

The woman’s voice was devoid of emotion as she answered, “Monitor her. And make sure that no one gets into her personal space. If someone is capable of discerning our true purpose, dispose of that person.”

Once again, Lucas inclined his head and stepped backward. “I will ensure that it is done.”

And with that, he exited the enclosure, leaving the female figure in the dim-lit passage. She did, for a length of time, remain immobile, her mind entangled in her machinations. She was sure that at some point in time, Fabian would come in search of Lore