Thank God, I have a valid excuse.“Lewis had a disrupter. He killed the WIFI and 5G in the area. He then rationalized it by telling his people an EMP bomb went off. With his Jim-Jones-like appeal, his people believed him.”
“So, you couldn’t phone in for backup yet went in anyway. How convenient.” His eye roll is meant to set me off, but I’m no rookie.
I keep my cool. “No, sir, it wasn’t. It was a shit show.” I go on to explain about the data dot, the underground tunnels, the insane cult leader, and how the Patten men were barely able to rescue our women. By the time I finish, sweat rolls down my spine.
“At the end, Gwen insisted on leaving with Dolly… or Smith, if you will.” I relay the story at least fifteen more times. When I’m finally allowed out, I race to where my wife sits so I can hug her to my chest.
After a long, heated kiss, she cups my cheeks to catch my gaze. “I called the president and told him what happened. He said he would smooth everything over.”
“Of course you did.” I put my arm around her waist, limp to the door, then jump into the Secret Service’s waiting limo.
Chapter 33
"We both fell asleep wrapped up together with the wolves still lullaby-ing us in the background." ? April Genevieve Tucholke
Next Summer…
Gwen
Axel drives the rental car to an iron gate, leans out the window, and states his name at the security box. Afterward, he navigates through well-manicured lawns with vibrant gardens while I gaze up at the sky. The ominous weather has cleared. According to the dashboard, the temperature has reached a perfect seventy-five degrees—ideal for a picnic.
When we reach the front of the white-columned mansion, we follow the red arrow until we spot the valet. After a brief exchange, my silver wolf pops the rear hatch and hands over the key.
My jaw drops as I take in the multi-million-dollar property surrounded by sprawling woods. “Wow, I had no idea.”
“Slate’s first wife came from money. Long story.” While my husband lifts Abbie from the car seat and places her on the pavement, I grab my humongous canvas bag from the back.
“Wait… he was married before Lilac?”Odd how the ladies had never mentioned this.
He frowns, lowering his voice so the little one can’t hear. “Yeah, when he was deployed. He lost her and a baby in a tragic accident. He was in a very dark place for a long time.”
As he speaks, Lucky pulls in behind us. When his kids pile out of his van, Abbie jumps, tugging on my waistband.
“Mom, mom, can I go with them?”
Axel chuckles. “Hold on, peanut. Behave, stay away from the pool, and take Bear with you.”
“Yup. C’mon pup-pup.” Our excited urchin races to the hatch.
When the door opens, the dog remains seated, waiting for his master to give a command. “WacheAbbie.”
“Woof.” While the two bound away to join the James’ brood, my partner picks up the gifts we brought.
Joined by the other two adults, we follow the kids toward the music behind the house. As we’re about to reach our host, I pull my lover’s ear to my mouth. “Do you suppose we’ll get some alone time?”
The centers of his eyes widen, his nostrils flare, then he whispers, “There’s a guest cottage in the back. I beat Sutcliff for first dibs.”
“Well done.” From what I’ve heard, the private eyes are notorious for being the first to return to a party sex-mussed.
I’m still chuckling to myself as we make our way to the back of the house. Lilac holds baby Iris while Slate speaks with an attractive man in his forties. They stand before a pair of sliding glass doors leading to the indoor swimming pool.
“Oi, mate. Thanks for the invite. Helluva shindig.” Lucky slaps Slate on the back, then steps back to include us in the circle. “Grayson? Izzy? This is Axel and Gwen Wulf.”
“So nice to meet you.” Holy shit, had I known the owner of Patten Securities was going to attend, I might’ve chosen another outfit.
I glance at my nonplused husband, who shakes the billionaire’s hand as if it’s no biggie.
Remembering my manners, I say hello. Once I place the gifts in Lilac’s hands, I squat beside the stroller where baby Iris gurgles. As she claps and kicks, my inner clock gongs. What I wouldn’t give to have another.
