“It’s not your fault,” Josh snapped. “We don’t know why he’s doing this or what he wants.”
“Ashley is right. She must make an appearance soon,” Nelson said. “It’s nine-thirty already.”
“I have to do this, Josh. I’ll never forgive myself if someone else dies because I didn’t act.”
“You won’t do this country any good if you get killed.”
“We have plain-clothes policemen inside.” Gerry’s expression remained calm yet watchful. “Ten with more on the way.”
“I have to get inside the ballroom,” Ashley repeated. “This is a celebration. Everyone on my team has worked hard to make this day a reality. I owe it to Robert and to Allen Landish.”
Gerry and Nelson exchanged a glance.
“She’s right,” Nelson said. “And bigger picture—if we’re to have any chance of getting this guy, we’ll have to play his game.”
Josh stared at each of the men and finally rested his gaze on Ashley. A military man, he’d gone on ops, followed orders, kept people safe, but it was different now. Ashley meant something to him. She’d crept into his heart and made him want to be a better person. For her. He couldn’t lose her. Yet, if they didn’t catch Stephen Blackwood tonight, she’d always be looking over her shoulder, wondering if today was the day her stalker ended her life.
It couldn’t be easy for Ashley either.
He sighed, understanding her need to end this situation and regain control over her life.
“What’s the plan?” he asked.
“We’ll go in with Ashley. The three of us,” Nelson said. “We flank her at all times while she does her thing. The officers inside have seen photos of both Blackwood and Landish. They’ll be watching for him.”
“What will happen when you find him?” Ashley asked.
“We’ll arrest his arse.” Gerry’s mouth set with determination. “Don’t worry. Do whatever you deem necessary and celebrate your night.”
“I’m nervous,” Ashley confessed, and the vulnerability in her face had Josh’s protectiveness coming to the fore.
No one hurt his woman.
“You’d be an idiot if you weren’t anxious,” Nelson stated in his blunt way. “Blackwood and the election result.”
Josh reached for Ashley’s hand. “We’re engaged.” He forced himself to wink at her. “That means we’re allowed to hold hands. I’m terrified,” he added. “The physical contact will help me conquer my fear.”
A snort came from Gerry, but Ashley beamed at him, and something in Josh softened for an instant. Then, he snapped back to his military training because he could do nothing else if he wanted to keep his woman safe.
With their decision made, Nelson started the vehicle and drove the short distance into the hotel forecourt. Josh squeezed her hand before releasing it and exiting the car. Nelson and Gerry climbed out, and Nelson handed over the car keys to a man who he appeared to know. A plain-clothes policeman, Josh decided.
“We’ll ring you when we want the car again.” The cop nodded and drove away. “Ready?” Nelson asked.
“Yes.” Josh opened the door for Ashley.
Like when he’d been on a mission, his focus narrowed to the essential things. Ashley and those who stood in his peripheral vision. He reached for Ashley’s hand, her touch bringing a rush of pleasure. Although they hadn’t been together for long, he was confident she was his one. All he had to do was keep her safe.
Now a well-practiced team he, Nelson, and Gerry flanked Ashley and strode into the foyer. They turned right toward the ballroom the Labor party had hired. At the room entrance, they paused. The chatter faded as party supporters recognized and acknowledged Ashley’s arrival.
An elegant arrangement comprised of red flowers sat on a pedestal just inside the door. Bunches of red and white balloons and other decorations, predominantly in Labor red festooned the room. Overhead a chandelier glittered while on a noticeboard attached to the wall on their left held a display of candid photos from the campaign. Background music played. Instrumental but with a New Zealand flavor.
Tension radiated through Josh. He scanned faces. Charles stood chatting with Geoffrey and another man. His lip curled on noticing Ashley as if he’d smelled something nasty. Moron. No one fit Landish’s description. “I don’t see him.”
On spotting them, Geoffrey strode forward, a microphone in his right hand and a broad beam of satisfaction on his visage. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ashley Townsend, the leader of the Labor party.”
When Ashley stepped past the threshold, Josh moved with her, keeping their hands linked. A full and happy smile curved her lips, but her hand in his communicated rigidity and hinted at her apprehension. Excellent. Complacency would get them killed.
“With the way the results are going, she’ll be the next prime minister,” a masculine voice shouted from the back.
Cheers and applause rang out, and Ashley released Josh’s hand to hug Geoffrey. The instant Geoffrey stepped back, Josh reclaimed his position at Ashley’s side. Nelson and Gerry moved into their protective formation.
“Speech!” a woman to their right called.
Josh continued to scan faces, searching for Blackwood. He didn’t see him, but every instinct screamed he was here. A preternatural sense that only appeared during times of danger shrieked at Josh, upping his level of alertness.
If the bastard had somehow sneaked a weapon inside, they’d be in trouble. No security was infallible, and although Nelson had assured Josh they’d scan every attendee with a wand, there were workarounds. As a special ops military man, Blackwood was as highly trained as him. Anything might happen. Those spidey senses of his wailed. Josh ran his gaze over faces, bodies.
Where the hell was the bastard?
Geoffrey handed Ashley the microphone.
“Well,” she said. “It’s been a busy night, and I haven’t caught up on the results. I spoke with my mother ten minutes ago. She told me we’re doing okay.” Ashley beamed at the ensuing shouts and cheers. “Seriously though,” she said once silence fell again. “I’d like to thank every one of you for your support and your enthusiasm. My fellow candidates and I couldn’t have done our job without you.”
“Got him,” Josh murmured to Nelson who stood to his left. “Ten o’clock.”
“I see him,” Nelson replied. He plucked his phone from his pocket, dialed a number and spoke in a low voice, issuing directions and updating information.
“As a small way of showing my appreciation, I’ve organized supper in the adjoining Blue room. If you’re like me, you were too nervous for dinner, so you’ll welcome something to eat now. Go ahead, before more of the final results come through. I’m sure we’ll talk again soon. Go,” she urged. “Grab some food. Get another drink. Enjoy!”
Half a dozen people bolted from the main ballroom, and soon a slow trickle of attendees wandered through the door. Not enough. Not fast enough to escape trouble.
Josh kept his attention on Blackwood. He’d dyed his hair to match Landish’s, but he’d given up on maintaining the older man’s posture. Blackwood stood tall and still, his gaze not moving from Ashley. Hate etched into his features, visible even from this distance.
One glimpse told Josh fury drove the guy. He glared across the room at Ashley, his mouth flat and determined. He reminded Josh of an unblinking predator watching his prey. His attitude wasn’t one of forgiveness. Josh had met men like him before. Blackwood had drawn his line in the sand. He’d refuse to back down.
“I’m going to chat with my guests and urge them to take advantage of the supper.” Ashley sounded calm, but because he’d come to know her so well, he heard the faint tremor lacing her voice.
“Veer toward your right,” Josh urged.
Ashley never hesitated. She stopped to speak to an elderly lady. “Hello, Mrs. Canon. How are you tonight?”
“I find myself very pleased,” Mrs. Canon said. “I’ve supported the Labor party since I was a teenager and never have I experienced so m
uch optimism for the future.”
Mrs. Canon was resplendent in a floor-length pale blue gown and sequins. While she appeared older, her blue eyes held shrewdness. A woman who’d speak with bluntness.
“Thank you,” Ashley said. “If you don’t head to supper, you’ll miss out on the meat savories. I made sure I ordered a few platters of sausage rolls.”
Mrs. Canon patted Ashley’s arm. “Don’t worry, dear. I ate before I left the house. I’m so proud of the way you’ve turned around the election campaign. The initial results are auspicious. I have a good feeling with this election. Now, introduce me to your young man.”
“This is Josh Williams,” Ashley said, and the pride in her voice made Josh feel ten-feet tall.
“Are you willing to support Ashley in her political aspirations? If not, step aside. Ashley requires a supportive partner. Forgive me saying this, but I believe you’re ex-military. You alpha types never hang back. You prefer action.”
Josh felt his eyes widen at the woman’s bluntness. “I understand Ashley and support her in everything she does.”
“I will not be happy if she gets pregnant.”
Ashley leaned closer. “Mrs. Canon. Please. Collect your granddaughters Sarah and Trina. Go into the supper-room. You’ll be safer there.”
“What?” The elderly woman’s piercing gaze took in the men flanking Ashley. “Oh. I’ll heed your advice. Sarah and Trina are over there.”
She indicated two women in their early twenties. One wore a cream dress, accessorized with gold while the other wore pastel blue shot through with silver. All things he’d learned from listening to his sister and Ashley discussing wardrobe choices.
“Thanks.” Ashley relaxed, sounding less distressed. She hadn’t noticed Blackwood closing in on the two young women.
“Nelson,” Josh warned.
“I see him,” Nelson gritted out.
Before Nelson could act, Blackwood grabbed the women wearing cream. Her scream rippled through the ballroom, slicing through the chatter and laughter. The woman in blue fell or got pushed in the ensuing scramble.
“Let my sister go!” The young woman in blue picked herself up from the floor.
A man in a black suit grasped her arm and dragged her a safe distance from Blackwood.
The remaining nearby guests scattered like a colony of disturbed ants. Shouts and screams rang out, then silence fell.
The woman Blackwood had snatched sobbed and struggled to get free. Blackwood held her with ease, the knife at her neck not moving.
Instinctively, Josh stepped in front of Ashley while he studied Blackwood again. The young woman trembled, and tears rolled over her cheeks. Blackwood cared nothing for her distress. Anger still rode his face. A determination that told Josh the man would never surrender.
A reporter and a man carrying a camera started to film until a policeman escorted the protesting pair from the ballroom.
“Let her go,” Nelson said. “She has done nothing to you. She’s innocent. You can’t go anywhere. We have you surrounded.”
“Tell your suits to back off. Come any closer, and I’ll slit her throat.” Blackwood’s voice emerged cool, emotionless, and in control as he dragged the woman back two steps for a better view of the surrounding people. He held a knife beneath her chin to ensure the woman’s cooperation. Blood ran down her pale throat and merged with the fabric of her dress.
“Oh! Trina. Do something,” Mrs. Canon cried.
Two plain-clothes cops were ushering out attendees.
“Mrs. Canon, please go with the others. Sarah needs you. Let Nelson and his team help Trina,” Ashley murmured. “Please.”
“No, I…” A tear dampened her wrinkled cheek.
“Please, Mrs. Canon. They can’t do their job with you here. We will look after Trina. I promise.” Josh’s gut twisted as he uttered the words because Blackwood showed no guilt or concern for the woman in his arms. She was a tool and tools were disposable.
Finally, Mrs. Canon left at the prompting of her other granddaughter, and only policemen remained.
“Tell your men to back off.” He drew Trina closer and exerted pressure on the knife. She croaked, and blood ran down her chest and into her cleavage.
Ashley gasped while Josh stiffened in outrage and squeezed her hand in commiseration. “Let Nelson talk,” he whispered.
Nelson gestured for the men to give Blackwood space. “What do you want?”
Stephen Blackwood glared at Nelson before he focused on Ashley. “I want the truth to come out. I want Ashley Townsend to suffer.”
Behind him, Ashley mumbled something. Josh didn’t take his gaze off Blackwood. Neither did Nelson nor Gerry or the dozen plain-clothes cops.
“Why?” Josh asked. “What has Ashley done to you?”
Blackwood stuck his hand in his pocket, and Josh froze. Before he could draw his weapon, Blackwood pulled something small and black from his pocket. It wasn’t a gun.
“Flash drive,” Blackwood said, his gaze intent on Ashley. “I want the contents played on the news.”
“If we do that, you must do something for us too.” Nelson attempted to negotiate. “Let the girl go.”
“Fine. Give me Ashley in exchange.” A twisted smile curved Blackwood’s mouth. Yep, not an ounce of remorse or hesitation. Just a man set on following a plan.
“No,” Josh snarled. He’d seen men like Blackwood before. They’d lost all hope and didn’t care what happened to them, had no fear of death.
“She’s fooled you too,” Blackwood sneered. “You’re an idiot.”
Ashley dropped Josh’s hand and squeezed closer to Nelson to see better. Trina. That poor girl. Heaviness filled her stomach. Fear. Her fists clenched. Anger.
Nothing about Stephen Blackwood cried familiar. She still had no idea what he thought she’d done.
“Before we agree to your conditions, let the girl go,” Nelson stated.
Her heart ached for Trina. They couldn’t trust Stephen Blackwood to keep his word.
“I think not.” He jerked the girl back two steps. “Play this on the news, on the screen up there with the political coverage before I make any deal.”
“It will take time to organize,” Nelson said.
“I have time.” Blackwood adjusted his hold on the girl and pressed the knife more firmly against her pale throat. “I’m not going anywhere.” His gaze shot to Ashley, and his mouth curled with a cruel twist.
“Give me the flash drive,” Nelson ordered.
In reply, Blackwood tossed it toward one of the surrounding cops who strode over to Nelson.
“Let’s go,” Nelson murmured.
“Ashley stays,” Blackwood barked. “I will kill this girl. She means nothing to me.”
Ashley met Trina’s terrified gaze and gave a clipped nod. She’d never forgive herself if Blackwood killed Trina.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Nelson murmured. He gestured at another cop to take his place beside Ashley.
“Five minutes,” Blackwood called. “And just to show you I mean business…” He adjusted his hold of Trina, grasped her long hair and hacked it off with his knife. “If you’re not back in five minutes, I’ll cut off something that won’t grow back.”
“Trina,” Ashley whispered, tears stinging her eyes. This was her fault, and she still had no clue why Blackwood hated her so much.
Nelson hustled from the ballroom, and the door closed behind him with a defining click. Tension spread through her shoulders and slid up her neck. Her head started to ache, and she wondered what the heck she thought she was doing. How could she run the country?
A strident bang rang out. Adrenaline pumped through her, and Josh, Gerry, and the replacement cop surrounded her.
Blackwood’s bark of laughter and Trina’s strangled scream created confusion in Ashley until she realized a balloon had popped.
“Clock is ticking,” Blackwood called out, taunting. “The girl won’t look so pretty minus one ear.”
Ashley swallowed hard.
The huge television screen flickered. The election coverage disappeared, and another picture came on screen. It was the female reporter the cop had ushered from the ballroom.
“Turn up the sound,” Blackwood ordered.
“Now. While we’ve split his attention,” Josh murmured.
“He’ll kill the girl,” Gerry objected.
“He’s gonna kill her, anyway. There’s nothing left for him to lose.”
Ashley croaked an objection.
“Shush,” Josh snapped in a whisper.
Ashley trembled and pressed her lips together to barricade her objections. She studied the screen, which showed the reporter still talking, then her gaze darted to Blackwood. He was staring at her.
“Turn up the sound!” he shouted again.
A picture of a dog came on the screen, and Ashley blinked, not understanding.
“He’ll kill the girl if we don’t act,” Josh said. “He would’ve known this was his last stand.”
“Tell him I’ll let him take me if he releases Trina.” Ashley wished she could get her hands on the man. That poor girl. “Then shoot his arse.”
“No, I can’t lose you,” Josh said, his reaction instantaneous, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“She’s right. We need to shove him off balance,” Gerry agreed. “But Ashley, not with you. He means business. He’s got nothing to lose.”
“Where is the damn sound?” Blackwood shouted.
“He’s rattled.” Gerry remained calm and watchful, ready to act given an opportunity. “We won’t have a better chance.”
“Let’s stop mucking around. Stephen!” Ashley shouted. “Trina needs medical attention. Let her go, and you can have me in exchange.” She pushed between Josh and Gerry, tension stiffening her limbs, but determination squaring her shoulders. She could do this. She would do this.
“If shooting starts, drop and roll to the side,” Josh whispered to her. “Don’t take risks.”
Her legs trembled as she took a step away from her man. Her knees buckled a fraction before she strengthened them and took another shaky step toward Stephen Blackwood. Trina turned pleading eyes in her direction, her oval face so pale Ashley wondered if the girl might faint.
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 20