by Rebecca Deel
When she reached his side, he leaned down, brushed her lips with his. “You are so beautiful, angel,” he murmured.
She smiled. The navy blue calf-length dress had been one of the two she’d purchased the day Evans attacked her in the parking lot. “What are the rules for today?”
“Stay by my side. If you need to move away for any reason, Stella goes with you. Keep your phone on you.” He paused, his gaze skimming over her dress. “Do you have a pocket?”
“Both sides of the skirt.”
“Excellent. Del and Josh are riding with us. Nate, Stella, and Rio will be with Mother and Porter. Quinn’s trailing all of us while driving the team’s SUV. He’ll be checking for tails.”
“Won’t we be more of a target all bunched up like that?”
“Quinn will run interference if another vehicle makes any suspicious moves on my family. I can handle anything coming at us.”
Heels clicked on the hardwood floor, coming their direction. They turned and watched Rio escort Cynthia Morgan to where they waited. She yanked her arm from Rio’s grasp, moved to stand directly in front of Alex.
Her gaze revealed fury and hatred mixed with savage grief. Before anyone could stop her, Cynthia slapped Alex so hard across the face his head snapped to the side, the mark of her hand bright red across his cheek. The crack of sound echoed in the sudden silence of the stunned onlookers. “Because of you, I’m now a widow. I wish you had never been born. After James is laid to rest, you and your band of mercenaries will leave my house. I never want to see you again.” She turned on her heel and walked out the front door to the car Porter had idling in the driveway.
The grim medic followed in her wake.
Josh clamped his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Del and I will meet you at the SUV.” He gave Ivy a pointed glance, then escorted his wife outside.
Ivy embraced him, arms tight around his waist. For long minutes, he remained unresponsive. But she wouldn’t give him up to the pain his mother had caused. Not knowing what else to do, she reached up, tugged his head down to hers and took his mouth in a series of kisses. Butterfly soft, gentle, tender, infused with the truth of her heart. At first, he stood in the circle of her arms, impassive. By degrees, his lips softened and he began to respond. His arms folded her close, head tilting to capture her mouth at a better angle.
Between one heartbeat and the next, Alex’s kiss shifted from comforting to demanding as he deepened the kiss. Ivy gave him what he needed. She wanted to be his refuge when storms battered his life. In her mind, Cynthia Morgan was a category 5 hurricane.
When he drew back, the shock was gone from his eyes. In its place was grim determination.
Ivy cupped his red cheek with her palm. “We’ll face this together, love. You aren’t alone anymore.” She threaded her fingers through his and walked to the waiting SUV.
Once behind the wheel, he paused, glanced in the rearview mirror. “Sorry you had to witness that,” he murmured.
Josh snorted. “We’ve been through worse together. Besides, since Ivy’s lipstick is currently decorating your mouth, I’d say you came out of that skirmish a definite winner.”
The SUV filled with laughter as Alex pulled from the drive, guiding the procession to the funeral home. Several vehicles already filled the parking lot. Ivy drew in a breath. Yep, this was going to be a long ordeal for her boyfriend and his family. She didn’t know any of the people who might show at the viewing. That didn’t matter. Her driving motivation was to be there for Alex.
Inside the lobby of the funeral home, Aaron and Liz Cahill waited. As soon as Alex walked through the doorway, he made a beeline straight for them. Ivy trailed in his wake, knowing he needed something from them she couldn’t give. Parental support.
Aaron wrapped Alex in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry, son.”
“Thanks.” His response was choked.
Next he turned to Liz. She laid one hand on his cheek with a gentle touch, reached up and kissed his other cheek on the exact spot Cynthia had slapped. Alex’s control broke. Tears streamed down his face.
Liz enfolded him in a tight embrace, murmured, “We love you so much, son. As long as you need us, we’ll be here. You are ours, Alex. We’ve claimed you and you belong to us, to me. Though you may not be genetically ours, you are a son of our heart.”
In response, Alex wrapped his arms around her, stood in total silence, his grief all the more heartbreaking for Ivy to watch. She realized he grieved not only the loss of his father but the seeming death of his family ties as well. The gulf between them appeared impassible.
Liz rubbed his back, whispered occasionally in his ear, mostly just offered a mother’s comfort. Tears misted Ivy’s eyes as she watched the scene unfold. For several minutes, people passed, eyeing the two curiously. Cynthia and Porter marched past without a glance in their direction.
Fury burned through Ivy’s veins. How could two people be so self-absorbed they wouldn’t offer even basic human comfort to another family member who was hurting just as much as they were? Ivy supposed she shouldn’t be surprised. Look at her own family. Her mother and father had turned on her the moment she fell out of line with their plans for her life. Despite Lee’s conviction, her parents believed Lee’s version of events over hers. That hurt more than anything else they said or did.
Never would she do that to her own children. Ivy wanted to create a home like that of the Cahills, full of love, loyalty, laughter, and support. Their family ties had weathered the many storms that assailed their lives. Instead of coming through weaker, they’d emerged into the peaceful aftermath stronger, the ties of love strengthened.
She dragged her attention back to Alex and Liz. She couldn’t do anything about Cynthia and Porter. Maybe no one could. They weren’t her priority. The man currently kissing Liz’s cheek, his expression revealing the depth of emotion he felt for her, that amazing man was her priority. With enough love and care, she hoped to heal the wound Cynthia had caused. Ivy looked up to find Aaron Cahill very much focused on her.
He gave her a one-armed hug across the shoulders. “How are you, little one? Josh told us you’d been grazed by a bullet.”
“I’m fine. Small headache.”
“Lucky.”
“Yes, sir, I know.”
“How’s our second son really doing?” he murmured.
“He’s devastated,” she whispered, heart hurting so much for the man she loved more than life itself. “He talked to his father for a few minutes the afternoon before he died. Senator Morgan apologized to Alex for what happened, told him he was proud of him and his accomplishments. Alex had hope that the relationship with his father could be mended. The next morning, his father was gone without Alex having a chance to talk to him again. And just before we came here, his mother slapped him, blamed him for his father’s death. She said after tomorrow she never wanted to see him again.”
Aaron raised his hand, gently wiped the tears from her face. “It’s hard to watch those we love hurt, especially when we can’t do anything but be there for them. You can’t take the pain for him, but you can help him bear the load. Cry with him when he needs it. Help him laugh. Most of all, love him.”
She glanced at Alex. “Is what I feel that obvious?”
“To me it is because I see that same expression on Liz’s face every morning and evening. After more than thirty years of marriage, she still treats me as her greatest treasure as I do her. Alex is a blessed man to have you in his life, Ivy.”
At that moment, the man in question turned away from Liz, his gaze scanning the room until he found her. Concern shadowed his face as he crossed to her side. “Everything okay, angel?” He tucked her hair behind her ear.
She nodded.
A distinguished, older gentleman dressed in a black suit and conservative tie stepped to Alex’s side. “Mr. Morgan, we’re ready to begin.”
Alex’s gaze shifted to Ivy. “You sure you want to do this, baby? The room is bound to be crowded.”
“Together. We do it together, love.”
He brushed her mouth with a soft kiss. To Aaron, he said, “Would you and Liz stand with me?” A sad smile curved his lips. “We’ll be part of a second receiving line.”
To minimize the possibility of more confrontations with his family, Ivy realized.
“We’ll be happy to stand with you, son.”
The four of them entered the viewing room. Cynthia sent another cold glance at Alex before her expression smoothed as the first of the visitors surged forward to offer condolences to Cynthia and Porter. They stood at the foot of the casket, Nate and Rio hovering two steps back and to the side, carefully observing each person. Assessing potential threats, no doubt. Alex led Ivy and the Cahills to stand at the other end of the casket.
Even in the midst of his grief, Ivy couldn’t help but notice the man at her side had placed her between himself and Aaron. Protecting her still. Stella hovered close with Del.
Some of the visitors recognized Alex. Friends of the family and many friends from his school days spoke to him. Ivy smiled until her face hurt as he introduced her and the Cahills. Those visitors from his father’s political world didn’t stop. Ivy supposed they wouldn’t recognize him since many believed he was dead, but she ached for Alex at the lingering division from his family.
Three hours into the six-hour ordeal, Alex leaned down and whispered, “Do you need to sit down for a while, baby? You’re swaying.”
Her first inclination was to deny the fatigue. She sighed. Alex didn’t need her passing out at his feet. He had enough to deal with. “Maybe for a couple minutes.”
He motioned to Stella. “Take Ivy and Del down the hall to the left. There’s a lounge for the family’s use back there. They have water and soft drinks available. Stay with them.”
“I’ll take care of them, Alex. I’ll alert you and the rest of the team if there’s a problem.”
They made their way through the milling crowd. Near the end of the hall, the noise abated. Ivy sighed at the sudden peace. “Good grief. I didn’t realize how loud it is in that room.”
“Lots of people in a relatively small space,” Del said. “A lot of posturing going on along with the condolences. I don’t know how people in the spotlight deal with big gatherings like that.” She smiled. “Guess that’s why I prefer a quiet bookstore to politics or a career in Hollywood.”
Ivy nudged her cousin. “I’ve seen you act. You would have been destined for bit parts.” In the lounge, she and Del dropped onto the couch while Stella perched on a chair in view of the doorway.
Her cousin reached over and grabbed three bottles of water. She tossed one to Stella, handed another to Ivy. “Drink. I don’t know about you, but the heat and talking to all those people left me a little dehydrated.”
“My feet are killing me,” Stella muttered. “Now I remember why I wear flat shoes when I work.”
“Same here,” Ivy said. Standing all day, teaching class after class was not for the faint of heart or those standing in heels. She tried that for one day, aiming to make a good impression on the administration and her students. Her feet hurt for a week. Ivy never wore heels to teach again. She cracked the seal on the bottle cap and drank deeply. The water tasted so good. “Nothing from Josh and Quinn?”
Stella shook her head. “Not so far.”
“Hope it stays that way,” Del said. “The Morgans deserve a measure of safety and peace right now.” She scowled. “Even if Cynthia is a piece of work. I can’t believe she slapped Alex.”
“Are you serious? When did that happen?” Stella asked, eyes wide.
“Just before she climbed into the SUV with you.”
“How did he respond?”
“He didn’t,” Ivy said. “Alex let Cynthia have her say.”
“Alex acted like he was in shock, kind of frozen in place,” Del added. “Tell Stella how you thawed him out, Ivy.”
“Kissed him.” Over and over. “I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Must have been some kiss, cousin, because he seemed back to normal when he drove us here.”
Stella whistled. “Good work, Ivy. Alex is a great guy and deserves to be treated better.”
Ivy finished the rest of her water, her attention shifting to their most pressing problem. “Evans is not going to give up,” she said.
“He also doesn’t want to get caught.” Stella slid off her shoes with a sigh of relief.
“Taking your shoes off might have been a mistake,” Del said. “If your feet swell, you’ll have a tough time getting them back on.”
“I’m no dummy. My shoes are a half size too big.”
Del reached over, moved Ivy’s charm bracelet around. “He gave you another charm? Let me see.” Her cousin turned the newest piece around. “That’s so cute.”
“What is it?” Stella leaned forward.
“A bear splattered with paint, holding a painter’s palette.”
“When did he give you that?”
Her face heated at the memory of the long, passionate kisses she and Alex had exchanged after he attached the newest charm. “Last night.”
Stella laughed softly. “From your expression, I’d say you were very happy with that gift.”
Ivy jumped when the phone in her pocket vibrated against her leg.
“What’s wrong?” Stella asked, alert.
“Text.”
“Check it,” Del urged. “It might be one of the guys.”
“Wouldn’t they contact us through Stella’s ear piece?”
“Only one way to find out.”
Ivy pulled out the phone. She swiped the screen, tapped her messaging app. Frowned. The text was from an unknown number, but it was the same one she’d been getting messages from for weeks. Evans was sending her another text? What was the point? He’d already tried to kill her, failed. She shivered. Either he wanted to finish what he started or he just planned to twist the screw a few more times.
Calling up the message, she gasped.
“What is it?” Stella stood, hurried across the room.
“Oh, Ivy,” Del whispered.
The vile text message was accompanied by a photograph of her in the receiving line beside Alex. “He’s here. Evans is here.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Alex shook the hand of Griff Abrams, his hand engulfed in the bear paw of the other man. Charlotte’s husband was a mountain of a man. “Thanks for coming, Griff. I appreciate it.”
“We’re so sorry about your father, Alex. Charlotte and I enjoyed any interaction we had with him. He was fun and intelligent.” A grin. “His sense of humor reminded me of yours. Now that I know your familial connection, the similarities make a whole lot more sense.”
After all the ugliness of the past few days, it made him smile to know he hadn’t grown so different from his father. “Is Charlotte here?”
Griff shook his head. “She didn’t want to leave Sam with a sitter or bring him here. It would be nearly impossible to keep track of our busy toddler in a place this packed. She said she’d try to catch you tomorrow at the funeral. I have to leave town in a few minutes or I’d be at the service as well. I’m sorry I have to miss it.”
“I understand. Thanks for taking the time tonight. It means a lot.”
“What you did for us,” Griff murmured, “I will never be able to repay. I owe you.”
“Right place, right time.”
“Right skills and right man,” he countered. A clap on the shoulder. “I’d better shove off. Keep in touch.”
The crowd had thinned somewhat. Alex knew it was a momentary respite. Another wave of people should move into the room shortly. The funeral director was doing an amazing job keeping the crowds to a manageable level.
At that moment, Stella’s voice came through his ear piece. “Ivy received a picture of her in the receiving line. Evans is here.”
Adrenaline dumped into Alex’s system. “Lock the door, Stella. Josh.”
“On the move. Stay in position.”<
br />
He forced himself to think. Stella would defend Ivy with her life. Josh was only a couple minutes away. His best friend was more than capable of protecting Alex’s girlfriend. He would be all the more deadly because his wife was also in the line of fire. If Evans made a run at them, he was a dead man. Josh was a crack shot and highly skilled in close quarters combat.
More people had just cleared the doorway and Aaron and Liz Cahill stood inches away from him. Much as he longed to be by Ivy’s side, Nate and Rio’s priority was Alex’s mother and brother. That would leave the Cahills with no protection.
Alex’s jaw clenched. He wouldn’t leave them vulnerable to attack from Evans. “Quinn, reconnaissance. Find him.”
“Roger that.”
Evans must have slipped past Josh and Quinn. Not surprising given the large crowd milling around the hall and viewing room. He’d been smart not to come close enough to be recognized. Public event or not, Durango wouldn’t have hesitated to take him down.
“What’s happening?” Aaron’s sharp gaze took in Nate and Rio’s heightened alert.
“Evans is here.”
“One of you spotted him?”
“Nope. He sent Ivy a picture of her in this line.”
Aaron tucked Liz close to his side. “What does this man look like?”
Alex pulled out his cell phone, called up the picture and handed him the phone.
The banker studied the picture a moment, sent the image to his own cell phone. “What’s the plan?”
“We hold position. Josh will stay with Del and Ivy until they return. Quinn’s hunting. You and Liz don’t leave this room without one of us.”
Josh murmured in his ear, “I’m in position. All is secure. Ivy’s safe, Alex.”
Thank God. “Hold until Quinn reports.”
“Copy that.”
Some of the tension leached from his muscles. No one would get through Josh. Ivy and Del were safe. Alex scanned the room, the faces of the people in attendance. One entrance and exit from this room. One window. Too many people in a tight space. If Evans started shooting in here, it would be a massacre. Durango would take him out, but how many people could be injured or killed before they stopped him? Too many.
