“I see him,” Nelson replied. He plucked his phone from his pocket, dialed a number and spoke in a low voice, issuing directions and updating information.
“As a small way of showing my appreciation, I’ve organized supper in the adjoining Blue room. If you’re like me, you were too nervous for dinner, so you’ll welcome something to eat now. Go ahead, before more of the final results come through. I’m sure we’ll talk again soon. Go,” she urged. “Grab some food. Get another drink. Enjoy!”
Half a dozen people bolted from the main ballroom, and soon a slow trickle of attendees wandered through the door. Not enough. Not fast enough to escape trouble.
Josh kept his attention on Blackwood. He’d dyed his hair to match Landish’s, but he’d given up on maintaining the older man’s posture. Blackwood stood tall and still, his gaze not moving from Ashley. Hate etched into his features, visible even from this distance.
One glimpse told Josh fury drove the guy. He glared across the room at Ashley, his mouth flat and determined. He reminded Josh of an unblinking predator watching his prey. His attitude wasn’t one of forgiveness. Josh had met men like him before. Blackwood had drawn his line in the sand. He’d refuse to back down.
“I’m going to chat with my guests and urge them to take advantage of the supper.” Ashley sounded calm, but because he’d come to know her so well, he heard the faint tremor lacing her voice.
“Veer toward your right,” Josh urged.
Ashley never hesitated. She stopped to speak to an elderly lady. “Hello, Mrs. Canon. How are you tonight?”
“I find myself very pleased,” Mrs. Canon said. “I’ve supported the Labor party since I was a teenager and never have I experienced so much optimism for the future.”
Mrs. Canon was resplendent in a floor-length pale blue gown and sequins. While she appeared older, her blue eyes held shrewdness. A woman who’d speak with bluntness.
“Thank you,” Ashley said. “If you don’t head to supper, you’ll miss out on the meat savories. I made sure I ordered a few platters of sausage rolls.”
Mrs. Canon patted Ashley’s arm. “Don’t worry, dear. I ate before I left the house. I’m so proud of the way you’ve turned around the election campaign. The initial results are auspicious. I have a good feeling with this election. Now, introduce me to your young man.”
“This is Josh Williams,” Ashley said, and the pride in her voice made Josh feel ten-feet tall.
“Are you willing to support Ashley in her political aspirations? If not, step aside. Ashley requires a supportive partner. Forgive me saying this, but I believe you’re ex-military. You alpha types never hang back. You prefer action.”
Josh felt his eyes widen at the woman’s bluntness. “I understand Ashley and support her in everything she does.”
“I will not be happy if she gets pregnant.”
Ashley leaned closer. “Mrs. Canon.Please. Collect your granddaughters Sarah and Trina. Go into the supper-room. You’ll be safer there.”
“What?” The elderly woman’s piercing gaze took in the men flanking Ashley. “Oh. I’ll heed your advice. Sarah and Trina are over there.”
She indicated two women in their early twenties. One wore a cream dress, accessorized with gold while the other wore pastel blue shot through with silver. All things he’d learned from listening to his sister and Ashley discussing wardrobe choices.
“Thanks.” Ashley relaxed, sounding less distressed. She hadn’t noticed Blackwood closing in on the two young women.
“Nelson,” Josh warned.
“I see him,” Nelson gritted out.
Before Nelson could act, Blackwood grabbed the women wearing cream. Her scream rippled through the ballroom, slicing through the chatter and laughter. The woman in blue fell or got pushed in the ensuing scramble.
“Let my sister go!” The young woman in blue picked herself up from the floor.
A man in a black suit grasped her arm and dragged her a safe distance from Blackwood.
The remaining nearby guests scattered like a colony of disturbed ants. Shouts and screams rang out, then silence fell.
The woman Blackwood had snatched sobbed and struggled to get free. Blackwood held her with ease, the knife at her neck not moving.
Instinctively, Josh stepped in front of Ashley while he studied Blackwood again. The young woman trembled, and tears rolled over her cheeks. Blackwood cared nothing for her distress. Anger still rode his face. A determination that told Josh the man would never surrender.
A reporter and a man carrying a camera started to film until a policeman escorted the protesting pair from the ballroom.
“Let her go,” Nelson said. “She has done nothing to you. She’s innocent. You can’t go anywhere. We have you surrounded.”
