“But, I--”
“Ma’am, please,” one of the agents insisted.
Taylor turned to Enola with a regretful expression and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” before she was being whisked away.
Enola offered a sympathetic smile. “It’s okay. I hope everything’s okay.”
The agents rushed her through the yard of donors and through the patio doors. Victor was already inside. His worried expression erected the hairs on the back of her neck. “Victor, what’s happened?”
Victor gripped Taylor’s upper arms and looked down at her with a pained expression. “Lucas was shot.” ?
VICTOR
Victor held the hem of Taylor’s long dress as he climbed the airstair behind her. Once they were on the plane, he yelled to the pilot that they needed to take off. The co-pilot stepped out of the cockpit. “Governor, the flight crew will be boarding in less than five minutes, and your luggage is being brought from the hotel.”
Victor took a deep breath but blew it out with frustration. “If the luggage is not here when the crew arrives, leave it.”
He looked to the rear of the plane where Gregor stood with two other Secret Service agents. Out the window, he could see the crew hurrying toward the plane. A car drove onto the tarmac and stopped alongside the plane. The agents posted outside approached the vehicle with caution but relaxed when the doors flew open and Kena and Taylor’s new assistant stepped out. When the trunk popped open, the ladies grabbed their carry-ons and climbed the airstairs. Two members of the crew pulled the larger luggage from the trunk and rolled it around to the other side of the aircraft.
Victor sat next to Taylor. She was on the phone with Bella. Kena stepped into the cabin and handed him his briefcase. “What do you know?” she asked.
Victor sighed. “Not much. He’s in surgery, but my mom says it’s not looking good.”
Taylor sank into her seat with a grim expression, but Kena got to business. “Okay, why don’t the two of you get strapped in.” She turned to Gregor. “Get everyone on this plane secured in their seats and ready for takeoff.”
She then walked to the cockpit and addressed the cockpit crew. “Get the doors closed. We’re taking off now. Anyone who doesn’t make it aboard with be flying commercial.”
Without debate, the crew that was present flew into action. The doors were closed, the passengers were secured, and the plane was taxying down the runway.
Victor relaxed in his seat and clutched Taylor’s hand. With Kena at the helm, there was nothing left for him to do but pray for his brother.
CHAPTER 11
TAYLOR
As soon as the doors to the aircraft were opened, Taylor followed Victor down the airstairs and hurried into a waiting SUV. One of the Secret Service agents climbed into the front seat. “Straight to Storm Tower,” he instructed the driver.
Taylor closed her eyes and blew out a frustrated breath. The United States Secret Service had probably never dealt with a candidate like the good governor of Illinois, but they were going to learn on this day.
Victor reached out and touched the driver’s shoulder. “We’re going to the University of Illinois Hospital.”
The agent shook his head. “Out of the question. There is a viable threat if...”
“I don’t give a fuck!” Victor roared. “Take me to the hospital!”
“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t allow that. Whoever attacked the detectives and your brother are still at large. That is potential threat.”
“Take me to the hospital,” Victor insisted, dismissing the agent’s assessment.
“Governor Creed, I cannot--” The agent's protestations were cut off when his car door flew open. Gregor grabbed the agent by the lapels and pulled him out of the car. “You can follow in the caravan.”
Gregor took the agent’s place in the front seat and turned to the driver. “University of Illinois Hospital.”
The driver, who was also a member of the Secret Service, nodded. He, at least, was wise enough to know when to stand down.
It took less than twenty minutes to get to the hospital. As soon as they entered, cocooned by the Secret Service, an emergency room nurse escorted them to a third-floor waiting room. Inside, among a few others, was the entire Creed clan.
BELLADONNA
