Once, and For All

by Kendra G. Johnson

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Ann had been dispatched to the hospital in an ambulance, having lost consciousness from the pain. The staff of mercenaries had been paid off and dismissed from their duties. Robert, Kenann, and Danny Mac now found themselves sitting on the stairs, feeling a little shell-shocked. They had hardly regained their wits when from behind them came a sultry voice.

  “Don’t move, darlin’. I would hate to put a hole in that gorgeous body of yours.”

  Danny Mac and Kenann whirled around to find Bridget on the stairs above them, pointing a pistol at Robert’s back.

  Danny Mac laughed. “Stand down, Soldier. He is on our side.”

  Robert turned his head slightly and smiled. “Really, I am.”

  Bridget lowered the weapon, but only slightly, and looked at Danny Mac. “What are you, the Pied Piper of bad guys now?”

  Kenann laughed, knowing she was referring to the change Danny Mac had wrought in Angelo. “No, it’s more like the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

  “Oh, I see,” Bridget replied. “Had some defection among the ranks, huh?”

  Danny Mac responded, “You could say that.”

  Bridget sat on the stairs, too, but out of reach of Robert, just in case. This did not go unnoticed by him. “I did a brief recon and couldn’t find anyone else except you three. What happened here?”

  They looked at each other and burst out laughing. Robert was the first to say, “We have absolutely no idea.”

  Danny Mac added, “One minute she had the gun aimed right between my eyes, the next she was doubled over in pain.” He paused, then said, “I would imagine I was saved by God.”

  Bridget slapped her leg and rose. “Well, whatever it was, it worked. What do you say we get out of here? Anybody got wheels?”

  Robert asked, “Where are we going?”

  Bridget smiled her dazzling smile. “Why, to join the Merry Band of Misfits, of course.”

  * * * *

  Robert stepped into the foyer of Mrs. Gage’s villa, assessing the surroundings for threats. Old habits. He marveled once again at the comradery of these people. He turned to look back toward Danny Mac and was stunned. “Angelo?”

  “Robert?”

  Everyone stopped at this. Mrs. Gage walked between the men, turning to each of them a look of pure steel in her eyes. “Does someone want to explain?”

  Angelo shook his head as if to clear it. “Robert and I worked together for a few years.” He focused his attention on him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, I could ask you the same question, my friend.” They eyed each other like competing alpha dogs.

  “Long story,” Angelo finally said. “Who are you working for?”

  “I was assigned to that she-devil—well, actually sold out to her. I refused the assignment but she was not to be denied. They found my kid and, well, you can guess the rest.”

  “Who assigned you?” Mrs. Gage still held the reigns of the interrogation.

  “Pierre.”

  Angelo interjected, “You left his team before Alexandria?”

  “Yeah. What happened there? I heard someone killed him.”

  No one moved or blinked an eye.

  Mrs. Gage asked, “You’ve had no contact with the Order since going with Ann?”

  “No, that was part of the deal. I was to keep her safe until they were ready for her. But she called all the shots. I was her lapdog. I’d have killed her myself if it hadn’t been for my kid.”

  Mrs. Gage turned to Andy and CJ. “Take him with you. Find and secure the child. CJ, you know how to activate my people in the States.” She turned to Robert. “Assuming he is in the States?”

  Robert nodded, stunned that these people should jump to help him so easily.

  Mrs. Gage saw it in his eyes—the gratitude. She smiled. “Go on now. First things first.”

  Robert nodded and joined the growing ranks of undying devotion to this little spitfire of a woman.

  At that moment, Rough trotted down the stairs from keeping vigil over Adam. He ran to Kenann and leaned into her as she ruffled his fur and kissed his face. When she finished, to everyone’s amazement, Rough went to Robert, sat down, and held out a paw in greeting.

  “Sorry, buddy, all out of treats.” Robert saw the looks and explained. “I was keeping tabs on you as a stage hand. Me and my little buddy here had an arrangement.” He bent down and rubbed Rough’s ears as he had done many times before.

  This, more than anything, solidified their acceptance of Robert. Rough was never wrong.

  When the three men left, Mrs. Gage indicated with her hand that they should move into the sitting room. Carter was so accustomed by this point that he didn’t give her leadership a second thought.

  Adam had fallen into an exhausted sleep where he remained. Mrs. Gage, with the unspoken agreement of the others, did not tell Kenann he was there. She had enough shocks to deal with at the moment. One thing at a time.

  She continued as soon as everyone had settled. “We have to get to Ann. Make sure she doesn’t talk. Bridget?” She turned to her friend.

  “On it. Doting sister and medical power of attorney at your service. Well, that and an injection of valium if she wakes up too soon.”

  “I knew I could count on you.” They smiled at each other, remembering past adventures. Bridget left the group. Mrs. Gage asked Danny Mac and Kenann to flesh out the picture of what occurred.

  When they finished, Mrs. Gage said, “We have been given a possible gift. Maybe a way into the inner circle. Let’s not waste it. We don’t know who Ann’s guests will be tomorrow, but we have to be prepared that one of them is Magda. Who of our group was not seen by her at the party?”

  CJ spoke up. “Well, for sure Leticia and myself. We were here with Blade.”

  Mrs. Gage grinned at him. “Think you can pull off a butler?”

  CJ cringed. “If I have to.”

  She turned to Leticia. “Since the original staff has been dismissed, can I prevail upon you to be the cook?”

  Leticia nodded.

  “We have no idea what Ann has told these people who are coming so, Danny Mac, we will get you and Kenann back over there with a believable cover story of Ann’s absence. Robert should lend some credence to whatever story we develop.”

  Jake said, “Then what?”

  “Then we see what tomorrow brings. But thinking on their feet is what these two kids do best.” She winked at Danny Mac and Kenann, who smiled at each other.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Bridget called back with a report on Ann. She was somewhat shaken, as she had not anticipated what she found. Ann had had an abdominal aneurysm and wasn’t expected to make it. Danny Mac looked at Kenann who, despite herself, felt tears welling up in her eyes. He stood up and reached out his hand to her.

  “Come on. We’ll go.”

  Kenann got up without a word and took his hand. She felt an enormous welling of emotions. She wasn’t sure what she felt. She just knew that her mother lay dying. She turned to Moira. “Oh, Granny,” she said, and finally broke down. All the years of abuse and sorrow poured out of her, knowing her mother cared nothing for her but still wanting her love.

  Granny held Kenann tightly and crooned in her ear Welsh words of comfort. When she finally calmed and raised her head, Granny asked, “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “No.” Kenann took in a steadying breath. “I just need to go be there, you know?”

  “I do.” She paused, then said, “You’re my girl.”

  Kenann smiled, realizing in that instant, that was all she needed.

  * * * *

  Kenann made it to the hospital just as the doctor was saying they needed to pull the life support. She said to the doctor, who spoke English, “I’m her daughter.”

  They began to usher her into the intensive care room. Kenann looked at Danny Mac, who raised an eyebrow in question. She shook her head. She needed to do this by herself.

  The doctor gave h
er a cursory explanation of what happened as well as his condolences before leaving the room. “Take all the time you need.”

  She looked down at the woman who had been her mother. One whom she had grieved as dead once before. Even in near death she looked like a wood nymph. Golden red curls and freckled nose. But Kenann felt numb. Maybe it was God’s way of shielding her. She tried to remember happy times, but the only true ones were with Adam. She had longed to feel a part of her mother and father’s lives. When they went out, she would marvel at how lovely they were and felt disappointing by comparison. Adam helped her feel special and worthwhile and gave her what confidence she was able to achieve. Granny had been her center growing up. Her place to come home to—physically and emotionally.

  “I’ll never understand what made you this way. But I’m glad I feel no anger. I feel deep and sincere pity. You never knew the kind of love that I have with Danny Mac. Or the friendship and bond I have with my friends.” She tried to pray for her but couldn’t find the words. All she could do was whisper, “Have mercy, Lord,” and she walked away.

  She left the room and went quietly and slowly into Danny Mac’s arms, reveling in his strength and comfort. She was home, where she belonged. Her forever home. She did not look back.

  * * * *

  On the drive back, with Bridget at the wheel, Danny Mac wanted to prepare Kenann for seeing Adam.

  He said, “You’ve had a lot of shocks in the last few days.”

  “Uh-hum,” Kenann answered quietly.

  “Are you ready for another one? A good one?”

  “Well, as long as you can assure me it is good.”

  “I promise.”

  Danny Mac called ahead to tell Mrs. Gage he had tipped Kenann to another surprise and said he thought it would be best if they settled her in the lounge before she saw her surprise. Mrs. Gage assured him it was all under control. Adam had awakened but was still upstairs, being informed of Ann’s death.

  Kenann looked from one to the other in anticipation but could find no clue as to what was going on. When Granny walked in with Adam on her arm, she gasped. She didn’t wait for explanations or comments; she jumped to her feet and raced to him, flinging her arms around him. Jacob, anticipating such a move, had positioned his big frame behind Adam and steadied him as he wobbled under Kenann’s onslaught.

  Adam’s voice was thick with emotion. “Oh, my darling girl, how are you?”

  “Oh, Adam. I can’t believe this,” Kenann replied. “You are my very own Lazarus.”

  He laughed in spite of himself. “Yes, I suppose I am. I’m so sorry about your mom. For all of it.”

  She simply nodded and laid her head against his chest and wept silent tears.

  “Here, here.” He began coughing. She walked him to the nearest chair and helped him sit. She had a million questions but knew they would have to wait. He had obviously been through an ordeal and needed to get his strength back.

  He looked up at her as if in reply to her unspoken questions. “I had to come to you.”

  She dropped to the floor and laid her head on his knee and cried again. For all of it. Her mom. Her dad. For her lost childhood. He stroked her head and tears ran down his cheeks as well. Danny Mac repented of his earlier suspicions and anger toward him. This man loved Kenann like his own.

  Everyone had stayed silent as this interchange had played out.

  After a few moments, Carter could take the sentimentality no longer. “Well, now that that’s over, can we move on?”

  Everyone smiled through their own damp eyes. Even Jake. They were back in business.

  * * * *

  Danny Mac and Kenann, along with Robert, were back at Ann’s villa, waiting on whomever should arrive. CJ had been outfitted as a butler and Leticia was in the kitchen, preparing a noon meal. It was difficult since she was not sure how many would be eating. They were all electronically wired this time, since they did not anticipate anyone shaking them down. And so they waited.

  They did not have to wait long. They heard a car pull up to the house. Danny and Kenann stood. Both were praying within their minds for wisdom.

  Robert went to the window. “Well, as we anticipated, Magda is here. The other two, I have not seen before.”

  Danny Mac said, “Well, it’s showtime.”

  Kenann looked to Danny Mac and then Robert. She nodded and turned to move to the front door. Danny Mac stopped her with a hand to her elbow.

  “We need to let the butler earn his keep.”

  She looked up at him and understood. They did not need to look too anxious. So she stood beside him and tried to calm herself.

  The doorbell rang. CJ, schooled by Mrs. Gage in a crash course the night before, went to the door with back erect and sober expression. He opened the door and inquired how he could be of assistance.

  Standing in the doorway, Magda looked as beautiful as any woman could. Long and sleek black hair, lithe body, flawless skin, and almond-shaped eyes. CJ almost lost his calm demeanor when he opened the door to her. But he soon recovered and stepped back to allow her and her companions to enter the foyer. She was accompanied by a man and a woman of no particular distinctions. They could be from any corporate boardroom.

  As coached, CJ introduced them at the doorway and stepped back to allow them to enter the lounge. Danny Mac, Kenann, and Robert had seated themselves again and stood as the guests came into the room. The main group had discussed it at large and decided to tell them the truth. Ann had had an attack last night, was rushed to the hospital, and died from her aneurysm.

  Magda was the first to speak. “So we meet again. Where is Ann?”

  Kenann had said it should be her to tell them. “Please sit down and make yourself comfortable so we can bring you up to date.” She turned to CJ, addressing him by his real first name. “Charles, can you have Leticia prepare some tea?”

  He bowed at the waist and left the room.

  “Magda, will you be so kind to introduce your friends?”

  Magda was irritated that Kenann had taken over the meeting but could see no proper way yet to regain her authority. In due time.

  Danny Mac saw it, too, and smiled inwardly. Kenann’s time with Mrs. G. had rubbed off on her. She was becoming a master at this.

  Magda moved her hand. “This is Alberto and Angelina.” The others noted she made no reference to their roles.

  Kenann, mimicking Magda, offered her hand and said, “I am Kenann, Ann’s daughter. This is my husband Daniel, and I imagine you know Robert.”

  Magda gave Robert a superior, feline look and sneered, “Oh, is that your name?” She was driving home the point that he was merely hired help.

  Magda made to speak again but Kenann jumped in. “We have some dreadful news. News I am still trying to process. Mother died early this morning at the Campino Hospital. We have asked them to hold her body until we met with you and decided on arrangements. It happened so suddenly and there was much that had not been said.”

  “What happened!?” Magda demanded.

  Danny Mac replied, “She and I were in this room, just beginning to discuss the future, when she cried out in pain and fell to the floor. We called for emergency services and they took her to the hospital. We learned that she had had an abdominal aneurysm rupture. They kept her on life support until we could get there, but she was really already gone.”

  Magda nodded to Angelina, who stood and left the room. It was obvious she was not going to take their word for this news. Angelina returned and nodded to Magda, who appeared to begin readjusting her next move. “How much had she told you?” She looked from Kenann to Danny Mac.

  Kenann spoke first. “Nothing, really. I think she was waiting until you came to discuss anything further. The only thing she told me was, I was prophesied to fulfill her destiny and that is why she kidnapped me.”

  “Why is Daniel here?”

  Kenann looked sheepish. “Well, I deceived her and said we knew of the plan and it involved Danny Mac, my name for him.” S
he smiled at the group. “I simply wanted to bring him here. But Mother was very eager for power and did not see through my ruse.”

  Magda gave a rueful laugh. “She was indeed eager for power. Unfortunately, she did not live long enough to see it. But such is life, no?”

  Kenann nodded and waited to see what Magda might say next. She did not have to wait long.

  “So we are here under somewhat false pretenses?”

  Danny Mac said, “Not necessarily. Kenann and I were interested to hear what Ann had to offer. As you know by our reaction to you, we had met Katerina. We have some idea of the kind of power that is wielded here. We were intrigued that out of nowhere comes Ann, citing some sort of plan. We thought she might offer some lucrative opportunities. We could have walked away and not looked back, but we returned to keep this meeting.”

  “Yes, I see that. You there. Robert, is it? What do you have to say?”

  “I’m not paid to have opinions, ma’am.”

  “Well, I’m paying you to have one now. What is it?”

  Robert looked at Danny Mac and Kenann with a dispassionate eye. “I saw how Ann treated her daughter. They are not here for any loyalty to her. And perhaps there is a little bit of Ann’s blood in this one after all.”

  It took everything Kenann had not to react. Did he mean that? Or was he only building the case for them? She did not speak for fear her voice would betray her.

  Danny Mac stepped in. “We realized we were taking a risk by coming here today. Let’s not kid ourselves. We are either all in after today or we probably won’t survive to see tomorrow.”

  “This is true.” Magda considered this. “So it appears you have weighed the cost.”

  At that time, CJ knocked on the door and brought in the tea service. Kenann poured and they all sat back for a few minutes until CJ left the room again.

  Kenann said, “We are ready.”

  Magda pinned her with a penetrating stare. She had a sense that this was a crucial moment, somehow.

  They waited. The others who monitored from a van in a remote location on the property held their breaths.

  “You will be monitored constantly,” Magda said.

  Kenann and Danny Mac nodded in acquiescence and waited.