“He needed to confirm whether the table service should be set in the dining hall or on the stone terrace.”

“On the terrace,” I said.

“The wind dies down by noon, and the view of the lake is clear.”

Marcus stood three feet away at rigid attention, his hands clasped firmly behind his back.

“The grounds staff finished the perimeter check at dawn,” Marcus said.

“Three extra security officers will be stationed at the secondary turnoff near the highway.”

“No one is to be stopped at the highway,” I told him.

“If five vehicles pull up to the turnoff, let them onto the drive without hesitation.”