In the Dead of the Night

by Spear, Terry

  Allan glanced at him and shook his head. “The circumstances were a little different.”

  “Yeah, well you might find you care a hell of a lot more about this one than the last.”

  Allan looked out the window, trying to ignore the grasshoppers doing flip-flops in his gut. Eight agents were posted at various locations outside, most hidden from view. He wanted to attribute his anxiety to concern for her well-being, but it wasn’t that. He had never expected to marry this soon after divorcing Millie. Even if it was just to keep Jenny safe until they could resolve this business with Wilson and they could annul the marriage afterward. It still felt like he was truly marrying her. “I’m concerned about tonight.”

  Dale chuckled. “I’d say you’ve had some practice in that department.”

  Allan scowled at him. “I’m talking about Stevens returning.”

  “Yeah, well, I think with you being as keyed up as you are, a little time spent alone with Jenny might be the solution to the problem.”

  “It’s just a job, Dale.”

  “Sure it is. Remember, I almost know you better than you do, Bud. So does the boss.” Dale jiggled the change in his pocket. “We’ve got time before Stevens arrives. Put it to good use. Never know how hot it’s going to get after this.”

  Allan ran his hand over his neck. Normally, it didn’t bother him that Dale knew what he was thinking or feeling. They were close like brothers, had been for years. But when it came to Jenny, it perturbed him. He wasn’t sure why, maybe because his own feelings weren’t even clear to himself. “You don’t think Wilson will give up either, do you?” he asked. “Even after he can’t get to the money?”

  Dale shook his head. “No, he definitely doesn’t like loose ends. None of his women ever escaped him before and certainly not one that meant a lot more than just sex, with the kind of dough Jenny has. Not only that, but the fact we’ve got her, makes him even madder, in my book.”

  Allan had known all along, she wouldn’t ever be safe. Not until Wilson was dead.

  Dale smiled as he looked back at the dressing room. “I think your new bride is ready and waiting. And the best part, the Agency’s picking up the tab.” Then he chuckled. “Actually, the best part is you get the girl.”

  Allan stared at Jenny, her hair back to its original red-gold color, curled about her shoulders. The strapless form-fitting white dress, hugging her sensuous curves, took his breath away. The skirt flared just above the knees showing off her shapely legs. She whirled around in her white satin heels to give him a glimpse of the whole tamale. She was beautiful and a part of him wanted her for real.

  “What do you think, Allan? I tried on several, but I liked this one the best.”

  Dale slugged him in the shoulder. “Speak up, man.” He grinned at her. “First time I’ve ever seen him that tongue-tied.”

  Allan ignored Dale, crossed the floor, and took Jenny’s hands in his. “You’re beautiful, Jenny. I’ve never seen a woman as pretty as you.”

  Her perfectly white teeth shown in a super-sized grin. “I’ve never had anyone say such a nice thing to me.”

  Not that she could remember, anyway. Maybe Wilson said such things to her all the time. Allan tried to curb the anger the thought of the man brought to mind.

  “I’ll get the tab.” Dale pulled out a credit card.

  After he paid for the dress, they walked outside. A couple of wolf whistles sounded down the street, and they looked to see Samuel and Cameron grinning back at her. Jenny’s cheeks grew flushed.

  Allan helped her with her car door. He knew this assignment wasn’t going to be easy as she slid into the seat. They’d have trouble with Wilson’s men before long, he was certain.

  They soon arrived at the courthouse, where Allan and Jenny had more than enough witnesses as Samuel, Cameron, Lantham, and Dale watched. The others remained posted outside of the building.

  When they were married, Allan looked down at Jenny, her green eyes sparkling in merriment. He leaned down and kissed her lips. She responded with warmth and affection.

  Right then he knew he wanted so much more. The gray-haired judge cleared his throat, and Allan’s face heated. He escorted Jenny out of the courthouse while the rest of the agents watched their backs.

  Next, Allan and Jenny met with a lawyer, a crusty old man with a wrinkled face, dark spectacles and curly gray hair. Dale stood next to the closed door while Allan and Jenny took seats in leather chairs across from the lawyer, who sat behind his cherry desk. Jenny yawned as she signed the last of several papers, stating she gave the Agency the right to keep her money safe for her.

  Allan couldn’t believe how complacent she was. It didn’t seem to matter to her that she couldn’t touch all of that money. Then he realized, he’d never even told her how much it was. And the lawyer didn’t mention a dollar figure to her. Did she remember?

  He took a deep breath. No sense in upsetting anything at the moment.

  The lawyer nodded as Jenny signed the last form. “Should you die before the money reverts to you, Mrs. Thompson, it would be given to your parents as your sole beneficiaries.”

  “I would like Allan to have half of the money,” Jenny said. “He is my husband after all.”

  Allan shook his head. “No, we’ll keep it the way it is now.”

  Jenny raised her brows at him, then turned to the lawyer. “I want my husband to have half, if I should die.” She patted Allan’s hand. “He’ll have earned it.”

  Allan cleared his throat. “Your inheritance is worth one hundred and fifty million dollars, Jenny. I don’t think you should—”

  Her mouth dropped open as her eyes grew big. “No wonder Wilson wanted me.” She wrung her hands. “Well, not me, but my money.”

  Allan reached over and took her hand and squeezed it. “I think we should leave it the way it is with all of it going to your parents in the event—”

  She turned to the lawyer. “Add Roxie Adams as a beneficiary. She can have one-hundred thousand and Allan gets half of the remainder split between my parents and him.” While the lawyer gave the papers to his secretary to retype, she smiled at Allan. “Guess that means you’ll really have to earn that kind of money.”

  Allan glanced at Dale as he shuffled his feet. He waggled his red brows at Allan.

  “But, Jenny—”

  “It’s a done deal. Now you have to do your part.” She grinned back at him with that same sweet mixture of she-devil and angel all wrapped up in one sexy body.

  Making sure he did his part was a challenge he’d have to refuse. But when he considered the way her white gown revealed her luscious curves, he groaned inwardly. Refusing was definitely going to be a monumental challenge.

  Chapter 12

  As soon as they left the lawyer’s office, Jenny looped her arm around Allan’s. “You know, it’s almost a relief I’m not responsible for all that money when I think some terrorist like Wilson could use it to kill lots of people.”

  Allan kissed her cheek, glad she could be so cheerful. But he couldn’t help thinking about Stevens, the storm cloud threatening overhead, just waiting to take Jenny from him in a bold and rash engagement later that evening.

  Jenny yanked at Allan’s arm slightly. “Take me to another shop.”

  He looked down at her. Her mouth curved up dangerously. He knew just what she had in mind, too. Lingerie. Something that would no doubt drive him insane. On the other hand, anything she wore tantalized him, even the white dress that exposed her shoulders, her soft skin just imploring him to taste it.

  He must have been the only agent ever to have been forced to marry a woman in the line of duty, who would make him a wealthy man if she died. He just couldn’t let her die, but if anything did happen to her, he wouldn’t keep the money. But now, he wondered just what she was up to. She couldn’t be considering his consummating the marriage, could she?

  Allan turned to Cameron. “Drive us to the shopping plaza around the corner.”

  “Any particular shop?�
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  Cameron asked because they had to relay the information to the other agents to make sure everyone was in place wherever they ventured. But there was no way in hell Allan wanted to say. Even now, the tips of his ears burned with chagrin.

  Jenny smiled again. She snuggled her head against Allan’s chest. “He wants to take me to the lingerie shop.”

  Cameron’s face remained noncommittal as he relayed the news to the other agents via his cell phone. Dale and Samuel avoided looking at Allan altogether, though the two of them exchanged glances. He knew his partners would all have a good chuckle when he was out of hearing.

  Shortly after they arrived at the lingerie shop, Jenny picked out what she wanted, but Allan made Dale stay at the door while he paid for the purchase. No way did Allan want Dale to get an eyeful of what she would be wearing tonight.

  When the clerk held it up, then set it on a piece of tissue, he noticed how similar it was to the one Jenny had worn the night she’d been knocked unconscious in her home. Pink, slinky, and ultra-revealing. It was long enough to reach just above her knees, but it wasn’t the kind of fabric that hid a whole lot. Instead, it encouraged the viewer to look just that much harder.

  Already his boxers needed to be shifted as tight as they’d become.

  The clerk handed Allan the bag. He took Jenny’s hand in his and walked her to the door. “Anything else?”

  “No, thanks, Allan. I’m still a bit tired. I wouldn’t mind lying down for a while.”

  A sensible idea. She needed to rest and be ready for the transfer they made later, and he needed to get with the other agents and discuss plans as to who would do what when Stevens made his move.

  ***

  Jenny wasn’t sure if it was still the sedative, or getting married that had worn her out. At least when she climbed into bed, she would be comfortable. No way was she wearing street clothes. For whatever reason, wearing clothes like that to bed, really irked her. So buying the silky nightie had nothing to do with Allan, now her husband, who held her hand securely in his lap on the way back to the condo. Or did it?

  She had no intention of forcing him to make love to her, though the idea of demanding that Allan satisfy her wifely rights amused her. Still, if he insisted on keeping his role as her husband strictly on the basis of doing his duty, she would not interfere any longer. She certainly had more pride than that.

  Hopefully, they would get Wilson before long, she would get her memories back, and she would enjoy sipping strawberry margaritas with Roxie once a week. And Jenny was going to be rich.

  She patted Allan’s leg. “Have we got a bottle of champagne to celebrate?”

  Dale looked back at them from the front seat. “The guys picked up a couple of bottles. And lobster dinner for two also.”

  She smiled. “Have I told you, Allan, I really like your friends?”

  “Yeah, they keep me in line when I’m a bit distracted.”

  She chuckled and leaned against his chest. Closing her eyes, she felt like she could sleep for a week. Yeah, the sedative definitely hadn’t worn off.

  When they arrived at the condo, the agents hurried to take their places. Jenny was glad she wasn’t expected to do any work.

  Allan shut the door to the bedroom while he talked with the other agents in the living area. She slipped out of her dress and into the nightie. Though she really didn’t want to hear what was going on concerning Stevens at the moment, the hushed voices beyond the door disturbed her.

  Still, if she didn’t get some sleep, she would be totally wasted when they had to move her at one in the morning. She wanted to be alert for whatever happened prior to that, too. And she was certain the agents did also.

  When she climbed under the covers, a rapping on the door sounded.

  “Yes?”

  “Are you—”

  “You can come in, Allan.”

  He opened the door. “I’m going to sit in here with you while you rest. Samuel tore the trellis against the bathroom wall down, and Lantham boarded the window shut, so there’s no easy access. But one of us has got to be with you at all times.”

  She waved at the chair. “By all means.” Then she pulled her covers over her shoulder, turned away from him, and closed her eyes. She knew if she started to talk to him, she would never get to sleep.

  But it was the renewal of hushed voices, the noise of the air conditioner coming on, and the change in lighting from midday to a gray dusk that stirred her from her sleep and set her nerves on end.

  For a moment, she lay quietly, totally disoriented. Then she whipped around, reached for the bedside drawer, yanked it out, and felt inside for her gun.

  Instantly, Allan was at her side. He leaned over and grabbed her hands. Then he pulled her securely against his chest. “You’re all right, Jenny. Everything’s all right.”

  “Allan,” she whispered, “I…I heard someone. Someone’s hushed voice.”

  He kissed her head and held her body tightly. “Just Dale and Samuel talking in the next room, trying to keep their voices low while you slept.”

  “My gun…where was my gun?”

  He separated from her, but still held her hands. “What do you remember?”

  “I heard voices, or maybe just one, I think. I’m not sure. Then the air conditioner came on, or maybe it came on before that. I’m a really light sleeper. Anything will wake me.” She looked down at the comforter, trying to recall.

  “And…and then I thought it was Wilson.” She shuddered. “He…he hadn’t come home. He said he had an emergency government auditing job and might not be home for a while.” Yet somehow she knew it wasn’t so. She looked up at Allan, her stomach in turmoil from the recollections.

  “What did he look like? Can you remember anything distinguishing about him?”

  Jenny turned her attention to the blue comforter, but all she could see was the blackness of her living room and the sound from the kitchen when the doorknob twisted on the patio door. “I thought he was coming in the back door. But when I heard someone in the kitchen, I knew something wasn’t right. I never suspected Thurman would have sent the men after me.”

  She shoved the hair tickling her cheek behind her ear, exasperated with herself for being so stupid. “Then I ran for the bedroom, hoping I’d reach my gun before they came for me. I would have, too. I mean, I had time, only it wasn’t in the drawer.”

  “He must have known you were an expert shot, Jenny. He couldn’t have you shooting him, or one of his men.”

  She stared at the comforter. “I’d only just put the gun there that morning. I’d been hiding it somewhere else. But why?” She looked up at Allan. His already dark brown eyes had grown even darker. With what? Worry?

  Then she noticed the clothes he wore. A black T-shirt that fit snuggly against his well-muscled chest and black pants, narrow legged, like…like what martial arts competitors wore? How would she know that? Roxie’s younger brother was into martial arts big time.

  Jenny ran her hand over Allan’s thigh, feeling the large muscle tense beneath her touch. “You’re ready for him, aren’t you? Stevens, I mean?” There wasn’t going to be any lovemaking going on between Allan and her tonight. The guys were ready for the assault the terrorists would make.

  He nodded.

  “I guess I ought to get dressed and be ready to leave.”

  “We don’t leave until one and it’s only seven. We’ll have a glass of champagne and share the lobster the guys pitched in and got us.”

  “Okay.” She tugged at his pants. “I guess you don’t have one of these neat uniforms for me.”

  “I’d rather you wore something that didn’t look like ours. Too easy for them to target you by accident otherwise.”

  “Will you give me a gun?”

  He shook his head. “We’ll do the protecting.”

  “Yeah, well, I’d like to even the odds a bit. I guess if it gets down to that, I can use a lamp again.”

  “You hit that thug with the lamp?”


  “Sure, it was the next best thing to a gun. Well, except I think it made him madder.”

  He smiled, then the smile faded. “I should have come into the house sooner.”

  “You did what you could, and everything turned out all right.” She spied Allan’s field pack on the dresser, and she faced him. “Why don’t you warm up the lobster? I’ll be right out.”

  He glanced down at her nightie, and instantly her cheeks grew hot. The heat spread through her shoulders and down her breasts. His gaze shifted to her face, and he leaned over and kissed her lips, then straightened his back. “I’ll get the food ready and pour the drinks.”

  And then what? Did he want to make love to her? He’d suggested that they had plenty of time before they left. Did they have enough time to…

  She shook her head as he closed the bedroom door on his way out. He had to look. Didn’t touch, but had to look. She glanced down. Sure enough, her nipples stood totally erect, and their rosy color appeared only slightly shielded by the silky fabric.

  But he was dressed for action—the kind of action a law enforcement officer would engage in—undercover, but not under the comforter, not with her, making wild, passionate love.

  Again, a flood of disappointment washed over her. She yanked the covers aside and hopped out of bed. Like Allan, she had to put the business of lovemaking out of her mind. Matters concerning Stevens’s unwelcome appearance had to be tantamount instead. She might not have a neat black uniform like the agents had, but she had her own uniform, and she intended to be ready when the battle began.

  She reached inside Allan’s backpack, and the men laughed in the other room. She pulled the Army uniform out. After laying it on the bed, she slipped her hand back inside the bag. No gun. She wrinkled her brow. He wouldn’t make the same mistake with her twice.

  Then she hurried to dress. The only thing different from what she remembered when she wore one before was she had a golden bar on the hat and collar. A butter bar. She smiled. She’d been a second lieutenant. But why hadn’t she stayed in the service? She would have had a service obligation, but she didn’t remember having stayed in for long at all.