Gabe surrounded Cassidy and Alexis with a bear hug.
“Hi, Gabe!” Alexis squealed, then demanded, “Kiss.”
“Hi, munchkin.” He leaned over to plop a kiss on her upturned nose.
“Cassidy!”
Cassidy turned at the desperate cry.
“You promised.” Susan’s tear-stained face and defeated posture pulled on Cassidy’s pity strings.
She nodded, “I promise, when you get out of jail, we’ll work something out.”
Susan smiled a tremulous smile and the officer led her away. Cassidy looked across the driveway and Anderson saluted her as Gabe pulled her toward the car. She nodded a silent thanks for his dedication and attentiveness.
Cassidy followed Gabe to the car and when he opened the door to put Alexis in the car seat, Cassidy swore she saw tears in his eyes before he could blink them away.
NINETEEN
April 18
Tuesday morning
Gabe stared at his ceiling. Life had a funny way of coming full circle. In the jungle, he’d failed. He’d let Micah die. When he’d finally regained consciousness, he’d been three thousand feet in the air with an oxygen mask on his face, a medic stitching up his stab wound and yelling in his ear.
“Stay with us, Gabe. You’re gonna be fine. Just hang on.”
“Micah,” he whispered.
Of course, no one heard him above the thumping of the helicopter blades. He lifted a shaky hand and pulled the oxygen mask off and tried again. “Micah.”
This time someone noticed. “Hey, leave that alone. What’d you say, buddy?”
Were they deaf?
“Micah!” He swore he yelled the name, but the medic leaned closer trying to hear.
“Micah? Who’s Micah?”
“Micah McKnight. Back there.” He forced the words out on a gasp.
“Man, you were it. No one else back there. Sorry.”
“No, go back.” Gabe struggled to rise, but strong hands held him down; he felt the prick of a needle and all went black again.
Shadows shifted on the ceiling.
They hadn’t believed him. Because Micah wasn’t supposed to have been on that mission. But Gabe insisted that he was there. And because he wouldn’t give up, they told him to shut up.
Which meant that if Gabe kept up the questioning, other SEALs could be in danger because Micah never got to finish his original mission. And a traitor was still out there.
And so Gabe kept his mouth shut. There was nothing he could do for Micah at that point. Unfortunately, revealing what little he did know would only cause grief to those who loved Micah and the families of the other SEALs from that mission. And Gabe certainly didn’t want to be responsible for anyone else’s death.
His head ached.
Be anxious for nothing.
The words sounded in his head.
That’s You, isn’t it, God? I am anxious. I’m sorry, I’m a little new at this. I know I’m supposed to give this to You, but I hate that this family is suffering and I could end it. But if I do, I might put others at risk, other men who have families waiting for them to come home. How can I chance it? Cassidy wouldn’t understand. The ambassador would, but Cassidy would demand an all-out search for the body of her brother and wouldn’t believe him to be dead until she saw it with her own eyes. Give me peace in this matter, please. I need it. I would also appreciate a few hours without an emergency at the hospital. Thanks. I mean, amen. You know what I mean, God.
April 19
Wednesday morning
Cassidy rolled over in her childhood bed. She and Alexis had spent the last two nights with her parents. Gabe had badgered her until she gave in. She’d tried to convince him that everything was fine now that Brian was in custody and Susan was getting the help she needed, but Gabe said something about that spot between his shoulders itching and demanded that she and Alexis stay behind the secure walls of her parents’ estate.
Feeling sorry for the man, Cassidy gave in without too much argument. He’d also told her about his experience in church. His eyes held a new light that made Cassidy’s heart swell with joy for him…and the knowledge that now there was nothing holding them apart—except Micah.
She couldn’t wait to see him again, but since he’d had to work the past three days, she decided to figure out what was going on with her parents. Like if they were making any more progress toward working things out. She gave Anderson the week off—with the exception of working during her speech Friday night. He’d agreed.
Her cell phone chirped.
Cassidy rolled out of bed and snatched it from the dresser. Caller ID indicated Mr. Morgan’s office. Cassidy frowned. What now? No charges had been made against the lawyer as no one could prove he lost the codicil on purpose or done anything illegal. It was Brian’s word against his.
Sheila Simons called to formally tell Cassidy that the custody suit had been dropped. As soon as she hung up with Sheila, the phone rang again.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Cassidy, this is Cindy Patterson from Sunday school.”
Cassidy smiled into the receiver. “Hello, Cindy, how are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks. I got the prayer-chain call that Alexis had been found. I’m so relieved for you.”
Cassidy shuddered at the memory of the horrific experience, but said, “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means to know that everyone was praying.”
“I also had an ulterior motive for calling.”
“Oh?”
“Nothing terrible. I read in the paper about your upcoming speech regarding the evils of human trafficking. I know the event is a benefit to raise money for those directly affected. I…well, I’m interested in attending. Would that be possible?”
“Sure! That would be great.” Cassidy wondered if the woman was aware the plates were a thousand dollars each. But that information was in the paper, so…
“Who do I make the check out to?”
Okay, apparently money wasn’t an issue. “Make it out to the Stop the Traffic Foundation.”
“No problem. I’ll get this in the mail to you this afternoon.”
“And I’ll have your ticket at the hostess podium where you enter the ballroom.”
“I look forward to being there.” A slight pause and Cassidy thought the conversation was finished. “You’re a really good person, aren’t you?”
The question took Cassidy by surprise. “What?”
“You do good things. You like to help people. I just think that’s—admirable. I hope we can be friends.”
Cassidy smiled into the phone. “Thank you, Cindy. Why don’t we get together and have lunch one day.”
“I’d like that.”
“Great. We’ll talk Friday night and set something up.”
“Sounds good,” Cindy said.
They hung up just as Alexis, book in hand, wandered into the bedroom and demanded total attention. Cassidy laughed and picked the little girl up to smother her with hugs and kisses. The high-pitched giggles did wonders for Cassidy’s morning.
April 20
Thursday morning
Gabe’s first thought when he awoke was that he’d missed something. Then he realized he had no idea what day it was. Oh, yeah. He’d had some brutal hours at the hospital starting with Monday evening around midnight and ending this morning around 3:00 a.m.
Cassidy. They’d played phone tag updating each other with what was going on, but he’d yet to have a real conversation with her since Monday night when he’d dropped her and Alexis off at her parents’ estate.
He missed her. Like crazy.
Thank You, God, for keeping them safe. Thank You for letting me be a part of getting them home safe. You healed something in me by allowing that. It still hurts to think about that little boy and the men who were killed in that explosion, but hopefully, You can use it somehow. Anyway, thanks.
Gabe liked this new feeling of talking to a best friend. He didn’t have to be formal, he just
talked to God like he did to a good friend—or his dad.
Cassidy’s cell phone sounded loud in the quiet room. She jumped and closed her Bible. She and Alexis were in her father’s office, just off the foyer on the main floor. Alexis played with books and blocks, and Cassidy had decided to have her quiet time.
She also planned to read over the guest list for tomorrow night.
And if she was honest with herself, the activity allowed her to shove thoughts of her parents to the back of her mind. They looked as if they were making progress since seeing a Christian marriage counselor, but one never knew. The phone rang again and she picked it up. “Hello?”
“Cassidy, this is Detective Craig Monahan. How are you doing?”
“Hello, Detective. I’m doing all right. Just trying to focus on tomorrow. It’s such a relief not to have to worry about Susan or the custody anymore. But I’m still a little concerned about Brian. You really feel like he was the one that set everything up?”
“Yeah. We can’t decide if he’s telling the truth or not. He swears he had nothing to do with your kidnapping. Unfortunately, we don’t have any proof that he did, nor do we have any other suspects.”
Cassidy sighed. “So, what do we do, Detective? Assume he’s lying? I don’t know what to believe. I can’t think of anyone else that would be out to get me, but all of this has made me just a little jumpy…and paranoid.” She gave a weak laugh, but couldn’t manage to inject any humor in it.
“Completely understandable. Also, security for tomorrow night is all set up. There shouldn’t be any problems.”
“Thank you so much, Craig. At first, I was adamant about not canceling, but after I thought about it, I can’t risk anyone getting hurt. Tell me now what I need to do.”
“I really think it’ll be all right. Let me worry about security, okay? That’s my job.”
Cassidy sighed and agreed. “All right, but if you see anything that could be a problem, you let me know, please. I’ll talk to you later.”
Cassidy hung up the phone and stared at it as though it would give her the answers she sought.
“My Cass-ty. Play blocks. I share.”
Alexis stood in front of her and held out a colorful block. Her blue eyes twinkled with life and mischief. Love rushed through her. Oh, Kara, she’s beautiful. God, please tell Kara thank-you for giving me this precious gift.
Alexis lifted a finger and brushed a tear from Cassidy’s cheek. She tilted her head inquisitively. “Owie? Me kiss?”
“Mmm. Yes, kiss it and make it better.”
“I’d be happy to,” a deep voice said.
Cassidy jumped and swung around to face the door. “Gabe!”
“Gabe!” Alexis echoed.
He stood in the door grinning at the two females. Alexis ran as fast as she could on her short, chubby legs and flung her arms around his knees.
Gabe laughed as he bent down and picked her up.
Cassidy felt her heart melt at the sight and wanted to do exactly as Alexis had and run to him to fling herself in his arms. Instead, she walked sedately across the floor and stood beside him.
“Okay, I’m ready,” she told him.
Gabe’s brows drew together in a frown. “Ready for what?”
“You to kiss it and make it all better.”
Gabe froze and stared at her for two seconds before he snaked his hand around her neck and pulled her closer. The longing in his gaze made her catch her breath. He leaned over and settled his lips against hers for a brief second before pulling back and smiling down at her. “Your wish is my command.”
Alexis’s giggles brought Cassidy’s attention back around to the real world—and their little two-and-a-half-year-old chaperone. Cassidy knew the red in her face could rival the red color of her father’s restored antique convertible Mustang. She pulled back, but had to smile as Alexis planted her hands on Gabe’s clean-shaven cheeks and demanded, “Gabe, kiss.”
Gabe grinned at Alexis. He leaned in closer to her to blow a raspberry on her cheek. She threw her blond head back and howled with laughter. Cassidy felt a surge of emotion so strong it nearly choked her. She wanted this to last forever. Please, God.
April 21
Friday-night dinner
Cassidy shuffled her index cards one more time then set them down on the table in front of her. She didn’t need them. Everything she needed to say was ingrained deep inside her brain, her heart, her very soul.
Sequined gowns sparkled under the lights of the chandeliers hanging in the ballroom. Black-tailed tuxedos competed with the white ones. Money, power and high-profile celebrities graced the tables piled high with plates from the buffet. And while all of these highly influential people visited and sparkled on the surface, Cassidy knew that underneath the glitter their hearts were genuine. Amy and her parents had arrived early to visit. Cassidy had appreciated the support and encouragement. They would be down with her parents shortly.
Black curtains lined the walls and swayed gently in the path of the air conditioner. Nine crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling and gave a warm ambience that promoted good feelings and hopefully, generosity. Fund-raisers weren’t exactly the reason her parents had built the ballroom, but as far as Cassidy was concerned, it was as good a reason as any.
Craig Monahan gave her a slight nod as her gaze passed over him. She responded in kind, grateful for his presence. Security was tight; there was only one way in and one way out. Anderson stood guard at the door, subtly checking and double-checking each person’s invitation. Cassidy saw the Grahams enter, followed by Amy.
Christina McKnight entered on the arm of her husband and her posture would make her finishing-school madam proud. Cassidy waved to her parents. They waved and smiled, but Cassidy noticed her father appeared to have aged a few years over the past couple of weeks. Cassidy avoided thinking about the cause. Senators, congressmen and women handed over their tickets and joined the crowd at the buffet to chat and socialize.
Cindy Patterson, dressed in a simple black dress and matching black purse, entered alone. Cassidy waved and smiled. Cindy bit her lip, but offered a small smile in return. She seemed nervous and out of place and Cassidy hoped she’d find someone to talk to. In fact, Cassidy decided, she’d just go welcome the woman personally.
She felt a hand on her arm and turned to speak to Congresswoman Shelton. By the time she spoke and turned back, Cindy had disappeared. She’d have to catch her later.
A band played off to the right and a few couples swayed on the dance floor. The buffet held roast beef, ham, turkey, caviar, an assortment of vegetables and a tower of fruit. The dessert table tempted even the strongest-willed dieter. The staff had done an excellent job.
Then Gabe entered the room and Cassidy felt her heart quiver. Oh, my. Lord, is he the one You want for me? Because I’m with You a hundred percent.
Amy came up beside her and said, “He cleans up real good, doesn’t he?”
“I’m speechless,” Cassidy admitted.
“That’s a first.” Amy’s laughter drew the eyes of a few, and Cassidy smiled in spite of herself. Secretly she agreed with Amy’s assessment. The man looked good. She watched him scan the room until his gaze came to rest on her.
Wow, he mouthed.
Cassidy grinned. Ditto, she mouthed back.
Gabe began moving toward her. He’d offered to pick her up in the foyer and escort her down to the ballroom, but she’d insisted that she needed to be there early and didn’t want him to have to wait around on her.
“You look stunning,” Gabe murmured as he leaned over to place what was probably supposed to be a chaste kiss on her cheek. However, the combination of the kiss and his spicy cologne caused her senses to spin.
She focused on his words. Stunning, huh? Cassidy felt stunning in her strapless green straight gown. Modest and classy, she knew she looked her best. Her curls had cooperated and had allowed her to tame them into an elegant pile on top of her head with a large pearl clasp. Several loose ri
nglets curled around her ears. Matching pearl earrings and bracelet completed her ensemble of jewelry. She almost felt ashamed to wear such nice things knowing the reason for the gathering, but appearances often did matter and the end result would be worth it.
Cassidy shoved aside the butterflies doing laps around her stomach and looped her arm through his. She smiled up at him. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Amy spoke up. “Since I’m obviously not needed here—or noticed, for that matter—I’ll just meander over to the buffet.”
Cassidy flushed. “Amy…”
Amy grinned and slipped away before Cassidy could finish her warning.
“Cassidy, darling, what a lovely party.”
Cassidy turned to find Cecelia Graham beside her.
“Senator Graham, Mrs. Graham. Thank you so much for coming. I’m so glad you popped in early. It was nice visiting with you.” Cassidy grinned at Amy’s mother and leaned over to give the woman a gentle hug.
“And you, dear,” Mrs. Graham answered. “That Alexis is so precious. It was good to see her, too. We had such fun that day I kept her.”
Cassidy gestured toward Gabe and said, “You remember Gabriel Sinclair, I’m sure.”
“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Gabe took the woman’s proffered hand and gave a slight bow over it, charming her into an almost girlish giggle. “My goodness, you are a smooth one, aren’t you?”
Gabe quirked a smile. “I try, ma’am, I try.”
Cecelia winked at Cassidy and said, “You’d better keep this one.”
Cassidy mentally rolled her eyes. What was it with the Graham family and Gabe? Then he gave her a wicked cute smile and she decided that was about the dumbest question she’d ever asked herself. She grinned back and said, “I’m working on it.”
Cassidy noticed one of the supporters trying to get her attention. She acknowledged the man with a smile and said, “Excuse me, please. I need to get this thing going here.” She stepped away and up to the podium. Leaning into the microphone, she said, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.”
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