“I thought as much when I saw the crime scene. Since you’re awake and coherent, you and Iona will talk to law enforcement of all varieties. Once you’re finished, I’ll boot them out, and we’ll make plans for tomorrow.”
“But, sir, you know they’ll have follow-up questions. They always do.”
“Too bad for them they don’t have a case against Echo and Artemis. They do, however, have men trussed up like turkeys and left on law enforcement’s doorstep along with enoughevidence to arrest and convict each one, thanks to Zane and Riley’s fast work. Law enforcement found your father with the stolen weapons and ammo. Rival biker gangs are blamed for the dead bodies laid on the police station’s doorstep. You and the rest of my operatives are innocent bystanders. Only the FBI agents who sent you in undercover know the truth, and that’s the way it will stay.”
Elias frowned. “What do we tell the cops?”
Maddox gave them a story close to the truth. “Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“The feds want a piece of you first, then the locals.” He headed for the door. “Let’s kick this party off in style.”
Five hours later, the cops from every level of law enforcement were satisfied Fortress operatives were innocent of wrongdoing and caught in a turf war.
When the last law enforcement officer left the room, Maddox turned to Iona and Elias. “A judge who owes me a favor is on his way up to this room. Do you want to get married today, Iona?”
“Yes, sir,” Iona said.
“Elias?”
“Absolutely, sir.”
“All right, then. Let’s make this happen.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were husband and wife, with their teammates and Maddox as witnesses to the solemn ceremony.
“Don’t worry about wedding pictures.” Maddox smiled. “Zane’s wife, Claire, will take photos when you’ve both healed up and she won’t have to do so much touch-up to the pictures.”
“As a thank you from the federal government, you and Iona are going to an estate in Miami, all expenses paid for two weeks,” Seth said. “I suggest you eat at the most expensive restaurants in town for the entire two weeks.”
The operatives laughed.
Elias kissed the back of his wife’s hand. “Sounds good to me. How soon can we leave?”
“As soon as you get dressed.”
He froze. “Sir?”
Seth grinned. “I pulled a few strings myself and got you sprung from this joint. You’re cleared to leave immediately. Noah and I will drive you to the airport where you’ll board a company jet and fly to Miami to start your honeymoon.”
Elias’ eyes narrowed as his gaze skimmed over his teammates. “No offense, but get out so I can change clothes.”
More laughter from his friends as they all left the room, except for Noah and Seth. He raised an eyebrow.
“We thought you might want a hand to move faster.”
“Good idea.”
Ten minutes later, he was winded but ready to go. He paused and looked at Seth. “We have nothing with us.”
“We’ve got you covered. Everything you need is on the jet.”
They were right. When the jet leveled out in the sky, Elias and Iona found two bags packed for each of them along with envelopes of cash and tickets to a play, the zoo, two movies they had been wanting to see, as well as reservations for dinner every night they were in Miami. They also had instructions to call Zane if they wanted anything delivered or tickets to other events happening around the area.
As a last gift from the boss, a team of operatives was on guard around the clock on the estate with orders to stay out of the mansion unless there was an emergency. The team leader handed Elias a note from Maddox.
“Enjoy yourself. That’s an order.”
He passed the brief message to Iona. “You heard the boss. Let’s go have some fun.” Elias paused for effect. “After we take a nap.”
Iona laughed.
And that was the best way Elias could think of to start a new life with the woman he loved. Joy and laughter.
