Chapter 74

Shadows of Doubt

The sun had barely risen over the vast Fernandez estate when Carlos Fernandez lay awake, his mind racing with thoughts from which he couldn't turn his attention. He glanced sideways at the empty space the king-sized bed held beside him, noticing that she had risen early—again—ahead of him. He didn't find that unusual for his wife, but lately. .. well, something didn't feel right.

Carlos padded down the hall; the plush carpet was muffling his footsteps. He came around into the kitchen to find Isabelle's low voice, once more on the phone, speaking in that low, urgent tone he had become so used to in the past few weeks.

"I understand. Yes, I'll meet you there. Don't worry, I'll be very careful," Isabelle was saying. When Carlos came into the kitchen, she hastily concluded the call with a quick, "I gotta go. Talk soon."

"Good morning," said Carlos, trying hard to keep his voice neutral. "Early call?"

Isabelle turned, the practiced smile in place. "Oh, just some foundation