Jacqueline playfully nudged her husband. “Didn’t I tell you something was different about them at the ceremony for themuseum?” She beamed at us once again. “A mother can tell these things.”
“That she can,” my mom spoke up, bringing Theo and me fresh glasses of whiskey. “And I have to admit, I’ve never seen you look happier, Shep.”
I took the tumbler from her and felt her silent show of support when she brushed her fingers over the backs of mine.
That was my mother’s superpower. The art of subtlety. People always assumed I got my calm and logic from my father’s side of the family, when really it was this beautiful lady right here who’d taught me the true meaning of grace under fire.
Cynthia O’Neil Winchester had been a beloved first lady to her country, revered as both a fashion icon and the rock to her powerful husband. My parents were viewed as one of the most influential couples in the world, and a lot of that was due to my mother’s eloquence under pressure.
“Thanks, Mom. Iamhappy. Happier than I’ve ever been.”
“Good,” she said, then looked to Theo. “Because friendship is what makes a relationship last. It makes the strongest foundation. Wouldn’t you agree, Shepard?”
“That I would,” my father said, taking her hand and guiding her over to sit opposite Theo’s parents. “But their relationship isn’t the issue we’re here to discuss today.”
It wasn’t? Well, that was good. But if it wasn’t our relationship that had them all calling for a meeting, then what?
“This attempted shooting last week…”
Oh, right. With Ari well and truly out of our lives, I hadn’t given any more thought to it. But as far as the public was aware—including our parents—the threat hadn’t been neutralized. We should probably talk to Alessio about that, make sure that word got out to the public that the threat had been contained.
“It’s over,” I said, leading Theo to one of two clubman chairs at the far end of the room, “and we’re all fine.”
“You wereshot, Shep,” my mother pointed out. “That’s not even close to fine.”
“He just means that he’s doing well,” Theo interjected, leaning over to pat my leg. “Plus, I’ve been taking good care of him.”
“Which is all good and wonderful,” my father said. “But the timing of this little announcement you decided to spring on the world is concerning.”
“It’s really not a problem, Dad.”
“I agree, because I’ve decided to give you a couple of Secret Service agents.”
Oh my God, thatwaswhat this was about. My brothers had called it. My father wanted to assign us a protection detail.
“Absolutely not,” I said, much firmer than even I’d expected.
“Shep?”
Yeah, I knew that tone. It was the one my father used when he knew I was hiding something from him.
“You still have a threat?—”
“Do I?”
The entire room fell silent. So silent you could hear a pin drop as my father’s eyes locked with mine over his tumbler.
“Fuck.”
“Don’t ask if you don’t want to know.”
“But—”
“I’m forty years old, Dad. I can look after myself and my man.” Not that Theo had needed my assistance. Not when armed with his favorite set of cuff links.
“So for now you’re…safe?”
“We are.”
