As we're walking to my truck, I see a commotion to the left of the precinct. They're moving Carl to a van and he looks my way. All of a sudden I see him drop, the side of his head gone and hear the report of the gun echoing around the building. Joshua is pushing me down and on top of me before I can do anything.
Derek has pulled his backup and is looking around, lying next to us on the ground too. Greg has pulled his cell and gun, he calls for support as he covers me too. Carl was just taken out by a sniper. What the hell?
Joshua grabs my keys, jumps up, and pushes me into the truck. Derek and Greg jump into the back. Both are still on watch, looking for the shooter.
"These are bulletproof windows, right?" Joshua asks as he points to my windows.
"Yes, what the hell just happened?" I know I'm in shock. I stop and take a deep breath and start going the process. "Shooter is about three blocks away or more from the fact the sound was delayed. I'd say this is a true professional, unlike Carl. Any ideas?"
"I think Jonathon's boss is cleaning up, what do you say?"
"Same. We better get out of here before they come asking us questions. Know how to get back to the hotel?" Joshua nods and heads us back to the hotel.
From the back seat I see Derek pulling a scope from the seatpocket and looking around. We can't stay in the open, but we want to know more. That's when I realize.
"Joshua, we missed Jonathon's deadline."
"Yes, we did, time to get out of here. You and Duncan take Derek where he needs to go, and we'll get to the airport."
We head back to the hotel and sure enough, I walk into Duncan pacing the area. I walk right into his arms. I need the assurance of his love now and he needs to know I don't regret my decision.
"I was cleared. The Philly police are dropping all charges against us too. Carl was shot by a sniper as we were leaving the precinct," I say into his chest.
"What? Are you okay, baby?"
"My shoulder and ribs are hurting from where Joshua pushed me to the pavement, but other than that I'm fine. A little confused. There was also a delivery to the precinct, they took the card."
"He was shot right in front of you?"
"They were moving him just as we were walking out."
"What're your thoughts, Joshua?" Duncan says over my head, still holding me to him.
"Like I told her, I think Jonathon's boss is cleaning up."
"I agree. Maya, are you sure about resigning?"
"I've never been more sure of anything. I want you, and besides, your father's been trying to get me to move to London for years now." I smile at him. "Secret Service wants me to help in situations in London, so I didn't fully resign from them. Right, Greg?"
"That's right, sweetheart. I'm going to get some final details taken care of with the house. I'll fly over with you all and I'llstart my job next month as planned. Is that okay with all of you?"
"Yes, you're welcome to come with us. I'd love to try to beat you at poker finally," Joshua replies, and we all laugh.
"I love you, baby," Duncan says as he gently picks me up and carries me into our room. As he lays me on the bed, I start to remove my clothes.
"Please, Duncan." I smile at him.
"Baby, I'm still afraid of hurting you. I want to hold you right now. Please?"
"Okay, for now." I pull my shirt back on. We lie in bed, our arms and legs entwined. "My stalker threatened you again. Are you sure you want to be a part of this? According to 'Sir,’ because he couldn't have my mother, he wants me. I don't understand any of this."
"Baby, I want you—stalker, defiance, and all," he whispers against the top of my head.
Duncan
Maya,Derek, and I are at Rock Creek Cemetery. Derek is standing by a gravestone with an angel bowed down kneeling over it. I see his last name with two more names below it. Maya and I walk up behind him when his head bows and his shoulders shake. She pulls from my grasp and walks to him, hugging him to her.
"Derek, it's okay if you want to stay, I'll understand, they've been with you for so long."
