He tossed the envelope to the ground. ‘‘With this, Mark Callahan, you owe me. If ever I need to collect, I will expect your help.’’
He turned and jogged away, his goons following, but keeping their guns pointed toward the wedding guests. Just as he had that night over a year ago, Radovanovic boarded the helicopter and saluted as it lifted away.
Just as he had that night over a year ago, Mark grabbed the closest gun—Tag Harrington’s—ran after Radovanovic, and shot ineffectively at the departing bird.
When he’d emptied the cartridge, he lowered his arm. Anger churned inside him along with a blessed, overwhelming relief. He sighed, shoved his fingers through his hair, and walked slowly through the nervously murmuring crowd back to his bride.
To his beautiful Annabelle.
To his beautiful Annabelle, who wasn’t in hysterics over having her wedding interrupted, but whose complexion had gone almost as white as her wedding dress. ‘‘Are you hurt?’’ he demanded.
‘‘No . . . I’m . . . fine. I’m all right. Mark?’’
‘‘Yeah?’’ His gaze registered the fact that she’d opened Radovanovic’s envelope. Her gorgeous brown eyes were wide and round with concern. ‘‘What’s wrong, Belle?’’
‘‘Nothing is wrong. It’s . . . here.’’ She held out a single sheet of paper.
Mark took it, and as he started to read, he started to shake. Annabelle’s arms snaked around him and she held him, stood beside him supporting him, honoring the vows she had made moments before.
Standing before him, flanked by Matt and Torie on one side and Luke and Maddie on the other, Branch Callahan said, ‘‘Mark? What is it, son?’’
Chris put his hand on his father’s shoulder. Annabelle squeezed his waist hard. Mark said, ‘‘This letter says—’’ His throat closed up. He cleared it and tried again. ‘‘Matthew. Luke. Dad. This letter claims that . . .’’
He couldn’t. He just couldn’t say it aloud. So Annabelle, his beautiful, courageous Annabelle, did it for him.
‘‘John is alive.’’
Always Look Twice Page 31
