BXBX NOVEL Chapter 594 - Taking Measurements
~ Golden Ocean Resort ~
Later that morning, JoAnna is sitting on the sofa in her office on the fifth floor of main building of Golden Ocean Resort and flipping between video feeds on the tablet.
"Sarah did a great job.", Bridgette commented as she peeked over JoAnna\'s shoulder.
"Yes. I can\'t believe she did all this in one afternoon. Cameras are added to existing system, and she added all these…", JoAnna pointed at the tablet. "Amazing coverage. If that Regina sneezes, we will know."
JoAnna looked at Bridgette. "And all these are created by your brother!"
Bridgette smiled smugly while being proud that she has a capable brother. "When will you take Regina for a night out?"
"I was thinking about making it happen this weekend, but we expanded the width of our attack. So, it might take longer."
JoAnna saw Bridgette\'s curious expression and was uncertain if she should say more. She wanted to talk with Bridgette openly, but she was not sure if she should talk about work they are doing as a team-of-six. On the other side, she trusts Bridgette, Steve knows quite a bit since he is helping Jeff, and Felix is part of it as well.
Bridgette saw that JoAnna is hesitating. "It\'s OK if you don\'t want to tell me. I understand that some things should be confidential."
"Thank you for understanding. I don\'t want to shut you down. Sometimes we are doing things and I\'m not sure if you are willing to be part of it. If I tell you, there is no going back."
"Is it illegal? Immoral?" Bridgette saw that JoAnna wants to say more and could not hide her curiosity.
"Maybe?"
Bridgette sat next to JoAnna on the sofa and looked at her anxiously. "Is Steve part of it?"
"As Jeff\'s assistant, he knows quite a bit." JoAnna admitted.
"Who is we? Is Sarah part of it?" Bridgette saw JoAnna nod and continued asking. "Sophia? Felix?"
Bridgette was outraged. "I guess I don\'t need to ask about Aiden… Why am I the only one left out of this? I want in!"
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Bridgette straightened her back.
JoAnna looked at her for few seconds before giving a small nod. "OK… You know that Jeff sometimes does… hostile takeovers of other companies."
"Is that how you got this resort?"
JoAnna nodded.
"I knew that something is fishy. We were here one day, got mistreated, and next day… BAM! You are the owner! Even without Steve saying anything I could tell that it was not a regular transaction."
Bridgette was excited. "Is that the plan for Regina?"
JoAnna nodded. "We are not targeting anyone who didn\'t attack us first. Regina\'s family owns a business which is officially related to import of coffee… however they are involved with illegal activities… First, we do a research on the company and people involved. Based on that we come up with a plan."
Bridgette didn\'t need more details. She was happy that JoAnna decided not to keep her in the dark. "Thank you for telling me this. If I can assist you, let me know."
JoAnna smiled. She thought how Bridgette is much more than assistant. She is a great friend.
Bridgette was looking at their daily schedule. "Will Big Boss come for lunch today?"
"No. He has meetings through the day… But there are good news: we are done with things related to this resort. We can leave managers to handle everything, at least for some time."
"You discussed everything with Scott?"
"Yes." JoAnna confirmed. "He will be responsible of finances and call us if Regina gives him trouble. He understands that her position is just for show, and that soon she will leave. Then he will become manager. Also, he will do initial interviewing for additional resource who will work in his department and let us know when he narrows down the choices."
"It seems you got it covered."
"I will take that as a compliment." JoAnna raised her chin proudly and continued: "Since we are done with our work here, how about… we go and celebrate with a lavish lunch, somewhere in Los Angeles, with a nice view. After lunch we can go to my future home. I want to order custom made furniture, but I need dimensions…"
Bridgette didn\'t object. Who would say no to a lavish lunch? She headed out to her office to find a restaurant and make lunch reservations.
~ Los Angeles, Mediterranean villa ~
JoAnna was excited as they approached the Mediterranean villa, her soon to be home. They used the intercom and announced themselves as \'Mrs. White\'. The gate opened and they got it.
Two bodyguards checked the villa, making sure it\'s empty and safe before JoAnna and Bridgette got in. Four bodyguards waited outside and two in the hallway while JoAnna and Bridgette made their way upstairs.
"This room first…", JoAnna led the way.
She used laser measuring tool to get size of the room wall to wall, door to wall, height of windows, etc. Bridgette was following her and making notes on her tablet.
They made their way to the master bedroom.
"Ah, this is one of the best features of this place!", JoAnna exclaimed while standing on the balcony and looking at the property at the back of the house: lagoon style pool, sitting areas, beautifully landscaped gardens. It was a very nice view. She could even see tennis court between the trees, further in the back. It didn\'t look like house is in the city at all.
"Yes, it\'s beautiful." Male voice startled JoAnna.
"Oh…" She looked at the man who was few steps away from her, and it took her a second to remember. "Enrique, right? The real-estate agent."
He nodded. "I\'m glad that Mrs. White remembers me."
JoAnna glanced through the room. "Where is Bridgette?"
"I crossed path with her in the hallway. She said she will be right back." Enrique explained.
"I see… what brings you here?"
"I get notified when someone comes to see the property. So, I came to see who it is."
JoAnna didn\'t think much about it. It made sense that seller\'s agent takes care of the property being sold. Especially because owners are out of town.
"I\'m not sure if you are aware… this villa has several hidden rooms and passages. Do you want me to show you?"
JoAnna vigorously nodded. It is not uncommon for these custom mansions to have secrets, and she was very enthusiastic to uncover what this one is hiding.
Enrique smiled. "One secret passage is in the master bathroom. It\'s connected to the underground hallway which leads to the back of the property. Here… let me show you."
JoAnna excitedly stood at the door of the master bathroom.. She was curiously looking around while thinking which part will move in order to expose secret doorway… She felt something soft and cold pressing against her nose and mouth and a sharp pain in the back of her neck, and then everything went dark.