Once, and For All

by Kendra G. Johnson

  Andy didn’t even try to hide the grin on his way out.

  * * * *

  Judy laughed at Andy’s account of the international incident in which Carter broke the leg of one of the corgis in full view of the queen. Judy lay curled against Andy’s long, lanky frame and giggled at the thought of Carter being dressed down by the queen of England.

  “Give me all the glorious details.”

  “Judy, you are enjoying this way too much.”

  “Oh, let me have my little fun. Did Carter get in big trouble?”

  “Officially, no, but it was highly embarrassing to him, I can tell you that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, no one, and I mean no one, upsets the queen. She actually cried.”

  “Aww.”

  “Exactly. So for the remainder of our stay, Carter couldn’t get a fresh towel or a kind word. He was persona non grata to the entire royal staff. They stuck their nose in the air anytime he came near and he was totally ignored.”

  “Did the queen forgive him?”

  “She is too fine a lady to show otherwise. And I think she regretted such a public display of emotion. She probably hated that as much as the injury to the dog.”

  Judy sat up. “Suddenly, it does not seem so funny anymore.”

  “It is when you see how much he spends on dog biscuits.”

  Judy fell back on the bed in laughter.

  * * * *

  Angelo lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. How had he come to this place in his life? But even as the question entered his mind, he knew the answer. Danny Mac. He had admired him from the minute he met him all those years ago. The admiration had turned to jealousy and almost ruined him. But observing him in his unguarded moments with Kenann during their captivity had softened him. But what now? Is he supposed to just follow Danny Mac around? Doing his bidding? Wait. Where did that come from? Danny was his friend. He had taken a bullet for him for goodness sake. Where was this restlessness coming from? He was a part of this group. He did not need to feel so alienated—so alone. He continued to stare at the ceiling and was not aware of the darkness filling the room.

  * * * *

  Hawthorne wasted no time coming to see Carter after he received the message from Andrew. He owed that boy for saving his keister in Marrakesh. And since he was in New York, he took the train down to D.C. rather than call.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Carter?”

  “Well, son, how much influence do you have with the duke and duchess?”

  “I know them and have limited access to the royal family, if needed.”

  “Good. I need you to get word to the duke of Cambridge and ask him to call me.”

  “Are they in danger?” He was immediately on the alert.

  “Stand down, son. I just need to ask him a favor.”

  “With all due respect, sir, you are on thin ice. I wouldn’t push my luck.”

  “Oh for heaven’s sake, does everyone know about that cussed dog!?”

  “She cried, sir.”

  Carter had the good grace to look abashed. “Can you just have him call me?” He gave him his private number.

  “Will do, sir.” Hawthorne stood to leave and, turning back to face Carter, said, “She did not cry once during the whole of the war.”

  “All right already.” Carter ran his hand over his closely cropped head. “That’s going to be on my bloody tombstone.”

  “Possibly, sir.”

  * * * *

  A few days later, Kenann decided she had had her fill of sadness and darkness. She wanted something lighthearted. Never one to sit and wait for things to just come along, she set about creating it. She vowed Rough to silence as her partner in crime as she dragged the wooden double lounger to the back of their property underneath the trees. She pulled the pins to enable both sides to lay flat. Rough bounced around her as she ran back to gather the other necessary items. She ruffled his fur and buried her face in his neck.

  “Oh, you are my good, sweet little man, aren’t you, Roughie Rough?”

  He licked her face in reply.

  She added the last few items to her garden wagon then began pulling it back to create her oasis. It was top-heavy and almost tipped over when Rough came to the rescue, pushing back against the load with his nose. They made quite the pair as they pushed and pulled their way across the yard. Kenan fell on the ground in laughter when they finally arrived at the tree line. Rough lay beside her and licked her face again and began nibbling on her hair.

  “Hey, quit! That tickles.” She laughed.

  Rough lay his head on her chest and blew out his breath. They stared at each other for several seconds.

  “Who are you, little man? Are you my guardian angel?”

  Rough continued to look at her without blinking.

  “I’m going to take that as a yes.” She rose, taking his large face in her hands and kissed him on his cold nose.

  * * * *

  Danny Mac came through the door and was met with a grinning Kenann and the thumping tail of a wagging dog. He raised one eyebrow and felt his heart rate shoot up. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out what a woman in a trench coat and ridiculously high heels meant.

  “What’s up, MacKenzie?”

  “Oh, a little fun adventure.”

  “Haven’t we had enough adventure to last a lifetime?”

  “Yes, but not near enough fun.” She grabbed his hand to lead him out the back door when he tugged on her hard enough to twirl her back into his arms. She saw that dark, predatory look in his eye. She shivered slightly, not admitting that sometimes it scared her a little.

  “Kenann, you stir me.” His voice was low. Before she could breathe, he captured her mouth and possessed her. She reached up and encircled his neck with her arms, surrendering to his strength. When he released her she clung to his arms to steady herself. He watched her. Eyes closed and breathing slowly, he couldn’t help but smile.

  Without opening her eyes, she said, “That makes what I have planned rather anticlimactic.”

  “Interesting choice of words.”

  She snorted and opened her eyes. “Come on.” She led him out the back door and pulled him across the yard like an excited child with a secret. He stopped when he saw the tableau. She held her breath as he took it in. Rough appeared to be holding his breath, too. When the smile of pleasure spread across his face, Rough barked and jumped around the two.

  Danny Mac saw the white lights twinkling in the trees and a fire burning in the metal fire ring. Is that the one from the patio? A tent had been hung from the branches. As they drew closer he could see that the tent draped and enfolded a wooden platform (their double lounger?). Inside the opening he could see blankets and colorful pillows filling the interior of the tent, evoking the stories of Scheherazade.

  He turned to Kenann and grinned. “What have you done here, MacKenzie?”

  “Our own romantic getaway.”

  “Yes, our own Easter Island.”

  “Well, I can think of much more romantic places than Easter Island.”

  “You are all the romance I need. I was thinking isolation.”

  “Oh, good answer.” She reached up and kissed his cheek.

  He reached for her. “Now, let’s see what is under that coat.”

  She evaded his arms. “Down, tiger. First we eat.”

  She pulled a basket from the tent enclosure and took it to the small table setting beside the fire. She took out some candlesticks and lit them before she brought out the rest of the basket’s contents. As he watched, she produced his favorite cheeses, salami, grapes, and flavored crackers. She opened a bottle of wine and filled two flutes.

  “Have a seat, Mr. MacKenzie.”

  “After you, Mrs. MacKenzie.” She complied and grinned up at him as he held out her chair.

  “You have put a lot of effort into this, Kenann. Thank you.”

  “I just needed a little light to break up all the dark, you know?”
>
  “Yes, I do. We certainly have had our share. I guess I needed it, too…without even knowing it.” He ate some grapes absently.

  “I feel like all you have done since we met is rescue or take care of me.” Kenann reached over and took Danny Mac’s hand in hers.

  “But isn’t that what people in love do? Take care of each other? Protect each other?” Danny squeezed her hand.

  “I suppose that is true. It just seems that’s all we’ve done.”

  Danny took a deep breath. “Yes. I have been talking to Mrs. Gage about this just this afternoon. She is concerned that we have experienced too much too soon and are weary with the struggle. Not all of us are trained to this.”

  Kenann’s spine stiffened a bit. “Just because we are not soldiers does not mean we are not up to the task.”

  Danny Mac grinned. “That is exactly what I told Mrs. Gage. We are a team. Our weaknesses are our strengths. We complement each other and are better together than apart. And she knows that. I think she just needed to hear it from someone else. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we have been brought to this and He will give us what we need to accomplish it.”

  “I hope so. I need to know I am in the Lord’s will.”

  “Are you okay, Kenann? Are you still troubled by dreams?”

  “No, not since I shared honestly with everyone. I think that is one of the keys. I don’t need to keep any secrets. I need to be truthful and open so the darkness does not take over.”

  “Yes. I love you, baby girl.”

  This warmed Kenann’s heart. She finished the last of the wine in her glass. She stood and began to clear the table. Danny Mac watched her for a few moments. He finished his wine and stood to help her put things away. She took his hand, leading him to the opening of the tent. She guided him to sit. She pulled on the belt holding the trench coat in place. She was pleased to see Danny’s eyes grow dark with his passion. As she let the coat slip from her shoulders, she followed him into their haven, closing out the world behind them. Rough picked up her coat in his mouth and placed it on the chair. He lay in front of the opening to the tent. No one—man or demon—would bother his masters this night.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Carter read the first draft from the playwright and laughed out loud. The rest of this crew might not appreciate him for this, but it was going to be hilarious. It had been several days and he began to wonder if he would hear from the duke. If not, he would have to think of a plan B.

  As he was considering his options, his cell phone rang. The number was blocked. He answered with a very clipped, “Carter.”

  “I received a message you wished to speak with me, Constable?”

  Constable? Really? Okay, if had to eat crow, he’d better start chewing. “Thank you for contacting me, Your Highness.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I have been tasked to take a special force of operatives across Europe and your endorsement would pave a lot of paths.”

  “It appears to me Special Forces usually desire anonymity.”

  “Trust me, these are a special kind of force. I can introduce you to them when you arrive in Washington next month, but they will be using an acting company as their cover. If you can go to their performance and endorse them to your contacts in Europe, it will solidify their cover.”

  “This seems easy enough. Can you tell me who or what they are targeting?”

  “This group brought down a rogue element with designs on the world’s oil market. They will initially be doing recon.”

  “I thought you took credit for that recent victory?”

  He bristled despite himself. “I did not take credit for that. My superiors underestimated the role this group played. I think you will understand once you meet them. So will you help me, Your Highness?”

  “Well, I must say I am intrigued. Yes, I will help you.” There was a slight pause. “Have you sent the sweet biscuits?”

  “Like clockwork.” Carter hung his head.

  “Good man, good man.” Prince William smiled, as did Kate, sitting across the room, listening in on the extension.

  * * * *

  Kenann and Danny Mac awoke the next morning in their Scheherazade oasis. Kenann peeked her head out between the tent flaps. The air held a chill despite the fire that Danny Mac had banked and fed throughout the night.

  Danny Mac slapped her bottom. “Get a move on, McKenzie. We are burning daylight.”

  Kenann laughed and popped back into the tent to allow him to exit. Handing her the trench coat, she put it on and sat in the opening. Rough came over and laid his head on her knee as she pulled on her heels. She stroked his head. “You are a good guardian, my sweet little man.”

  Danny Mac came over and patted him, too, then nudged her hip so he could sit down beside her. Putting his arm around her, he drew her close. She laid her head on his shoulder.

  Danny sighed. “It would be nice to just lead a quiet little life here, wouldn’t it?”

  Kenann’s sigh matched his. “Yes, it would.” She paused. “But it does not seem to be in our cards.”

  “Are you quoting Granny again?”

  “Yep, play the hand you’re dealt.”

  They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the quiet moment together.

  Danny Mac laid his cheek over on Kenann’s head and spoke softly. “We are a good team, huh, MacKenzie?”

  She grinned. “Yep.”

  “What is on your agenda today?”

  “Well, even international catchers of terrorists have to clean house.”

  Danny Mac laughed. “I think I am going to go over to Angelo’s. Poor guy, we have dragged him from pillar to post and he has no one here.”

  “He has us.”

  “Yes, but we all have our own lives. He is only here because of us.”

  “Yeah, I guess I can see that. He is pretty quiet. It’s hard to know what he is thinking or feeling.”

  “Exactly. Come on, I’ll help you get this stuff back to the house.”

  “Do we have to? Can’t we leave it here?”

  Danny Mac seemed to consider. “Well, I guess we could. Let’s bring in the pillows and blankets so they don’t draw dampness.”

  “Who is going to watch our house while we are away?”

  “Mrs. Gage has that covered.”

  “Why do I even ask?”

  They both laughed.

  * * * *

  Danny Mac was shocked by Angelo’s appearance when he finally came to the door. He had a three-day growth of dark beard and looked and smelled as if he had not showered in as long. The curtains were pulled and darkness filled the room.

  Angelo blinked against the light. “What do you want?”

  Danny Mac was stunned by his tone. “I came to check on you.”

  “I don’t need anyone to check on me.”

  “Can I come in?”

  “Leave me alone.”

  “Come on, buddy, let me in.”

  Angelo paused. “Oh, suit yourself,” he finally said and moved aside.

  Danny Mac went to the windows and started opening curtains.

  “What are you doing?” Angelo demanded. “I want them closed.”

  “You need a little light in here.”

  “What I need is to be left alone.”

  “What’s up, Angelo? You look awful.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  Danny Mac sat down and looked at Angelo. Whatever was wrong had happened quickly. He decided on a different approach. “What’s the matter, Angelo? Getting soft?”

  Angelo’s head snapped up.

  His profanity momentarily stunned Danny Mac. He soon recovered and continued. “Have we been too hard on you? Can’t take it?”

  Angelo stood clenching his fist. “You will be quiet if you know what’s good for you.”

  “Now that’s the warrior I know. Come on, sit down. Stop all this nonsense and tell me what’s going on.”

  All the air seemed to leave Angelo
at once and he fell back into the chair. He grasped his hair with both hands. “I don’t know. One minute I started feeling sorry for myself and the next minute I was angry all over…at everyone.” He looked up expectantly.

  Danny Mac reached over and slapped Angelo’s arm. “You’re okay, buddy. I told Kenann we gave you a new life then we jerked it away again. You have a right to be a little resentful.”

  Hearing Kenann’s name brought back the anger. “I don’t need your pity.”

  “Whoa, slow down, Cochise. No one is pitying anyone. It’s called friendship.”

  Once again, Angelo felt ashamed. What was wrong with him?

  Danny Mac continued. “It pays to know whose voice you are listening to.”

  Angelo looked up. “What?”

  “This is not a sermon, okay? This is cosmic universe 101. Two forces in the universe, right? Good, bad, right, wrong…God and Satan.”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Well, it’s true. And there are two voices that are continually trying to gain your attention.”

  “Next thing I know you will be saying there is an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.”

  “Some clichés were created for a reason.”

  “Oh, come on, Danny Mac.”

  “Listen, whether you believe it or not, our thoughts are gateways. Take one path and we open the door to some very negative things. Take self-pity, for example. People think it is no big deal, but open that door and suddenly you feel angry and entitled. But listen to a more positive voice in your head and you feel empowered and think, ‘I’ve got this. I’m not going to let it get to me.’”

  Angelo considered this. “I suppose I can see that. Can it really be that simple?”

  “Well, if you consider the forces of evil and the forces of good doing battle every minute for your mind simple, then I guess it is.”

  Angelo grinned.

  Danny Mac grinned back. “Come on, buddy. Go get a shower and I’ll take you out for our famous Memphis barbecue.”

  Angelo got up and squeezed Danny Mac’s shoulder as he passed.

  When Angelo closed the bathroom door, Danny Mac’s head fell onto the back of the couch and he blew out the breath he had been holding. Somehow he knew he had just dodged a huge bullet.