“Yes, sir.” Robert frowned, the light in his eyes dimmed. “Might I ask where you are going? You know the King’s Office doesn’t like for you to—”
“Here’s the address.” He passed over the single sheet of paper. “I’ll drive myself. But I’m going to pick up Miss Del Rey.”
“Sir?”
“Taking her with me if she’ll go.”
“You’ll have your mobile?” Robert knew little to nothing of the events in Afghanistan, only that he was to keep vigilant regarding the prince’s safety.
“I have my mobile.” Stephen offered up his phone as he headed down the long corridor to the garage. “I’ll return late.” Stephen paused before turning the corner. “Take the rest of the day for yourself, Robert. Go to the park. Enjoy the festivals and the city in the sunshine.”
As Stephen zipped through traffic, the tension in his chest eased, the weight on his shoulders lifted. The wind cutting through his open window tousled his hair as warm sunbeams tanned his arm, resting on the door.
He beat the caution light at Market Avenue, taking a wide turn onto Crescent, then taking a cut through to the northbound lane to park by the Manor.
Was this ridiculous to call on her unannounced to ask her to ride along? He didn’t care. Thirty minutes ago he anticipated her signed annulment. Now he was at her door, inviting her on a journey.
Besides, it would be good for her to meet Agnes. They shared something no one else shared. The men they loved dying in a terrorist blast intended for the Prince of Brighton. Perhaps they would form a fast friendship and heal together.
He also considered how much he might need Corina’s courage and strength as he told Agnes he was five and a half years overdue on his promise.
About to enter the Manor, he saw Corina round the corner with a box of puffs under her arm.
“Hey.” She slowed her step. “W–what are you doing here?” Her dark hair framed her face, flowing over her shoulders, and her amber-colored eyes were wide and clear.
“I’ve come for a favor.” He bowed toward her. “You’re free to answer no.”
“What’s the favor?”
In short order, he explained Agnes and Bird, how he promised Bird he’d see to her if anything happened to him and how he had failed on his promise. Time to make amends.
“I don’t want to go alone, you see. Can’t face all my demons alone. I thought perhaps you might enjoy meeting her. Bird and Carlos were the real heroes that day in Torkham.”
“Are you going to tell her everything you told me?”
“No. But I want to see to her. Make sure she’s all right.”
“It’s been five and a half years. Agnes has probably moved on, Stephen.”
“But I must see. If she has, then so be it. That doesn’t negate my promise to Bird. She loved him and I’d like her to know he died with honor.” Something tender flickered across her expression. Something he’d not seen before he deployed. A piece of her heart. “Only if you want.”
She glanced toward his Audi. “Where’s Thomas?”
“This trip is just you and me, love.”
“Stephen, I don’t understand. I thought we were over. You told me the dark secret of it all, so why are we taking a journey together? Why do you need me to help you face your demons?”
He sighed. “Then I’ll be getting on by myself.”
“Oh for crying out loud.” Corina shoved the box of puffs at him. “They’re fresh from a Franklin Bakery vending cart. Give me a minute to get my phone.”
“Is this a pity response?” He followed her inside the Manor.
“Yes,” Corina said, running upstairs while he waited in the small, quaint lobby, the thick, raw beams only inches above his head.
A small woman with a big smile approached. “Lovely to see you, Your Highness.”
“Thank you. You’ve a nice place here.”
