“We’re doing our job,” Nelson said.
“While that’s true, I bet your duties rarely contain as much drama and excitement. No matter what happens tomorrow, I wanted you both to know how much I value your help.”
“You’re welcome.” Gerry caught her gaze in the rearview mirror. “We’ve enjoyed the challenge.”
“True that.” Nelson turned in his seat to watch her and chuckled. “You’ve added a layer of excitement to the job.”
Ashley sent her gaze skyward, and the three men chortled.
“If this Stephen hurts any of these pre-school children during our next visit, I might take him out myself. I hate this uncertainty. I hate the way I’ve started to jump at every noise. And most of all, I hate not knowing why Stephen Blackwood is fixated on me.”
“His obsession might not be for a tangible reason.” Nelson’s big shoulders shrugged, and Ashley got the feeling he spoke from experience with a previous case. “You shouldn’t stress about the motive behind Blackwood’s decisions.”
“You concentrate on your job, and we’ll focus on catching Blackwood,” Gerry said.
Josh drew her near and pressed a kiss to her temple. “They’re right, sweetheart. You’ve come this far, worked so hard to win this election. You can’t falter now.”
* * * * *
Election night
Stephen Blackwood studied the grimy photo then his reflection in the square mirror on his bedroom wall. He’d pass inspection by any security Awful Ashley set in place since he’d used his initiative to acquire an invitation. Thankfully, no one had discovered the body yet. If his luck held, no one would check for days since the man was a loner.
He straightened his tie and plucked a piece of lint off his pristine white shirt. Courtesy of the army, he’d learned how to dress and, more importantly, the skills required to protect and kill.
The constant low-level pain in his head surged in a spike that forced a groan up his throat. His knees buckled briefly before he forced them to hold his weight, to maintain his upright stance. He breathed through the pain with even, incremental breaths. Once the levels became manageable, Stephen checked the time. The attendees had received notification they must arrive and pass through security before nine. They could leave when they wished, but re-entry into the hotel venue was impossible.
Entering with a weapon might prove difficult, but Stephen remained confident in his abilities. The Australian army had taught him to use his ingenuity under fire to overcome unseen obstacles. With a grin, he picked up the carved wooden stick from where he’d set it against the wall. Then, sliding into character, he made a final check on his wallet, invitation, identification, concealed weapon. Yes, the necessities were in order. He limped to the vehicle he’d appropriated.
Time to finish this game and gain payback for everything Ashley Townsend had taken from him and his family.
* * * * *
Ashley dressed with care for her final public appearance before the election results started to come through. After consulting with Summer, whose opinion she valued, she’d decided on a knee-length yellow-and-black dress with long sleeves. It skimmed her figure and gave her a feminine air without tipping into overtly sexy. She wore ankle boots to project a fashionable edge and left her sunset-colored hair loose to fall in soft waves around her shoulders. As was her norm, she’d kept her makeup subtle, although for the evening, she’d gone with a smoky eye.
Josh entered the bedroom, dressed in a dark suit. This evening, the police had given him special permission to carry a weapon, although she had no idea where he’d concealed his handgun. Like most men, a suit looked good on him, but Ashley knew the excellent cut of the garment hid strong muscles rather than a body gone soft from too many business lunches.
Her heart twisted, and it wasn’t only the knowledge her stalker might make his move tonight that bothered her. Now that the election was over, save for counting the votes, how would things play out between her and Josh? She cared for him, and the thought of not seeing him every day hurt. In the past, she might’ve sucked it up and gone with the original plan. Not now. Tonight, she intended to follow gut instinct.
“Josh, what happens after today? With our engagement, I mean.” She held up a hand when he turned to her and opened his mouth to speak. “I wanted to say something first.”
He nodded, and tension slid through her. Her hands bunched and relaxed while she sought the right words. Ashley cleared her throat and fixed her gaze on his handsome yet serious face. For once, his eyes didn’t dance with mischief while he waited for her to speak.
“All along, I’ve tried to remind myself our arrangement is temporary. You took this position as a favor to Matt. The thing is I like and admire you. No, that’s not the truth.” She inhaled and started again. “I’ve fallen for you, Josh. I want… I want to wake up next to you in the morning. To go to sleep beside you at night. And in between spend time with you. If you’re not of the same mind, I’ll understand, but the truth is you’ll be a hard act to follow, Josh Williams. You’ve spoiled me for other men.”
With her heart pounding, Ashley stopped talking. She fidgeted, her gaze fastening on his face. Why wasn’t he saying something? Anything. Disappointment seared her while the backs of her eyes stung.
He didn’t feel the same way.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned it. Put you in this position.” How the devil had she misjudged the situation? Her gaze shot to her toes. When it came to body language, she had talent. Her expertise had become an asset in her job and allowed her to read people and act. Maybe Josh had broken her skills, and this time she’d wandered off course. About to retreat, she took one last peek at his face.
A slow smile bloomed on his lips and mischief sparkled in those eyes of his. He intended to tease her. Disappointment filled her. Regret. Letting him go would hurt, but at least she could bury herself in work.
“Frog will have words. He threatened to rearrange my face.”
“This has nothing to do with my brother. This is you and me.”
“Yes.”
