Epilogue
Saturday, August 18th
The annual San Diego branch of Chase Security International’s summer party was being held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in their Grand Ballroom with the capacity for 3500 people. Troy slipped on his suspenders for his tux, stood at the mirror and remembered his discussion Tuesday, his first day back to work. Julian called it Troy’s coming out party.
“What’s the dress code, a ball gown?” Troy had asked Julian with a straight face.
“I’m giving you a heads up. The speech is all yours this year.” Julian had laughed.
“I’ve got it, I swear.” Troy, confined to home, did have a plan, thanks to Verna.
“Zip me.” Gwen walked toward him, holding the back of her rose lace mermaid dress.
“I’d rather unzip you.” He kissed the nape of her neck.
“It wouldn’t be right if you’re late. You’re the boss.” She giggled.
He noticed Gwen watching him as he finished dressing. She looked radiant. After the first horrendous weeks home, they spent productive time together. Every day he spent with her, he enjoyed her company more. They watched TV, walked the grounds, played games, groomed the horses, made plans to take a trip and kissed. A lot of kissing.
He remembered how strong she was when his head was clear enough and he asked questions. He’d been advised while in the hospital about the hack and the disruption of files that protected Billings and Desmond. He was also told his mystery caller was handled. But his level of discomfort rivaled his desire for answers.
As the pain ebbed, it broke his heart when she told him about Luka Valent and her feelings about his death. They discussed the potential for the formation of their own special victims unit within the company. But his greatest concern was his Gwendolen. They talked about the suicide’s impact on her in depth.
They also discussed her rescue. Seeing Troy dressed for combat at Twentynine Palms triggered that one fleeting memory. Ian, Kieran and her dad, joined them one night and explained her rescue in detail.
She also broached his mother. He needed pain medication after laughing so hard when she told him about the evil eye. He confessed, while she was out one day, his sisters confided in him what she said. They had it out, and since then, things were better. He’d see how much tonight at the party. Julian’s and his family were invited. Everyone else had a plus one.
“How do I look?” He crunched his brows. “What are you thinking about?”
“How handsome you look,” she beamed.
“One more thing.” He opened his top drawer and removed a long black box. Inside was an evil eye amulet in gold with pave emeralds and diamonds. “Turn around.” He hung it around her neck.
“Troy, you’re too much.”
* * *
3-Romeo returnedto their roles as the security detail for Troy and Gwen. Guests drank cocktails in the large foyer surrounding the ballroom. Dan Bishop held the door to the front of the ballroom, where a large dais overlooked the exquisitely designed room. All tables were set in white with enormous centerpieces made of bright summer flowers The room was lit with shades of purple mixed with white lights. Troy held tightly to Gwen’s hand, not because of anxiety but out of love.
Kip came up behind them. “Hey. Every day, you look better. And Gwen, you look stunning.”
Julian and Holly came in. “Our first date night since JT joined the world. And he is sleeping with his aunt and uncle.”
“Which ones?” Troy tipped his head.
“All of them,” Julian laughed. “And Terry and Paula.”
Holly pouted. “I’m nervous.”
“We have a room here.” Julian waggled his brows.
Martin and Elizabeth saved Julian from a swat. Troy walked toward Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you.”
“Stop, you’ll mess my makeup.” She gave him a watery smile.
Once it appeared most guests were seated, Julian rose and called for the group’s attention. “Hello, everyone, it’s my pleasure to have the San Diego branch hosting this get together. It’s been an interesting year.”
He wiped his brow with a handkerchief. “As the executive in charge, I’m happily passing the speech off to my friend and—wait—I need to change something. Troy, come here.”
