Magnus sat back in the bed. It’d been a long day, and he was exhausted. But sleep seemed to have escaped him. He was catching up on emails and going through some voting propositions, scrutinizing every word and trying to decide how any of it would impact his country. When he tired of reading and re-reading, he finally went over his father’s advisors’ notes and his father’s comments.

One reason Magnus was more discreet about his politics than his father cared for was that he didn’t see eye-to-eye with his father’s more conservative approach. Magnus was more progressive. He also wasn’t as churchgoing as his parents or ancestors. Not that he didn’t believe in God. He didn’t have the same relationship with the church his family would like to see. And still, they gave him his space, believing he’d eventually come around.

When he looked at the time again, it was close to three in the morning. Hiking was in the plan with Freya. But Freya had suggested they invite Marissa and Justine, mostly to try averting further speculation. Magnus agreed.

After forcing himself to sleep for a few hours, Magnus awoke to his phone’s alarm. There was an extra spring in his walk as he whistled on his way toward the shower. He’d grab a coffee and a scone on the way down. He didn’t want to overeat. Not before a big hike.

Freya had sent him the directions to Rattlesnake Ridge. She and the ladies would meet him there. He’d looked it up online, and while it wasn’t the most advanced trail, it seemed to offer an amazing view of Mount Si and Mount Washington. It also helped it was a year-round trail, and it was gloomy and rainy in Seattle. He supposed it would discourage most from venturing outdoors, especially since it was cold, but not him. He was excited to enjoy the panoramic views and the company of his new friends.

Gerard and the other agent drove him there. The drive was pleasant although there was traffic.

Magnus noticed the number of larger vehicles on the road. It seemed to be common; the more they got outside the city, the bigger the vehicles. Big trucks with huge tires, SUVs, even crossover vehicles seemed too much. Maybe it was Martierra, but public transportation and walking, or a smaller more efficient car, was more the local's style on the island.

“Prince Magnus,” Gerard said, “I’ll have one man go up the trail with you all, and the rest of us will stay below to keep watch. Unless you’d prefer something different?”

“That’s fine. I’m not sure how great the phone reception will be up there.”

“I have you covered. When you were grabbing hiking gear, I picked up long-range walkie-talkies.”

“Those things still exist?” Magnus joked.

“Yes, they do, Your Highness.”

He was glad they did. It made sense to have something like a walkie-talkie which they could rely on better than cell reception. There was only one thing they needed to be careful of, radio frequencies. The open airways often picked up others. Therefore, they could say nothing compromising over the radios. However, he needed not remind Gerard and his men. They were all too familiar with this. It was all part of their training.

When they arrived, he took in the sight that was Freya. She wore tan hiking slacks and a pink windbreaker. She had on a cap and had pulled her hair through the back part. Fully outfitted, he realized she wasn’t a novice at hiking. He wasn’t either, but it had been a few months. Coupled with the fact he hadn’t been exercising regularly, he knew it would wind him. And still, he pushed forward, almost forgetting Justine and Marissa.

“Good morning!” Marissa perkily greeted him.

“Good morning. How are you all?” Magnus asked.

“Great! Did you get any sleep?” Justine inquired.

“A little. It was a long day, and I had stuff I needed to go over. Before I knew it, it was the wee hours of the morning. But I still slept for a few hours.”

Freya circled around him, causing Magnus to second guess his gear, wondering if they did this differently out there.

“Wow! You really went all out. I suppose when money is not an issue you can spend on the good stuff,” Freya joked.

Magnus knew she was poking fun at him, so he played along. “You know? If you need any tips on where to shop, I know of a few good places in the area. And I can tell you where to find the best deals.”

Marissa laughed. “I pray the two of you will not be taking jabs at each other this entire time. But if you are, don’t get upset when I join in and own you!”

Justine and Freya laughed, but Magnus didn’t understand the idiom. Justine caught on to it and quickly explained.

“So, I figure we do the five-mile trail. We can always do the longer one. But I don’t know if you want to do a ten-mile trek. Plus there is snow. If you survive today’s hike and want to do another, we can always come back. Or there are so many other hikes we can go on,” Freya suggested.

“Five miles seems barely long enough. Are you sure you don’t want to do more?” Magnus pressed the women.

“If you want a long hike, we can do the thirty-five miles one. The trail starts by the parking area south of the lake and goes all the way to a town called Duval. It was a former railroad, now converted to a trail.”

“Oh! I don’t believe I’m ready for that.” Magnus smiled.

“Do you have snowshoes?” Justine asked.

“No. Did I need them?”

“Not if we do the hike we intend. If we do the ten-mile trek, because there is likely to be snow, it's best to have snowshoes.”

“Oh! Oh!” an excited Marissa said, “we can go snowshoeing? Not today. But it is so much fun! We went the first time last year with Freya. I complained almost every day until we went. But let me tell you, I really enjoyed it.”

“Snowshoeing is enjoyable if I say so myself. I’m open to the adventure. Just remind me to get a pair of snowshoes.” He winked.

The hike was everything he’d expected plus some, being in great company and all. It was nice to be on the group date with Freya and the ladies. It allowed for the easy flowing banter and questions without seeming too creepy. Plus, it helped that both Justine and Marissa understood he was very much interested in Freya. So, they did their best to keep the topics going in a direction which allowed both Freya and he to get to know each other a little better.

Magnus wasn’t sure if Freya was as perceptive as he, but she seemed entirely comfortable which he sincerely appreciated.

The fresh cold air was great in his lungs. Often, he visited places with a warmer climate, so this was a nice break.

Gerard only checked in on them once, to inquire about lunch, just in case he needed to make any arrangements for them. They welcomed the interruption as food was everyone's mind, especially Marissa‘s.

“Where do you ladies want to go out to eat?” he asked.

“Go out? I don’t know if that is a good idea right now,” Freya said. “Would you like to come back to my place, and we can make something there? It won’t be fine cuisine,” she mused, “but it’ll be edible and fulfilling.”

Marissa chimed in, “Or we can always order in. I love you, Freya. But I want some serious carbs.”

They all laughed.

“Well, take out it is,” Magnus said.

He rode back with them in Freya’s vehicle, while Gerard and the boys followed.

“I don’t recall coming this way?” Magnus said.

“You probably didn’t. The studio is close to here, just off this highway. Remember, we are in the suburbs,” said Justine.

“I see. So, do the three of you work downtown aside from the studio?”

“Only Freya works downtown. Marissa and I work closer to the studio.”

He knew they worked for an insurance agency. The background inquiry said as much. It surprised him they made a decent living from this, but then again insurance was different in his country.

“What is Santiago up to today?” Marissa asked cautiously, trying not to give off the impression she was interested, but Magnus knew better.

“I’m not exactly sure. I know he was working out and had a lunch appointment, but I don’t know about later this evening. I didn’t plan on seeing him for a few more days, so I didn’t inquire.”

“If I may be so bold,” Justine said, “you two are so different. Santiago is unreasonable. He has this air about him that is insufferable. It’s like he enjoys pushing his entitled butt around.”

Magnus couldn’t help but laugh. Justine was right. There was no arguing. Santiago was pompous. But he also knew from Freya that Justine was a hardcore feminist. He wasn’t about to get into any disagreements with her. Especially not in the small vehicle with barely any room to escape Justine if she went bonkers. She seemed able to throw a punch, Prince or not. She didn’t look the type to care.

“Not to change the topic, but what are ordering? I’m suddenly getting hungry. All I had for breakfast were a coffee and half a scone.”

“Lots to choose from. What’s your favorite type of food?” Marissa asked.

“I like everything, except a few various Asian delicacies. And trust me, I tried them before declaring I wouldn’t do that again.”

“Oh? Like what?” Freya asked.

“For one, balut. Filipinos enjoy this as a commoner’s food. It’s a fertilized duck egg. Basically, a developing embryo. They steam the egg, and you break away the top of the shell and eat from there. It’s popular in other Asian countries, but I tried it during a visit to the Philippines. Maybe it was more mental than anything else, but it didn’t sit well with me. A few locals suggested I close my eyes. I didn’t. I took it for what it was and regretted it for a full twenty-four hours.”

The expression on Marissa’s face said it all.

“I really admire the fact you tried it and didn’t spit it out on the spot. Or did you?” Freya continued.

“Nope. I ate the whole thing. It tasted like a boiled egg. But the texture was something I could not get around.”

“Okay, that’s enough. I don’t need to know more,” Marissa announced.

Traffic slowed significantly, and it stopped them in the middle of two big rig vehicles.

Magnus looked around. The view of the mountains and the evergreens was breathtaking.

“You know. One thing I’ve noticed since I arrived? Your traffic. Your area has a lot of traffic. I suppose I didn’t expect to see this much traffic around here.”

“It’s gotten worse over the past few years. We’ve had a massive influx of people moving to the area. There are some big-name companies based out of here. As they’ve grown and rebuilt, they’ve attracted more business and thus, more people,” Freya shared.

Magnus thought about the research he’d done. She was right; it was a hub for business, especially with having a well-developed port.

When they finally arrived at the studio, they invited Magnus back into the living quarters. He learned that Justine and Marissa did not live there, but after the weekend they’d had, they ended up staying. They planned to return home that evening. Freya lived alone, and she had done well in renovating the living quarters.

Her taste was clean lines, barely anything on the walls, and a more modern vibe. He liked it.

“Nice place, Freya. I’m assuming from past conversations you did this entire area as well?” he said, walking around and taking in the place. It was an open concept which seemed to be a popular design as of late. The kitchen was all white, with stainless steel appliances along with the smaller details like the handles. The countertop he recognized as Carrera marble. The only reason he knew was it was a feature pointed out in a pamphlet for a penthouse he’d once rented.

“I believe is Carrera marble, am I correct?” He suddenly felt shy for asking. Like really, what did he truly know about the finishes of the interior of a home? The palace he lived in and grew up in was all about preserving the originality of its builder’s original vision. Old.

“It is. Honestly, I regret them because they are high maintenance. I may not cook a lot, but I clean. I’m OCD like that. But my parents splurged and gifted me the kitchen remodel.”

“That was nice of them. I’d very much like to meet them someday.”

He noticed Freya blush, and the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her. “If it’s okay with you?”

She smiled, nodding her head.

Marissa had already ordered food. She didn’t wait for anyone to offer suggestions; she took it upon herself. She also ordered for the men. Gerard had insisted she not fret about it, but it was Marissa, and she wasn’t listening. One thing Magnus appreciated about being in the States, Royals, unless the ones from up north of Martierra, were just normal human beings.

“So, Marissa. What are having for lunch?” Justine inquired.

“Mediterranean.” She smiled.

“Oh, you mean gyros?” Freya teased. “You make it sound so much more sophisticated.”

“What? It is Mediterranean. Right, Magnus?”

He laughed, “Gyros are very Mediterranean,” he said winking his eye at Marissa and squeezing her arm, causing her to stick her tongue at both Freya and Justine.

“Yes. Very mature of you,” Justine joked, only provoking Marissa to make more silly faces.

“They’re a hoot. I don’t know what I’d do without them,” Freya said to Magnus.

“It’s important to have a tight circle of people you can rely on and trust.”

“Speaking of, did you find out if it was Santiago who outed you about being up here?”

“No. I haven’t. My secretary will let me know as soon as he’s figured it out. But my father isn’t fond of Santiago, between you and me. As I said, he likes to draw attention to himself. Me being here would do so, in his company.”

“Well, it doesn’t sound like you need to be around him very much, anyway.” A thought seemed to form in her face. “Wait, is this why you did the press conference? To get the upper hand again?”

“To a certain extent, yes. It is best to do damage control as much as possible before said damage occurs. The media are probably trying to find the common denominator between the four of us. Basically, how we fit. How we met. Etcetera. If they suspect in the slightest that I have an interest in any of you that is more than a friendship, they’ll try to conflate the issue with the woman and her pregnancy and harass whoever it is they believe they found me linked to. In my country, we have certain laws against this. But these do not protect me as soon as I leave Martierra.” He smiled.

“Understood,” she replied.

 

 

Justine and Marissa disappeared to the room to allegedly to gather their belongings. But Freya knew what they were doing, and she didn’t mind. She was feeling comfortable around Magnus, and he wasn’t as formal as she’d expected. He was down to earth.

She glanced up to find him smiling at her, sending her stomach fluttering. That’s when she knew she was in trouble. I cannot fall for a prince, she told herself.

The food had arrived, and they’d all ate while watching a movie, horror once again to appease Marissa.

Freya was sitting next to Magnus as the frame from one scene quickly changed to another, only to reveal a horrid-looking demon. Freya jumped, turning to Magnus to hide her face in his shoulder, not even realizing what she was doing. It scared her, and all that mattered was shifting from the screen.

Through the rest of the movie, she grabbed onto Magnus’ arm, shoulder, once she even hid behind him, and finally when the film was over, and she realized how close she was to him, she quickly pulled back, embarrassed for her behavior. But she really didn’t like scary movies.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to be such a spaz. I genuinely dislike scary movies,” Freya said, standing to clean up.

“I’ll help you,” Magnus said. “And no worries. I get it. My mom gets angry at my sister and I if she walks in on a scary movie. Cossette and I enjoy them probably as much as Marissa does.” He laughed.

“Your poor mother. I’d totally keep her company, far away from those nightmares,” she joked, noticing Magnus smile.

“Okay, we are out of here. We’ll see you tomorrow, Freya. Thank you both for a fun and interesting weekend. But we need to get back to our place and get all of our weekend chores done,” Justine shared.

“Yes. I have a few loads of laundry, and I really need to feed my fish.”

Freya wasn’t sure if she wanted them to leave yet. Not with Magnus still there. How would they be able to cover that they were just friends? But she didn’t want Magnus to leave either. She was enjoying his company.

He must have read the worry on her face. “Freya, do you want me to leave, too?” he asked. But she could tell he wasn’t ready, and neither was she.

“No. You’re fine. We’ll figure this out. Right?” She pondered what exactly there was to figure out. Only time would tell, she supposed.

“Great!” he said. “Justine and Marissa, I’ve asked Bernard to have two of my men escort you home. Don’t worry, they’ll only follow you there, make sure the area is clear, and come back as soon as you are both settled in. You know, just for precaution’s sake.”

“That’s fine,” Justine replied. “Freya, call or text if you need us to come right over, okay?”

Freya simply nodded as she stood to give her girlfriends a hug. “Thank you, both.”

“Thanks for letting us bum some of your hiking gear! I had fun. But I’ll make sure and bring my own next time. Our feet are not the same size, and they are killing me!” Marissa whined.

They both disappeared with Gerard and another agent, leaving Freya and Magnus alone. It was at first awkwardly quiet until Magnus broke the silence.

“Does your family live close by?”

“Eastern Washington, about a three-hour drive. I’m headed there for Thanksgiving. It’s always difficult because they are vocal and full of questions about my life. Everyone has an opinion. You know?” She smiled.

“Indeed. When is Thanksgiving? I’ve heard of the holiday before, but I will not lie, I’ve never really understood it. It almost seems controversial, if you ask me.”

“Controversial? In what sense?” Freya ignored the other part of his question.

“Well, not to get too political, but the settlers were not necessarily kind to the natives as is often depicted of the holiday. I mean, someone stole their lands, they killed many, and they spread disease.”

Freya didn’t like engaging in politics, she avoided them at all cost, but she knew he had a point. Many people agreed with him, but she didn’t want to stir the pot.

“I understand. Oh, and it’s the last Thursday of the month.” She paused. “If you are here, would you like to be my date for the trip?” She couldn’t even believe she was asking. That was so unprecedented of her. But it felt right.

“Really? You want me to join you at your families for the Thanksgiving holiday?”

There was a sense of surprise in his tone. She wasn’t sure if she’d crossed some invisible threshold. Who was she to invite a Crown Prince to her family’s Thanksgiving dinner? “Yes, really. I think it would be a splendid opportunity for you to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast, see the other side of the state which looks very different from the west side, and meet my family. You said you wanted to meet my mom. Remember?” she teased, feeling more comfortable with her approach.

“I want to make sure you are okay with this and not feeling a little guilty since I’ve kind of asked you to be my guide.” He smiled and said, “I would love to join you. I’ll get a hotel, so don’t worry about putting anyone out. I’m excited.”

Freya was in disbelief and excited at her bold move.

“Let me know the name of the place we are going, and I’ll have Gerard book me a room.”

“The Tri-Cities. Pasco to be exact. My parents live in the same country house my siblings and I all grew up in. There is plenty of room. But if you are more comfortable staying at a hotel, that is fine. Be forewarned. There isn’t much to see out there, especially this time of the year.”

“Do not fret. I’ll enjoy getting to know your family.”

The words lingered in her mind. What would they think of her bringing a random stranger she met over to their family dinner? What would they say about him being a Prince? She didn’t even stress over the doubt when her cell phone rang. She knew it was only a matter of time. It was her mother.

She looked over to Magnus. “Speaking of, it’s my mom. I better take this. Do you mind if I step away?”

“I understand. I will sit over here and look up the area.” He smiled.

Freya walked into her room, closing the door behind her. “Hi, Mom.”

“Freya! Oh my gosh, Freya. Is everything okay over there? My goodness. Your aunt Bettie called me. She was saying all these crazy things about you being on the news. Something regarding a prince. So, your father and I got online and found the reports. What is this all about?” Her mother barely took a breath during her statements.

“Mom don’t worry. It’s actually a funny story.” Well, it was, she told herself. “I went out on Friday with Justine and Marissa, I met a guy, anyway, we all went out to grab a bite to eat after a night of dancing. And well, it so happens he is a prince. The Crown Prince of Martierra. There is nothing romantic, we are just friends.”

“Just friends? I hope so. The tabloids say he got a woman pregnant and denying it. That doesn’t sound like someone you should be involved with.”

Freya had almost forgotten about that not so little detail. Her family would have something to say about it.

“He assures me that’s not true. Besides, I’m not dating him, Mom. We are just friends. He’s friends with all of us. Justine and Marissa, too.”

“Well, I’m just trying to watch out for you. I don’t want you falling for someone just because of some archaic title.”

“Mom. You don’t have to worry. Okay?”

“Okay, sweetie.”

“Also, you get to meet him.”

“Excuse me, what?” There it was, the shock. “What do you mean I’ll meet him? Please tell me you are not bringing him home for Thanksgiving?”

Freya felt a knot in her stomach. She didn’t think it would be so bad and she couldn’t retract her invitation to Magnus.

“I am. I invited Magnus to join us for the holiday. I didn’t expect you to react this way, to be honest.”

“Freya. How did you expect me to react? You are inviting someone into our home who you’ve barely met and don’t even know. The guy is a prince, and his name is all over the tabloids because he might have gotten a woman pregnant. How on earth did you expect me to react? What? You want me to roll out the red carpet just because he’s a prince? His title means nothing and I guarantee you it means nothing to your father and siblings. What matters to us is your wellbeing. I like none of this. Not one bit.”

“If Magnus cannot join us for Thanksgiving, then I guess I won’t be going. I won’t dis-invite him. Sorry. That is just as rude.”

“Oh, come on, Freya! You are sticking your heels in the ground. Please, don’t fight me on this. We are all looking forward to having you home.”

“I’ve said my peace, mom. I’ll go if Magnus can join me.”

There was silence on the other end. Freya knew her mother was still there, but she was contemplating the scenario. It was too late. Freya didn’t like putting anyone in an uncomfortable situation. And the last thing she wanted was to have an invited guest of hers feel unwelcome.

“Mom? Don’t worry. I’ve decided I’ll make other plans. It wasn’t fair of me to drop this on you.”

“Freya! Come on. Why are you doing this?”

“I’ve got to go, mom. I’ll catch up later. I’m fine, so don’t worry. Tell dad and the others I said hi.” She hung up the phone and flopped on her bed. Lots of thoughts swarmed through her head.

 

 

Meanwhile, in Pasco...

Doris Sinclair stared at the phone. She was mulling over her conversation with her daughter, Freya. She didn’t believe she’d reacted unreasonably but getting through to Freya was like pulling teeth. Frey was more reserved, rarely visited anymore, and set in her own ways. Stubborn, Doris thought.

She heard footsteps approaching and laid her phone on the counter. She observed as her husband, Mark, made his way to the fridge. He knew she would phone Freya, but she suspected he’d caught the fallout because her voice had risen.

“I spoke to Freya,” she said.

“Um-hm. And how did it go?” Mark said as he pulled out a pitcher of juice.

“I’m beyond myself. I don’t know how to get through to that girl? Can you believe she’d invited him here for Thanksgiving?”

Yes, she was hoping Mark would see it her way.

“And you said what to her?” He poured himself a glass of juice, not once looking at her.

“She’s insane! You cannot stand there and tell me she’s not out of her mind. I don’t care if he’s a prince or a Rothschild. She doesn’t know the first thing about him, and what she does know is not favorable to him.” Doris could feel her temper rising again.

“So, you questioned her judgment?”

Damn it! she thought. Her husband would make her sound unreasonable.

“Mark. No. I’m not questioning her judgment. I think it’s clouded because he’s a prince. I mean, what young lady wouldn’t be excited? I get that. However, those types of men are only in it for fun. An adventure. Freya is not like that and the fact she rarely goes out or barely dated, I see her as a vulnerable target for a man like him. So, what? Next thing she’s the five o’clock news, announcing she’s with child? Then what? Get in line? Or here, here’s hush money, so she doesn’t damage his image? Sorry if I care about my daughter’s reputation.”

“Sorry, Doris. I don’t see it the way you do. The young man has already made a statement about that woman and her allegations. I’d think if there were even a hint of doubt of his involvement with her, he would’ve abstained from saying anything until he could prove his innocence. But it’s clear someone is trying to exploit him. I suspect we’ll know in due time. Also, what makes you think our daughter is not capable of attracting the attention of a young prince for all the right reasons? She’s a beautiful, very poised, and an intelligent young woman. I’m sorry if I don’t see it your way, Doris. But I’m trying to be reasonable here and see this from Freya’s point of view. Rather than jump to conclusions.” He took a sip of juice as he witnessed his wife storm off.

 

 

Magnus was sitting on a kitchen chair when Freya rejoined him. She looked frazzled. The conversation with her mother must have not gone so well.

“Sorry. Sometimes conversations with my mom don’t end the way I expect them.” She feigned a smile.

“Oh?”

“Don’t worry. But we have a slight change of plans. We won’t go to Eastern Washington for the holiday. However, I have an even better idea! We will stay here and you, Your Highness, will help me prepare the feast. Prince or not, we all carry our own weight around here.” She laughed.

Magnus suspected the change of plans had to do with him, but he wasn’t ready to force her to talk about it.

“I like it! And I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and put my hands to good use.”

He could see her relaxing, but there was a sadness buried deep in her eyes she wasn’t able to shake off.

“I have some good news.”

“You do? What is it?”

“The woman who’d accused me of impregnating her? Well, a representative on her behalf released a statement. She claims to have received money to say what she did and is very regretful for playing a part in tarnishing my image.”

“That’s great news, Magnus! I’m happy for you. But who would do that? I mean, is that normal for you royals?”

“Not normal. And I plan to sort this out.”

“Well, at least your name is cleared. I’m sure you’ll get it all figured out. In the meantime, let’s plan our Thanksgiving menu. It’s been a while since I’ve taken part in the cooking aspect, or the eating. Truthfully, I haven’t been home for the holidays for a bit. But I’m excited to host it here at my house. Other than dance events I hold in the studio, I haven’t really hosted anything privately. I’ve wanted to, but I’ve never really had the opportunity. I’ll invite Justine and Marissa. I’m sure they’ll be in the area. They rarely go home for anything. I don’t think they are on good terms with their families. But that’s neither here nor there. I’ll text them later. Plus, we can have Gerard and your guys join us. There is no way I’m allowing them to sit out there while we are in here enjoying ourselves. You may have certain rules at your palace, but this is mine, and I refuse to leave anyone out.”

He loved her enthusiasm; it was contagious.

“Yes, ma’am!” He joked. “Hey, do you mind if I invite Santiago if he doesn’t have something already planned? He doesn’t have family in the area.”

“Not at all. Just warn him my place isn’t as fancy as his.”

He laughed. “Okay then. Deal.”

“All right, since that is all settled, let’s get this menu going.” Freya pulled out a notepad and pen. She joined him at the table while Magnus pulled up different Thanksgiving menu ideas online. They joked about different dishes that Magnus didn’t understand, but they had a good time.

When Magnus looked, he realized it was getting late. As much as he wanted to spend more time with Freya, he needed to get back to the hotel. He had lots he needed to review, and Bernard had scheduled a few phone conferences.

He took a deep breath and announced his departure.

Freya stood to accompany him to the door. “So, do you still want to try getting in more hiking on Sunday? Or have you changed your mind?” She smiled.

“I want to spend next Sunday with you, I’m not so sure if it will be hiking, though. I have an idea. I’ll keep you abreast of my plans during the week.” He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “Thank you, Miss Freya Sinclair, for the generous hospitality. The same two men will remain here until further notice. I’ve summoned a couple of others. If there are changes, they’ll let you know. But they will be as discreet as possible.”

He took one last look at her before he walked out the door.