by T K Eldridge
Camille cupped Em’s cheek and gave her a warm smile. “I promise, daughter. I will say goodbye when I’m ready to go – but that won’t be for some time yet.”
A choked sound from the other side of Susan’s bed had both women turning to look.
Tina appeared, looking frantic. “Holy shitballs, you guys are not going to believe what’s happened. Wait, what happened here?”
“Susan was shot two days ago. Some guys showed up and tried to kill me,” Emlen said.
“Well, that makes my news even more interesting. Reginald Dunleavy died in a car explosion a couple of hours after Judge Jackson died of an apparent heart attack. Two days ago,” Tina replied.
“And you’re just telling us now?” Camille said.
“Well, I drained my energy staying around JJ for days on end and when I got enough to come back, I heard the news and came right here. I didn’t know so much time had passed.”
“It’s okay, Auntie. You told us as soon as you could. Let’s go tell Cullen so he can get the wheels turning with PLEA and the local crew,” Em said. A glance back at Susan to make sure she was still asleep and Em stepped from the room.
Emlen found Cullen in what they were all calling the control room. It had been a spare, ground floor bedroom but they needed a space for all of the computer equipment and monitoring screens, so it had been converted. Two of the other PLEA workers were plugged into headsets and staring at monitors, so Em waved Cullen over. He came out into the hall and when Em took his hand, he stuttered to a stop. “Camille, Tina. Uh…hi?”
“Tina’s got something to tell you, Cull. She just came and found me while I had been chatting with Mom.”
Tina turned to Cullen and took a breath. “Judge Jackson died from an apparent heart attack at McLean and an hour or two later, Reginald Dunleavy’s car blew up on Spout Run parkway with him in it. JJ freaked out and fired half his staff, then re-hired his secretary back after doing his brain-goo trick on her. The deaths were two days ago, the same day Susan got shot, I guess. I just found out today because I overdid it and had to recharge. I’m sorry.”
Cullen reached out and lightly gripped Tina’s shoulder. “It’s fine. You told us as soon as you knew and that’s all anyone could ask. We had been hearing chatter that Dunleavy had gone AWOL but hadn’t put it all together. The Judge’s death has been kept out of the media completely. Has JJ said anything useful about either?”
Tina shook her head. “Not really. He rants a lot about Reggie bailing on him when he needed him most. He goes back and forth about whether the Garda did it or some other enemy he has yet to identify.”
“Well, if the same people that went after them are the ones that went after Susan and Emlen, they were Garda but didn’t take the employment options Connor offered and went their own ways,” Cullen said.
Emlen bit her lip, then offered, “Sounds like a rogue group. Someone that didn’t like the Garda being dismantled? Someone that has a grievance with what is now PLEA and the Order?”
“If that’s the case, then we’re going to need to go over every personnel file for those that didn’t move on to PLEA or the other groups Connor arranged hires with. I’ll get them loaded on a laptop and you can help from wherever you want to be,” Cull told Emlen. “I know you’re still spending a lot of time with Susan while she sleeps. Cross referencing files won’t disturb her, and I’m really going to need your help with this one.”
“That sounds fine. I want to help as long as I can be there when she needs me.”
Camille touched Em’s shoulder. “I’m going to go back and keep an eye on Suze. I’ll let you know if she wakes up before you or Angelica get back.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll get back there as soon as I get set up.”
Cullen turned to Tina. “Can you give Em a list of those who he’s fired and any possible reason you might have heard about for those firings? If it’s just JJ going off the rails, that’s one thing – but if there’s a method to his madness, we need to figure it out before anyone else does.”
“Sure, I can do that. I’ll fade out until you call me back so I don’t burn out again,” Tina told Em and slipped away.
Emlen turned her whole body and pressed up against Cullen. “Kiss me while we’re still alone for a few minutes. I need to remember how you feel.”
Cullen chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly to him. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, then deepened the kiss. For a few moments, nothing existed but the two of them and the kisses that made Emlen’s whole body come alive.
The sound of someone clearing their throat by the control room’s doorway had them pulling apart and laughing.
Jim, one of the techs working with Cullen, grinned at them as he spoke. “Sorry to interrupt, sir, but Connor is on the vid cam and wants to speak to you.”
“Good, we can catch him up on the latest intel. Thanks, Jim,” Cullen replied.
“Time to get back to work,” Emlen sighed. “Pick this up later?”
“Where we left off,” Cullen said and led her into the room.
They settled in front of the monitor and camera, Emlen and Cullen sitting side by side in Maryland with Connor in front of his system in Massachusetts.
“Hey, you two. Sorry to interrupt your day,” Connor said.
“Naw, it’s fine. We needed to update you on some intel anyway. How’s Ma and Da?” Cullen asked.
“They’re doing great. Da has taught Barnabas to ‘ask’ for treats after dinner. It’s funny until he decides he wants treats at 3am, but that’s a cat for you.”
Emlen laughed. “Sounds like they’re a match made in heaven.”
“How’re you doing, Mama-to-be?”
“Doing good. Eating healthy and no more queasiness for now. Hopefully that’s all I’ll have to deal with.”
“So, what did you need, Connor?” Cullen asked.
“Well, we’ve been getting reports of attacks on both ex-Garda and Order agents and it’s starting to sound like they might be linked.”
“Tina told us that JJ thinks a new group has sprung up to go after the old Garda and current Order,” Emlen said. “With the deaths of the Judge and Dunleavy on the same day they hit us here, and with the shreds of information we’ve managed to get from our captives, it’s looking like someone scooped up the disgruntled Garda members who didn’t take your offers of employment and sent them after all of us.”
“That’s what we’re thinking, too,” Connor replied.
Cullen reached for a laptop and started typing. “I’m setting up a file of all of the personnel records from the Garda for Em to go through. Any that are not currently working for us or truly retired are going to need to be investigated.”
“I’ve got a list I pulled together, it might help narrow down the field,” Connor said.
“Soon as Cullen’s done, I’ll get started,” Emlen said and smiled at Connor. “Give Ma and Da my love and tell Ma I said thanks for the goody basket she sent me. I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Later, Em,” Cullen replied as she stood and took the laptop from Cullen.
Em leaned down and gave Cullen a quick kiss before she made her way back up to Susan’s room.
* * *
Cami stood by the window while Susan slept behind her. She turned when Emlen came into the room and kept her voice low. “She’s been asleep the whole time. Nina checked her vitals and said she’s healing well.”
“Thanks, Mom. Connor called in while we were down there, so we talked for a moment. He’s been getting other reports about ex-Garda attacking Garda and Order agents. Looks like we’ve got a rogue faction being funded by someone – but no idea of whom yet.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to go through the personnel files of all of the agents that left the Garda but didn’t simply retire or take one of Connor’s job offers. Connor also has a list that might help narrow it down, but I’ll be researching each person to see where they we
nt after they left.”
Camille glanced out the window again. “When Angelica gets back, can we take a break and go for a walk in the gardens?”
Emlen sensed the longing and reached out to hug her mom. “Sure. It’d be good for me, too. We’ll take the cart to the walled garden and walk there, it’s safer.”
Cami smiled and hugged Em back, attention once more on the view. Emlen settled at the little table with her laptop and started sorting.
About half an hour had passed when Angelica came back, looking rested and refreshed. “Thank you, Em. I needed a break. Took a nap, a shower, got food and a short walk outside. I’ve got a new book loaded on my tablet and my knitting to keep me occupied. Nina filled me in a minute ago, so you go do what you need.”
Emlen stretched and closed the laptop, then gave Angelica a quick hug. “Glad you feel better. Sounds like Susan will be up and around in a day or so. I’ll give you a break anytime.”
Angelica’s fingers curled around Susan’s limp hand. “She’s a fighter, my love. We’ll get to live those dreams we’ve planned soon enough.”
Em smiled, laptop under her arm as she stepped out of the room. Cami met her in the hallway and they headed up to the suite. “I want to drop this off and let the guards know I want to go out. They’ll have to go with us, but after the attack, I’m fine with that.”
“I’m glad you’re being smart about staying safe,” Camille said.
“I’ve got to stay safe for more than just me,” Em replied, a hand resting on her belly. “I forget, sometimes. I don’t feel a whole lot different, so it’s hard to remember.”
“That’ll change,” Camille laughed and mimed a huge belly as she waddled.
“Mooom!” Emlen laughed. “That’s mean.”
The two laughed as they headed out to catch the guards and take their walk.
Chapter 7
The table in the conservatory was set for a casual dinner for six. Edmund, Patrick, Emlen, Cullen, Susan, and Angelica were all being treated to paella, rice, fried plantains, and a light salad. Because Em couldn’t partake and Susan was still on pain medication, they’d settled for iced tea and sparkling water instead of wine. Conversation was light and fun, everyone enjoying being together and with their loves on a beautiful late summer evening. When the coffee flan, ice cream, and cups of coffee were served and the staff left them alone, the conversation changed.
Cullen cleared his throat and looked around the room. “I’m glad you’re all here tonight, because I wanted to propose something.”
“Hey, no more proposing. I already said yes,” Em said and everyone laughed.
“That’s just it,” Cullen replied. “I want to openly be your fiance. In fact, I want to openly be your husband. I want us to get married sometime in the next month or two.”
“Wait…what?” Emlen stared at him. “But we…”
“We can,” Cullen said. “Let me explain. The reason JJ wanted you with Edmund was mainly for the bloodlines, yes? Well, we now know I have a Bradford bloodline. You’re already carrying my child. It’s time he heard the truth and accepted the fact that we’re together.”
“He has a point,” Edmund said. “And let me add that Patrick and I have been talking as well. It isn’t right that we’re hiding who we are, either. It’s time the country came to the realization that not everyone is straight. I’m not ashamed of who I am or whom I love. But I’m acting like I am. That’s not right.”
Patrick reached up and squeezed Edmund’s hand. “I know it will be hard, but nothing worth having is easy. He’s already the VP, so it’s not like they can do much. They’ve got their hands full with JJ’s crazy antics.”
“I think Angelica and I are a perfect example of why none of you should wait. We almost lost our chance to share our love,” Susan said as she lifted Angelica’s hand to kiss her fingers. “Time is precious and not promised to any of us.” Her gaze shifted to take in Emlen and Cullen. “You should get married in the Rose Garden. You are the President’s daughter.” Then her smile broadened and a dimple flashed. “Make it a double wedding. They won’t dare not cover the nuptials of the Vice President then.”
Laughter slowly started to build as Angelica added, “Set new precedents, my loves. Shout your love from the rooftops. Don’t let anyone tell you no.”
Emlen turned to Cullen. “I think that’s a great idea. Edmund, can you get an appointment for you, me, Cullen and JJ in the next couple of days?”
“Sure, it’ll have to be soon, though. He’s supposed to fly to Spain for a summit in a couple of days.”
“Excellent. Well,” Em’s smile grew. “Guess I’ll be able to avoid a maternity wedding gown after all.”
“What kind of gown do you like?” Angelica asked.
“I’ve always dreamed of wearing my great-great-grandmother Brewster’s gown. It’s from the late 1800’s and has been preserved and stored.”
“Oh, that sounds incredible,” Susan replied. She was clearly feeling better as her eyes shone with excitement. “I used to work as a seamstress when I was younger, before I transitioned to jewelry work. If you need any alterations or anything, I’d be happy to take a look.”
“Thank you, Susan,” Emlen said. “I think it might need a few adjustments, but she was short, like me, and we are built similar, so it shouldn’t be too much.”
Edmund put down his phone and raised his glass. “Tomorrow morning at ten, we will meet with Jackson and clear up the relationships. If we can agree, then we’ll do back to back weddings in the Rose Garden of the White House in about six weeks. That will put it just before the G20 summit in Dublin.”
Cullen raised his glass. “Sounds perfect. There’s a Garda house that Connor kept, on the edge of Dublin that we can stay in.” He turned to Emlen, “Then we’ll find some time to visit the other property on Galway Bay and have a more private honeymoon. Agreed?”
Emlen and Patrick both lifted their glasses and toasted their partners. “Agreed.”
* * *
At ten the next morning, the four coven members sat in an elegantly appointed conference room where a coffee service, fruit, and a selection of pastries were set out. Em nibbled on a pastry and sipped her coffee, wondering just how long her father would make them wait. Cullen tapped on his phone, then set it to record and flipped it over when JJ walked into the room. Edmund and Patrick had been chatting quietly, but fell silent as all four rose to their feet. None of them may have respect for Jackson himself, but they all respected the office of the President.
Jackson sat at the table with the rest of them and poured himself some coffee. One agent stood inside the door, the other outside. “So, to what do I owe the honor of this visit? All four of you, it must be something serious,” he said.
“To be honest, it’s joyful news. You may not like it, but we’ve already scheduled a press conference for after this meeting,” Edmund said.
Emlen shifted the smirk on her face to a smile and widened her eyes. “You’re going to be a grandfather.” She’d timed it just right so JJ ended up choking on the mouthful of coffee he’d just taken.
“Well, Edmund, I see you didn’t waste any time,” JJ said after a moment.
“It’s not Edmund’s. It’s mine,” Cullen said.
Silence met the statement as JJ’s face turned a distinctive shade of red.
“I don’t even like women, as you well know,” Edmund said. “Patrick and I are partners.”
“But…” JJ started to speak.
“I’m of the Bradford bloodline,” Cullen said.
“Ohh,” JJ replied. “Well then.”
Emlen snorted at him and shook her head. “A little obvious, don’t you think, Father?”
“We are planning back-to-back weddings in the Rose Garden for October twenty-first,” Edmund said.
“Emlen and Cullen, then Patrick and I. We’re announcing it at the news conference in fifteen minutes.”
“And if I don’t approve?” JJ said.
“No
t up to you,” Emlen replied. “Imagine how it would look if the President’s daughter and the Vice President weren’t allowed to use the Rose Garden for their weddings because the President didn’t approve? I daresay the public response would not be something you would appreciate.”
JJ snarled and slapped his hand on the table. “How dare you.”
Emlen gave him a saccharine smile. “I dare because you don’t. You don’t dare push back because we have all of that proof about Bannerman’s murder.”
JJ rose to his feet and trembled with fury. “You little bitch.”
Emlen reached out and grabbed his arm. “Tina would like to talk to you.”
JJ started to jerk his arm out of her grip, then froze as he saw his dead sister standing behind Emlen, as solid as any other person in the room and about as angry as he’d ever seen her. His face paled and he dropped back into his seat. “How?”
“Shut up, John. You’re acting like a total dick,” Tina said.
“But, you’re dead,” JJ said.
“No shit, Sherlock,” Tina replied. “And you’re not, but whatever goodness was in you is most certainly dead.” She walked closer and reached out to touch his face, and it caused him to flinch back. Tina paused, then cupped his cheek. “John, you’re doing exactly what Father did to me, to your daughter. That’s unacceptable.”
JJ’s hand lifted to press against Tina’s hand where it lay against his face. “Vali, what happened to you?”
Tina’s expression softened with the childhood nickname and she sighed. “Father tried to marry me off to Reggie and when I tried to run away, Keith Simmons shot me in the back. They buried me in the forest near the Vienna estate. Father told them if I refused to marry Reg, to kill me.”
JJ visibly flinched and closed his eyes.
“Now you’re trying to force Emmy to marry someone she doesn’t love. That’s not cool, Johnny. Not even a little bit,” Tina told him. “Father’s gone, Reggie’s gone, and you went and gave power to Keith. You need to fix that, and you need to fix this. Let someone in this family find happiness, even if it is too late for us.”
