“They’re fine.” She glanced around the crowded room. “I just hope this works.”
“I’ve put bugs in a couple of ears to make sure we’re seated close to them. By the time they leave tonight, they’ll be suitably impressed with the Kanes of London, England.”
Her nose wrinkled with distaste. Putting on a different persona for an undercover mission was second nature to her, and she usually had no trouble getting into the role. This felt odd for a different reason. She was married to a ridiculously wealthy man, and their assignment tonight was to use that wealth to hobnob with other ridiculously wealthy people and pretend a snobbery she would never feel. The Fletchers were part of the upper echelons of American society. It was up to her and Lucas to not only impress them, but to have them so enamored of their elite sophistication that they would follow their lead in one very specific area.
“I’m going to let you take the lead with them,” she said. “Not only will your accent and Prince Charming good looks impress them, you’re better at being pretentious than I am.”
“I don’t know if I feel complimented or insulted.”
“Ha. No insult intended. You just sound fancier than me. Plus, you’re more diplomatic than I am. My first instinct will be to grab a hank of her hair and his earlobe, clank their heads together, and demand they return Giselle and Raphael’s son to them immediately.”
“As much as I would like to see that, I think finesse is our best option for now.”
“Spoilsport.”
“Lord Lucas Kane and Lady McKenna Kane!”
She allowed one more wrinkle of her nose and then giggled when she felt Lucas’s suppressed laughter vibrate through him. “You’re the one who insisted I accept the title, Lady McKenna,” he growled softly.
“I know,” she whispered as she took her husband’s arm and walked through the double doors. “I just didn’t realize how it would sound when someone yells it out. Be sure to kick me if I start giggling like a hyena.”
And on that note, with her husband’s soft chuckle comforting her, they entered the grand ballroom and looked out into a sea of unfamiliar faces. When she spotted the couple they’d come to impress, she settled. This was a job, and no matter how differently she’d like to handle the situation, she would make sure she accomplished her goal. The Fletchers wouldn’t know what hit them.
There were a million and one reasons why he loved and admired his wife, but tonight he was reminded of one more. She was an amazingly talented actress. Not once did she indicate even the slightest antagonism toward some of the more priggish people they met. Many of them were kind, if somewhat eccentric, but on occasion one would offer an acerbic comment or observation. McKenna was the sweetest and kindest person in the world, but she also had definite opinions and was known to share them whenever she liked. It was one of the things that had drawn him to her. There wasn’t a pretentious bone in her lovely body. Tonight sugar wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
Fortunately, there were a few people they knew, and the crowd wasn’t a total gathering of strangers. They made their way through the masses, stopping on occasion to offer a greeting or join a discussion briefly. Since they were here for one purpose, he didn’t feel obligated to linger. When he spotted the Fletchers, he bent close to his wife’s ear. “Targets spotted at two o’clock.”
In the middle of issuing a greeting to an elderly gentleman with a slight hearing problem, she seamlessly transitioned from courteous and kind to full-on LCR operative without changing her expression. No one but Lucas would see the change, but he felt her take on the persona as if cloaking herself in a protective veneer.
“Got ’em in my sights,” she murmured. “Why don’t we schmooze a little closer? See if we can pick up what others might say about them.”
His hand at her lower back, he nodded at an acquaintance as he guided her toward their destination. From their intel, the Fletchers were in London only for this particular event and would be heading back to their home in the US soon. This was their one shot to make the impression. Although, if necessary, they could invite them to a smaller gathering at their home and pile on more bullshit. Neither he nor McKenna wanted that. The sooner they got their part over with, the sooner Olivia Gates could do hers.
As they drew closer to their targets, Lucas took in their appearances. Daniel Fletcher had the looks of an old-time movie star. Tall, broad-shouldered, slender, with an upright posture that would rival a military man. He was aging well, with a slight graying at the temples and several creases around his eyes and mouth to give him an air of both maturity and character.
Mrs. Fletcher was equally impressive. She looked to be a few years younger and had a slender, youthful appearance many women half her age would envy. Her golden hair, which gently curled at her shoulders, flattered both her unlined face and her swanlike neck. Only a few inches shorter than her husband, she wore a designer gown of silk with silver sequins that was neither staid nor provocative but perfect for the occasion.
Having been a covert agent for the British government and currently a successful businessman as well as an LCR operative, Lucas was good at snap-judgment analyses. He saw arrogance and entitlement. They were a power couple and enjoyed that status immensely.
As he watched them, he noted something else. If he wasn’t mistaken, he spotted a small amount of insecurity as they were introduced to several of the more notable aristocracy in attendance. Being amongst the upper crust of British society might have made them feel a little less superior. As much as he would have liked to go in with a full-blown arrogance, that wasn’t his or McKenna’s mission.
Making nice with evil was one of his least favorite jobs, but he was damn good at it. And so was his lovely wife.
“Lord Lucas, how good to see you. And Lady McKenna, my dear, don’t you look divine. How is your darling daughter, Maddie? Why, she must be two years old by now.”
As he shook Sir Gerald Wexley’s hand, Lucas could barely hold back his grin of admiration. Wexley had a way of getting to the heart of a matter with the smoothness of glass. Anyone else would have taken half an hour to build up to the information he’d dispensed in just a few sentences.
“Wexley, it’s good to see you.”
As McKenna played her part, smiling prettily when Wexley kissed her hand, Lucas watched the Fletchers. They were intrigued. Hard not to be when one of the most well-known men in England stops in the middle of a conversation to greet newcomers so warmly.
Gerald Wexley had been recently knighted, but it wasn’t his knighthood that made him famous. A renowned physician, Wexley had been part of a team of civilians who had held off a group of terrorists who had attacked an orphanage just outside London. Though he was well into his seventies, he had single-handedly saved four children and captured one of the rebels.
Lucas had known Wexley all his life, as Gerald had been one of Lucas’s father’s best friends. He was one of the few who knew Lucas’s background and the work he did for LCR. When Lucas had asked to be introduced to the Fletchers, Gerald had been delighted to oblige.
“Fletcher, do you know the Kanes? Rather, Lord Lucas and Lady McKenna?”
“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure.”
As introductions were made, Lucas noted their expressions were exactly as he had hoped. Even though his companies were well known and he made no secret of his wealth, he wasn’t one to pursue publicity—something the Fletchers would definitely identify with.
He had heard of the Fletchers before LCR became involved, but had given them little consideration other than the fact that he knew they were wealthy and influential. After digging deeper, he was surprised at how little could be found. LCR analysts were experts at finding out things people didn’t want known. He had no doubt they would do the same with the Fletchers. It was just going to take a little longer, and that’s where he and McKenna came in.
“I knew your father,” Daniel Fletcher said. “Brilliant businessman.”
“Indeed, he was.” B
ut his father had been something Daniel Fletcher was not. Phillip Kane had been a kind and decent human being.
Not wanting to make it appear that they considered the Fletchers any different than any of the other guests, Lucas murmured in his wife’s ear, “Darling, there’s Felicia Dutton. Didn’t you mention you wanted to chat with her about one of her upcoming charity events?”
Taking his cue, she said, “Indeed, I do.” Giving one of her most winning smiles to both Fletchers, she said, “So lovely to meet you both,” as she followed Lucas to another small group gathered close-by.
They made their rounds, once again engaging in brief conversations, but all the while keeping an eye on the Fletchers. The couple seemed to be enjoying themselves. He had heard Daniel’s booming laughter and Clarissa’s twittering laughs several times.
Her smile adoring, McKenna looked up at her husband. “Think we made a good impression?”
“I do. And when they find themselves seated at our table, we’ll make sure they’re even more impressed.”
Holding up her champagne flute, she tipped it toward him. “Operation Snobbery is in full swing.”
Unable to stop himself, Lucas swooped down and lightly kissed his wife’s luscious lips. “I adore you, Lady McKenna.”
“As I do you, Lord Lucas.”
***
The hotel door had barely closed behind them before Clarissa turned to her husband. “We have to contact this Susanna Wainwright immediately.”
“It’s quite late, dear. I doubt that she would be pleased to be woken in the middle of the night for a job offer.”
“Then you’ll have to make sure we offer her enough to overcome being woken. The Kanes made it clear they were going to contact her tomorrow. If we don’t do it tonight, she’ll take their offer. The British are known for their loyalty. No matter how much more we offer, she’ll feel obligated to work for the Kanes. We must move tonight.”
“But we know nothing about this girl other than what the Kanes told you. She might—”
“We don’t need more information. Don’t you think she’s been vetted already? It’s obvious the Kanes have thoroughly researched her. After the way they went on and on about their little girl, you’d think no child had ever drawn a picture of a horse before. Giovanni is much more gifted, and he’s older than their daughter. He needs to have the best teacher to bring that intelligence to the forefront.
“The Kanes believe Susanna Wainwright is the best governess for their daughter. We absolutely have to have the best for him.”
“Fine, fine.” Retrieving his cellphone, Daniel dropped onto the sofa and began to make calls.
Assured that her husband would handle that business, Clarissa went to her laptop and did a little research of her own. She had known of the Kanes before meeting them, but wanted to learn a bit more. It was always good to know your rivals.
If she needed to, she could have one or more of her assistants to do a more in-depth analysis. She doubted that would be necessary. She knew quality people when she met them.
There wasn’t as much information on the Kanes as she had thought there would be, but from what she could tell, they had a sterling reputation. Lady McKenna was involved in an enormous amount of charities, and Lucas was considered one of the most brilliant business minds in Europe. There was no way they wouldn’t have thoroughly and carefully researched the governess.
Susanna Wainwright was even more interesting. Master’s degrees in both child development and psychology, she had attended Oxford and Cambridge. She was thirty-four years old, moderately attractive, and single. She even had, though several generations in the past, a hint of royal blood. She was a British citizen, but her family was from Germany. Father a history professor, mother a psychologist. No siblings.
She was perfect. Nothing would stop Clarissa once her mind was made up. She had to have Susanna Wainwright for the boy.
Before she could turn around and insist Daniel hurry with her request, she heard him coming up behind her.
“All right, my dear. Here’s Wainwright’s number. Do you want me to handle it?”
Triumphant and smug, she snatched the slip of paper from her husband’s fingers. “I’ll take care of it.”
***
When the phone rang at one fifteen in the morning, it was rarely good news. For Elite operative Olivia Gates, who had been waiting for hours for this particular call, it was a delight.
Since grogginess would be expected, Olivia Gates answered the phone sounding both startled and sleepy. “Hello…yes?”
“Is this Susanna Wainwright?”
“Yes, this is Susanna. What is…Who is this?”
“This is Clarissa Fletcher. I would like to talk with you about a job.”
“A job? How did you...” Thoroughly enjoying herself, Olivia put confusion in her tone. “Who did you say this is?”
“Clarissa Fletcher of the New York Fletchers. Surely you’ve heard of me.”
Knowing how to play the game, Olivia said, “Well…yes, of course. Um…how can I help you, Mrs. Fletcher? You’re calling about a job, you say?”
“Yes. I have a position for which I’d like to employ you.”
“I see. Well, that’s awfully kind of you, and while it’s true that I’ve recently left my position and am considering several offers, I had planned to take a holiday prior to committing to another family. When I return, I can meet—”
“No. We need you now.”
“Now? But—”
“We will pay you twice what you were earning with your last employer.”
“That’s frightfully generous, but—”
“Three times, then.”
“Three?” Olivia allowed a little squeak to come into her tone. “Well, I don’t know. I’d have to know exactly what you expect. What the child needs and who—”
“Fine,” Clarissa cut in. “Can you be at the Connaught Hotel at noon tomorrow?”
“Yes. I believe so.”
“Ask for the Fletchers’ suite. I’ll explain everything then.”
“Yes. All right. Goodbye.”
The instant the call ended, Olivia took another phone from her small bag of burners and sent a text: Game on!
Crossing her long legs, she took a sip of the excellent brandy she had been enjoying as she had waited for the call. Things were definitely looking up, and she could not wait to start her job as governess for a beautiful little boy named Giovanni.
Chapter Twenty-eight
New Orleans, Louisiana
“How’s everyone doing?” Noah asked.
Holding the phone to his ear, Raphael shoved his fingers through his hair for about the tenth time that day. “Going stir-crazy. Any developments?”
“Yes. Gates interviewed with them this morning. They’re headed back to the States. She’ll be going to their estate later this week for a more comprehensive interview.”
“Just like that?”
“They see something they want, not much stops them.”
“Olivia must’ve made a helluva impression.”
“Everything went as planned. We’ve got good people.”
“Yeah, I know. Tell everyone thanks.”
“Will do. Now tell me how you’re really feeling.”
“Like a dick.”
“Uh-oh, what did you do?”
“Basically told her all of this is her fault and I’ll never forgive her.”
“Is that how you really feel?”
“No, not really. Not anymore. Did I ever tell you that she called me after she got married?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“She left a message, asking me to call her. I never did.”
“She tell you why she called?”
“Yes. To tell me I have a son. She was no longer bound by the WITSEC rules. Her first thought was to call me, let me know.”
“Aw, hell.”
“Yeah. My thought exactly. If I had called her back…hadn’t been so busy being a prick, none of this wo
uld have happened.”
“Not a thing you can do about that now. But you have a chance to make it right.”
Yes, he did, but could he? Had too much time passed? Or had too much happened for them to regain what they’d had? Even as much as he knew he’d messed up, an old resentment lingered. She had left him cold turkey. Would she do it again?
“Raphael, you need to remember that this won’t be forever. You will get your son back. You’ll be a father. You’ll need to have the right kind of relationship with his mother.”
“I don’t know what that will look like.”
“You’ve been given time to figure that out. Take it.”
“What if we can’t get past it?”
“Then you learn to deal. Just remember, our mistakes don’t define us. It’s what we do with what we learned from them.”
“Thanks for the advice, Pop.”
Noah snorted. “Ha. Talk to you soon.”
After ending the call with Noah, Raphael walked onto the screened-in back porch. The forest beyond the small yard was teeming with a variety of wildness and life. The sounds, some soothing, some dangerous, filled the night.
Here, they were isolated, far away from danger. Noah was right. He needed to take this time and figure out how to go forward. This would be over at some point. When it was, he would be a father to a little boy he’d never met. A little boy who knew nothing about him. And he would share parenthood with a woman he had once loved with an all-consuming passion. Could they get past the hurt and the anger and be the kind of parents their son needed?
His early childhood had given him only a glimpse of what a good father should be. It wasn’t until he had been rescued by LCR that he had been exposed to what kind of man, what kind of father, he wanted to be.
The rain came in, silent as a whisper, shimmering in the dim glow from the porch light. He didn’t hear her approach, but he felt her presence, a delicate stir of air.
“And the night weeps,” she spoke softly, dreamily.
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