Royal Target

by Traci Hunter Abramson

  “Not really.” Mary shook her head. “I prayed about it because I was supposed to, but I always knew I was making the right decision. The love I felt for Kevin was so huge, I couldn’t imagine walking away from it.”

  Somberly, Janessa nodded. She understood now what it was like to love so deeply, but instead of experiencing the miracles that could come from it, she had only heartache. As the baby started to fuss, Janessa lifted the tiny infant and handed her to Mary before making an excuse to leave. She knew that many more family members would be arriving shortly, and she wasn’t ready to face them yet.

  As she moved out of the hospital, she thought back to the day of the queen’s kidnapping. Her stomach clenched every time she thought of Garrett walking toward the car where Hennero was waiting for him. Her relief had been so huge when he had pulled her into his arms that she probably would have agreed to anything in that moment. The moment hadn’t lasted, however, interrupted almost immediately when a call had come from Director Palmer.

  The US ambassador to Meridia had used his connections to have her called home, citing the queen’s kidnapping as one of several reasons for her removal. She knew that his reasons were flimsy at best and that Garrett could have intervened to keep her in Meridia until the gala, but she had been guilt-ridden enough to think that perhaps it would be best if she was no longer at the chateau. She knew it had been cowardly to leave while Garrett had still been occupied with the authorities about Eric Hennero. She just didn’t think she could handle saying good-bye.

  By the time she arrived at CIA headquarters, Levi and Alan had already sent their reports, each of them citing several examples of her successes while in Meridia. Janessa wished she could have believed their words to be true, but for each incident she could find something that she should have done differently. She didn’t even want to think about her part in helping Hennero get within shooting distance of Garrett.

  For the first time in her career, she felt like a failure. She still couldn’t believe that the queen had left the chateau without her or Levi being aware of it. That mistake had made the kidnapping possible, and, despite Janessa’s efforts to help locate the queen, ultimately it had been Garrett who had gotten the job done.

  She had gone over the scenarios again and again in her head, always reaching the same conclusion. She should have trusted Garrett instead of turning to the US military for help. Repeatedly she had seen how well their countries could work in tandem, but when it mattered most, Janessa hadn’t trusted her Meridian counterparts. More specifically, she hadn’t trusted them to keep Garrett safe.

  The birth of her niece that morning had given her a much needed distraction. It also made her yearn for something she had thought she could live without. A family of her own. With a heavy heart, Janessa climbed into her rental car. As she started driving around the Maryland side of the beltway, she looked up to see the Washington DC Temple come into view. Remembering her sister’s comment about prayer, she took the exit, hoping that within the walls of the majestic structure she could find some peace of her own.

  * * *

  Garrett stood outside the simple townhouse that had a pink sign hung on the door announcing “It’s a girl!” The gala would take place tomorrow, but the event no longer held any importance for him. For the past week, all he’d been able to think about was finding Janessa. She had left Meridia a week before, and all of Garrett’s attempts at finding her had failed. His calls to her sister’s home had gone unanswered, and everyone at the CIA was either unwilling or unable to give him any information about her current whereabouts.

  He didn’t know why Janessa had left so suddenly, and for the first time since he’d learned about the gospel, he found his faith truly lacking. He felt a sense of panic when he thought about going through life without her. If Janessa was praying to the same God, why wasn’t she receiving the same answers? He had spent hours on his knees, but the answers weren’t getting any clearer as the days wore on.

  He had hoped to gain some insight to what his future would hold when Tim had ordained him to the priesthood the previous Sunday, but no inspiration had come. His day had been brightened in an unexpected way, however. To his surprise, his father had attended his ordination and had requested to speak with him privately following it.

  Though Eduard had asked that Garrett keep his religious preferences as private as possible, he informed his son that their family relationship was more important than their religious preferences and that he hoped Garrett would continue in his role as an active member of the royal family. Garrett’s first instinct had been to share the good news with Janessa. A feeling of hollowness had filled him, and the thought of going through each day without her was unbearable.

  Despite the sympathy offered by his friends and family, he found he couldn’t talk about it to anyone. He didn’t know how to explain to those close to him that he couldn’t talk about her; he needed to talk to her.

  Janessa had played a huge part in saving his mother’s life. He had read the medical report. Had Garrett arrived even five minutes later, his mother might not have survived. Janessa had given him that

  five minutes and more by recognizing that his mother was missing before it was too late. He still wasn’t sure how Janessa had identified Isabel Dumond as the insider at the museum rather than her father, but that tidbit of information had also helped save time during their search.

  Finally unable to stand it any longer, Garrett had taken his father’s plane and flown to Washington to find Janessa himself. Following his instincts, he had come straight to her sister’s house. He glanced back at his guards, who had accompanied him to the US, and motioned for them to stay by the car. Taking a deep breath, he climbed the three steps to the front door and knocked.

  He could hear voices inside, and then the door swung open. Though the woman standing before him was taller than Janessa and her hair was light brown, he could see the resemblance immediately. “You must be Mary.”

  Mary glimpsed the hired limousine parked at the curb and the four guards flanking it. Slowly she nodded. To Garrett’s surprise, she didn’t make any offer to invite him in, instead shifting to more fully block the door.

  “I’m sorry to intrude, but I’m looking for Janessa. I hoped she might be here.”

  “Do you really think this is a good idea? You trying to work things out with her?” she asked directly in a straightforward way that closely resembled her sister’s. She crossed her arms and gave a little shake of her head. “Have you even considered how much Janessa would have to give up to live in your world?”

  The truth of her statement struck a chord, and memories of his years at Georgetown flashed into his mind. “It’s not easy living in my world, but I hope she is willing to try.”

  “But do you understand that she would have to walk away from her work, even her country, to be with you? Do you understand how difficult that would be for her?”

  Garrett’s shoulders sagged as he let the truth of her words seep in. He didn’t try to hide his disappointment as he considered that what he wanted most might not be best for Janessa. “I only want her to be happy.” He debated whether he should leave but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead he found himself blurting out his feelings to this complete stranger. “I know life with me won’t be easy, but I love her more than anything. I don’t think I can bear going through life without her, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy.” Desperation hummed through his voice as he added, “Please let me talk to her.”

  “I would,” Mary started, compassion showing on her face, “but she isn’t here.”

  “Where is she?”

  “She went to Meridia.” Mary smiled mischievously as she added, “To the gala.”

  * * *

  Everything was ready. The ballroom was decorated, the musicians were in place, and the food was ready to be served. Security guards were posted at the front gate, along with the dog that would provide an extra layer of defense. Several US naval officers wer
e also present to augment security, a kind of thank-you to the king for signing the new agreement to grant the US Navy access to the base in Bellamo.

  Pierre Dumond had been released following his daughter’s arrest, though he was still struggling with the realization that his daughter had been harboring such an intense hatred against her mother and the United States. Byron Heuse, the art dealer behind the smuggling ring, had already been apprehended in Paris. Hopes were high that the threats against Meridia would finally cease.

  Music drifted through the open terrace doors to where Janessa stood looking out over the sea. The water in the swimming pool rippled behind her, only tonight the moon was dark. Three weeks before, Janessa had stood in this very spot when Garrett had asked her to be his wife. Now she didn’t even know where he was.

  Garrett’s family had been evasive as to his whereabouts, and she was beginning to think that he had changed his mind about wanting to marry her after all.

  The day her niece was born she had spent hours walking around the temple grounds trying to find some sense of what her future held. As she had sat down on the edge of the fountain and stared up at the majestic Washington DC Temple, she had noticed an elderly couple walking out the door. Though both of them struggled with the basic task of walking, the man crossed the stretch of pavement to the handicapped parking and drove his car as close as he could to the front of the temple. He then struggled to get out of the car so that he could open his wife’s door and help her settle inside. Then the woman smiled, her face filled with love and appreciation for her husband.

  The possibilities in her own life had bolted through her in that moment. If she walked away from Garrett, she could very well be living her life alone. Going back to Meridia and facing her fears might give her what that elderly woman had. Love. Absolute, unwavering love.

  Janessa’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned to see the king step beside her.

  “The gala is beginning. What are you doing out here?” Even though Eduard’s voice was somewhat commanding, Janessa sensed he was asking as Garrett’s father rather than as the king.

  “I needed some fresh air,” Janessa managed.

  “I assume you heard that Pierre Dumond was released and that the real criminals are now behind bars.”

  “Martino told me.” Janessa nodded. “I didn’t think Signore Dumond was guilty, but then there were times I didn’t know what to think,” she admitted.

  “This has been a confusing time for all of us,” Eduard stated. His voice was serious as he continued. “I have understandably been concerned about the consequences of Garrett joining the Mormon Church.”

  Janessa nodded but said nothing.

  “It has always been difficult for Garrett being the second son,” Eduard said now. “With royalty, a second son is often seen as being second in more ways than just birth order. Even though Garrett has never expressed any resentment that he wasn’t born to rule, he has often struggled with his role within the royal family.”

  Janessa listened, afraid that the king was going to tell her that Garrett would not be allowed to continue as a royal.

  “After what the family went through last week, I spent a lot of time thinking about what is most dear to me.” His eyes darkened, and he drew a deep breath. “Regardless of his decision, Garrett is still very dear to me, and he will always remain so.”

  Blinking in surprise, Janessa managed to find her voice. “Are you saying you have decided not to disown him?”

  Eduard nodded. “I am a lucky man to have a wife and two sons I can be proud of. If you decide to marry my son, I will be that much more blessed.”

  Swallowing hard, Janessa struggled to speak. “Thank you.”

  He gave her a curt nod. “Now, let’s get you to the party.”

  Still uncertain of her role for the evening and her future with Garrett, Janessa let the king escort her to the ballroom.

  * * *

  Garrett stepped into the ballroom, where the dance floor was already crowded with couples and a feeling of celebration scented the air. He stood just inside the door for a moment, his eyes searching for Janessa. His mother spotted him first and crossed to where he stood.

  She was beautiful in her evening gown, her tiara sparkling against her dark hair. A wave of gratitude washed over him as he considered the many miracles that had brought about her safe return. Holding a hand out to him, Marta drew him close and reached up to kiss his cheek. “Welcome home.”

  “Thank you, Mother.” He looked at the dance floor once more. “The ballroom looks wonderful.”

  “For such a difficult time, things have turned out nicely.” Marta smiled as she noticed her son’s attention shift.

  Across the room, Janessa stood near the doorway leading to the terrace. Her silver gown shimmered beneath the lights, and her fiery hair was swept away from her face, soft curls falling over one shoulder. She was speaking to one of her many acquaintances, and Garrett was once again struck speechless and motionless by her beauty and apparent social ease.

  Marta gave her son a subtle nudge. “Go talk to her.”

  “What?” Garrett drew his attention back to his mother and tried to regain his composure.

  Marta just smiled and reached up to kiss his cheek. “She’ll make a fine princess. Good luck.”

  “Thanks,” Garrett managed as he looked up at Janessa once more. This time their eyes met. He moved forward, a million thoughts running through his mind. She was everything he wanted, and he knew at that moment that if it took him the rest of his life, he was going to convince her that they could build a wonderful life together.

  He barely broke stride when he reached for her hand and nodded to the door. She turned to follow him, uncertainty showing in her eyes. With her hand in his, Garrett led her outside. He greeted several of the guests as he continued down the terrace steps, but still he didn’t speak to her. Silently, he continued down the path to the swimming pool.

  Turning to face her, he realized he was completely vulnerable. Everything he hoped for, everything he wished for was tied up in her. He swallowed hard and finally asked the question that had been tormenting him for days. “Why did you leave without saying good-bye?”

  “I thought it would be best.” Janessa spoke softly, but she kept her eyes on his. Her voice was guilt-ridden as she spoke. “I’m sorry about everything that happened the day your mother was kidnapped. If I had done a better job . . .”

  “What do you mean if you had done a better job?” Garrett asked, truly shocked to hear the guilt and blame she was carrying. “You helped save her.”

  She shook her head, her eyes dropping to the ground. “We both know that isn’t true. I was supposed to help protect your family, and I failed.”

  “You didn’t fail,” Garrett insisted. “If you hadn’t realized she was missing when you did, she wouldn’t be alive today.” He reached out and tipped her chin up so that she was looking at him once more. “You kept telling me that no security is perfect. Why are you being so hard on yourself for being right?”

  Janessa gave a shrug that was meant to be careless, but he knew better.

  He ran a finger along her jaw, his eyes staying on hers. “Why did you leave me behind at the caterer’s that day?”

  “I had a job to do, Garrett. Part of that job was to keep you safe, and I was afraid I couldn’t do that if you were with me.” She hesitated a moment before adding softly, “I realize now that was a mistake.”

  For the first time, Garrett smiled. “Is this why you came back? So you could apologize?”

  “No.” She shook her head as insecurity flashed in her eyes. “I came back because I wanted to see you again.” She let out a shaky sigh. “I did a lot of praying and soul-searching, and I finally realized that there aren’t any guarantees in life and that my fear shouldn’t ruin our chance to be together.” Even as she said the word, her shoulders stiffened. “Then I got back here and you were gone. I thought maybe you changed your
mind.”

  Hope speared through him, and he shook his head in amazement. “I can’t believe no one told you. I told my family not to disclose my whereabouts in order to avoid gossip—I didn’t intend them to keep it a secret from you! I wasn’t here because I was at your sister’s house looking for you.”

  “What?” Her eyes widened.

  “Mary looks a lot like you. She has your sense of humor, too.” Garrett gave in to the urge to grin as he stepped closer. Then his voice thickened as he spoke once more. “I love you. Nothing is ever going to change that.” Slowly, he drew the ring box out of his pocket. “Every night when I kneel down to pray, I ask for the same thing—that you will once again agree to be my wife.” He took a deep breath and rubbed his thumb over her fingers. “I can’t promise that my world will always be safe, and I know the press will intrude more than we want, but my life will never be complete without you in it.”

  Her eyes filled, a single tear spilling over as she struggled to find her voice. “I have spent the last week trying to convince myself that I didn’t belong in your world. I was so sure I was doing you a favor by staying away, but I kept getting tripped up by the same problem. I love you too much to live without you.”

  “I love you, now and forever.” Garrett slipped the ring on her finger and lowered his lips to hers. “Promise me you won’t ever take this off again.”

  Janessa slid her arms around his neck as tears filled her eyes. “I promise.”

  About the Author

  Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she spent several years working for the Central Intelligence Agency. She then left the CIA to stay at home with her children and pursue her love of writing. She has written several books, including Undercurrents, Ripple Effect, The Deep End, and Freefall.

  Next from Traci Hunter Abramson . . .

  Lockdown

  Prologue