The Gentlewoman

by Lisa Durkin

  “As nice as it is to see you again, I’m sure there’s a reason for this visit.”

  FBI Director Hearn was sitting in one of the two seats in front of Rory’s desk. He glanced at Tagg next to him. “Congresswoman, I know Agent Sutton had shared with you the news that there was some activity on a passport believed to be an alias for Roan Sullivan. And that we were going to surveil you.”

  Rory’s eyes darted to Shane, who was standing behind the director. He held her gaze. “Agent Sutton advised me of the passport activity; however, he mentioned drive-bys, not surveillance.”

  There was a knock on the door and more men were ushered into Rory’s office. She was swiftly introduced to the head of Homeland Security, two Homeland agents and a representative from the secretary of state’s office. Two Secret Service agents rounded out the crew. Rory was growing anxious and impatient. All these testicles in one room couldn’t be a good thing.

  “Gentlemen,” she called above the din of voices. “May I have an explanation as to this meeting please?” The room silenced. “The basement accommodations here are hardly spacious enough to hold a party this size.”

  Director Hearn spoke. “Agent Tagg, please debrief the congresswoman.”

  “Certainly, sir.” He turned to Rory. “Congresswoman, the passport activity is in fact that of an alias used by Roan Sullivan and we have cell phone intelligence to suggest that it is indeed your former brother-in-law who has entered the country.”

  Rory’s entire body clenched.

  He continued. “Intelligence tells us that Roan Sullivan has been placed in DC and the Cleveland, Ohio, area within the last two months. He’s been placed in Bay Village. More recent placements have proven that Sullivan is not only in the country to revive his business interests, but has also taken an interest in your whereabouts and activities.”

  She felt the air leave her lungs and her knees go weak. Several people rushed forward to catch her, but it was Jackson’s arms that held her up and helped her into a chair.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  She looked into his concerned eyes, not quite hearing. It was good to feel his hands on her and breathe in his masculine scent. She had missed him so. She felt that familiar transfer of heat from his body. She stared into his beautiful eyes but she was dizzy, and thoughts of Roan being near her made her sick. Bile rose in the back of her throat and her stomach roiled. The metallic taste of fear filled her mouth and she flashed back to the farmhouse and the blood.

  Jackson grabbed her head and forced it between her knees to keep her from completely blacking out. He held it there until Nicole came forward with water, and she felt better after a couple sips.

  “How do you know?” Rory choked at Tagg. Jackson remained kneeling beside her chair. “How do you know he’s interested in me?” She was embarrassed by how weak she sounded.

  “Intelligence got a lead on a few cell phone numbers that have been linked to him and another man.” Tagg looked sympathetic. He leaned forward and spoke more gently. “Congresswoman, Lon Doward is with him.”

  Every hair on her body stood at attention at the mention of that name. Aidan’s assistant. The one who drove as Aidan beat her. She closed her eyes. He had never been caught.

  “How do you know they’re taking an interest in the congresswoman?” Jackson asked as he held her arm. His voice was loud and strong. He sounded angry.

  “We’ve pulled the records of cell tower pings. We can place them both in DC and in Bay Village, Ohio. In all instances, and there are more than just a few. We have pings close to both of the congresswoman’s residences. We have patterned pings from last Saturday in particular that we wanted to ask about, as that was the day we know you were at the state dinner.” He pulled some records from a file on his lap. “We have pings from locations on Fourth Street and at the InterContinental Hotel. Any significance to you, ma’am?”

  Jackson answered. “We were staying at the InterContinental last Saturday. Rory spent some time at a spa on Fourth Street. The bastards were following us?”

  “It appears so, and it wasn’t the first time. I have the file here and we’d like you both to review it and match it to your whereabouts on the dates notated.”

  Jackson took the file. “Son of a bitch. So why not get a current ping and pick him up?”

  Rory answered, her voice stronger, pissed off. “Because they haven’t done anything yet, that they can prove well enough anyway. Isn’t that right, Agent Tagg?” She looked at Tagg and then Director Hearn. “We’ve been here before, haven’t we, fellas?” She leaned forward and braced her hands on her desk.

  “I’m guessing since there are so many important people in my office that there’s a plan afoot. I’m guessing my ass is bait again. Am I wrong, gentlemen?” Jackson stood and leaned against the credenza. Rory looked at the Homeland secretary and the man from the secretary of state’s office. “This must be big if you guys have been pulled in. I’m sure this isn’t just a courtesy for the newly appointed Homeland Committee member. Why don’t you tell me what I’m in for?” She wasn’t feeling dizzy anymore, just sick.

  David Benedict of the SoS office spoke up. “Congresswoman, we need your help to bring Roan Sullivan down. His criminal enterprises are vast and a major threat.”

  Homeland Secretary Reynolds added his two cents. “Congresswoman, Roan Sullivan has doubled the trade of weapons and women trafficked prior to your husband’s death. We need your help to stop him.”

  “Define my ‘help’,” she snapped, and waited for someone to respond. When nobody did, she addressed the Homeland Security secretary again.

  “Secretary Reynolds, are you aware of why nobody is clamoring to apprise me of the details required of me?” She waited a moment and continued. “It’s because they’ve been here with me before—and it didn’t work out so well.” She gazed at the very uncomfortable Tagg and Hearn. “We sat together in an office not much better than this one about three and a half years ago. They told me about my husband’s crimes and prevailed upon me to work with them to gather evidence to stop him. They promised me and my family protection and told me to maintain appearances. All the while they would be taping conversations and surveilling. And do you know what happened?” More uncomfortable silence. “Well, let’s just say that the day I needed that protection, they weren’t there. And you probably know the rest. I had to take care of things myself, but only after he took everything but my own life from me.”

  The silence was deafening. She looked them each in the eye. “So is that it, gentlemen? Is it appearances as normal? You’ll be watching for Roan to take me and finish what Aidan couldn’t?” She pounded on the desk loudly with her fist and shot up to pace to the far wall, blinking back tears.

  To his credit, Secretary Reynolds seemed downright approving of her anger. “I have reviewed how the case was handled three years ago, Congresswoman, and I want to tell you how I intend to handle it this time.” He waited for her to turn to him.

  “You are correct; appearances must stay the same. You and Congressman Dorn have appeared several times in the media and, with all due respect, seem quite distracted with each other. We’ll need to use that. The subject has been following you and surveilling you and has learned your life here. We can’t determine if he or an accomplice has entered your home. I intend to station two men there, specifically Agents Tagg from the FBI and Manus from my own team. They will run on ghost crew, giving no outward appearance of their existence. We want you to stay with Congressman Dorn, as we assume, and we’re sure the subjects also assume you have been doing. We will protect you both. There will be others watching your back, including the Secret Service. But for the most part you won’t see them. With any luck, Sullivan or one of his men will enter your condo with criminal tools and we’ll have them on enough for attempted capital murder. That will open all kinds of nice worm cans that will help us take down the international rings. They’ll fall like dominos.”

  So very tidy. “What if I don’t want
to stay with Dorn?” She felt panicked and pissed off.

  Benedict chimed in. “Ma’am, the secretary of state asked me to impress upon you the importance of breaking the threats of these international rings. I’m afraid we must insist.”

  For the second time in a week, somebody was insisting she circumvent her own will. She flopped down in her chair and rubbed her forehead. She marveled at how quickly all control over her own life had evaporated. It was also the second time in the same week that she thought of running. She snickered to herself as she considered what Larry Page would think of her disappearing. Who would he con to fill that Homeland seat then?

  She laughed at the absurdity of her thoughts. “I’m exhausted and I’d like to go home.”

  “I’ll take you.” Jackson straightened.

  “No thanks.”

  Secretary Reynolds interjected. “Actually, that’s an excellent idea. Tagg and Manus will set up shop. You can gather a few things to take across the hall to the congressman’s condo, if they aren’t already there. Your presence in your own condo should be kept to once in the morning and once in the evening, just enough to maintain the appearance.”

  Rory shook her head as she gazed at Reynolds. The other men began to rise as he came forward to her. He took both of her hands in his and looked into her eyes.

  “We’re going to protect you this time, Congresswoman. I promise.” He squeezed her hands and left before she could tell him that she’d been made that promise before.

  “I’ll be right back and then I’ll take you home. Stay with her,” Jackson said to Nicole as he left the office.

  “I’m going to follow you home and stay with you tonight,” Nicole said gently.

  Rory’s hand dropped from her forehead. “No, it’s too dangerous. I don’t want you anywhere near me. Take a few days off. Stay with the kids.”

  “I’m not going to do that, Ror. You’re my family. I love you.” She took Rory into her arms. It sent them both over the edge and tears streamed down their faces. “I can’t believe this is happening to you again.” Nicole pulled back and looked into Rory’s eyes, speaking gently. “It makes me feel better that you’re staying with Jackson. Talk to him. He’s in love with you and I think you’re in love with him too.”

  Rory was too tortured and exhausted to respond. She gave a curt nod and rose to collect her bag. “I’ll be back in the morning.” She turned back to Nicole. “Really, don’t come anywhere near my house. I wish you’d stay home tomorrow; it’s Friday anyway.”

  “No way. I’m here for you.”

  Rory shook her head. “I’m just a pawn again. It’s just a different kind of politics and they’ll use me to get what they need.” She searched Nicole’s face. “Do you think they saw the pictures? Do you think any of them knows what can happen?”

  Nicole stepped forward and embraced her again. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered.

  Jackson gathered his things from his office and marched Rory out to the livery car. They were followed by the Secret Service agents. Rory peered out the window, wondering where Roan was or if he was watching her. She looked down and realized she was rubbing her wrist. She looked at Jackson to find him watching her.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “No,” she whispered and looked back out the window.

  Jackson led her into her condo, where she found Tagg and Manus already on-site. She filled a bag with some clothes and toiletries and apologized for the empty refrigerator. They were already making themselves at home, however, with several boxes of supplies. After some logistical questions, Jackson took her across the hall.

  After closing and locking the door behind them, Jackson took her bags and set them down. “Are you sure you’re not hungry?”

  “I’m sure,” she answered, eyeing him wearily. “I’m sorry about this. I’m sure you weren’t expecting babysitting duty.”

  His eyes locked onto hers. “I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. I’m protecting you.”

  “I’m putting you in danger. And I’m intruding on your space. I’m sorry about that.”

  He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “Don’t worry about putting me in danger. I have lots of training to fall back on. And I never wanted you to leave my space in the first place. I missed you.” He grabbed her hands and squeezed them.

  He moved to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator, then directed her to a seat at the bar. “Sit here and drink this. You’re as pale as paper and look like you’re going to collapse.”

  She did as he said and took several sips of water. She sat quietly, studying the bottle in her hands.

  Jackson spoke gently. “I’m the one who’s sorry that you’re going through this again. You must be terrified.”

  She looked up at him. She felt so lost. “I am, and not just for myself. I know what they’re capable of. Jackson, it’s not safe for you, no matter what you think. Aidan killed my father because of me. Roan would love to take you along for the ride too.” Her chin quivered as she looked back down at her hands.

  He came around the island but she stood before he could reach her.

  “Look, I’m exhausted. Do you mind if I take a nap? I haven’t been sleeping well…” She stopped before she admitted she hadn’t slept well without him.

  He led her upstairs, carrying her bags. She stopped in the hall as he opened his bedroom door.

  “I’m not sleeping in there.” She could barely stand to be this close to that room, that place where they had shared so much.

  He turned back to her incredulously. “Baby, come on. Two days apart is enough. I need you back with me now, and you need me too.”

  Rory stared at him. “Jackson, this doesn’t mean we’re back on like nothing ever happened. You used me. I can’t forget that.”

  In a heartbeat Jackson dropped the bags and had her against the wall, his lips an inch from hers. “I need you,” he breathed, his eyes smoldering. “I love you. Don’t you believe me?” He leaned in and ran his soft lips across hers. She closed her eyes at the feel of the silky heat and leaned in, losing herself in his kiss. It felt so good.

  She pulled back, pushing on his chest and settling back against the wall. “I’ll be staying in there.” She pointed to the room across the hall. She swallowed hard and looked into his sultry eyes.

  He turned and grabbed her bags, leading her into the guest room across the hall. “Sure. These walls might be barrier enough for you.”

  Rory woke with a jolt at two a.m. Last thing she remembered was lying down after a quick shower. She rose slowly, lowering her feet over the side of the bed. She looked down at herself. She was wearing a tank top and panties, but she didn’t remember dressing. She was lightheaded. She desperately needed water. How many days had it been since she’d eaten anything? She’d been out cold and hadn’t even dreamed.

  She padded into the bathroom on shaky legs to find there was no glass. She silently opened the door and stepped into the hall.

  Jackson’s door was open and she could see the outline of his sleeping form. Longing slammed through her body. She wanted so badly to curl up next to him and feel his heat. She knew there was a glass in his bathroom. As she entered his room she couldn’t take her eyes off his large, powerful body. She wrapped her arms around herself.

  Suddenly his eyes were open. “What’s wrong?” She jumped and took a step to run out of the room. “Wait, Rory, are you all right?” He lunged forward and reached for her, snagging her arm.

  “I’m sorry; I was just looking for a glass of water,” she said, her voice raspy. “I didn’t mean to wake you”

  Jackson rose, tall and muscular in his boxer shorts, and headed for the bathroom. He returned with a glass of cold water. As she drank, he sat down on the bed. He held her eyes as she downed the whole glass of water. When she was finished, Jackson took the empty glass and set it on the bedside table. He turned and lay back in the bed, scooting over into the middle. He turned back to her and held her gaze as he
lifted the covers for her to climb in next to him.

  Rory looked at the bed and returned her gaze to Jackson’s eyes. She was mesmerized by the need she saw there, a need that matched her own. There was no pity, no shame. It took her a moment, but she moved forward and sat on the bed. She reclined slowly until she felt his chest at her back and his arms enclose her. She felt his warm breath as he exhaled on her ear. They lay still for several moments. One by one, her muscles relaxed and she melted into him.

  She finally placed her hands on his forearms and took a deep breath. “How did you know I needed this?” She hadn’t even known herself.

  He whispered into her ear. “Because it’s what I desperately needed too.” He nuzzled her hair and sighed contentedly. She leaned into him and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Friday afternoon Jackson sat in Energy and Commerce looking over the business agenda. Dull as dishwater. He leaned back in his chair and looked over at Rory, remembering her escape from his bed that morning.

  He was tired of this forced estrangement. And it was forced; he could tell she still wanted him. Her head had been on his chest, her hand halfway to his hard cock before she’d fully woken and sprung out of bed like it was on fire.

  He missed their closeness. He needed it. He remembered holding her and laughing with her, rolling around that bed with her. Something had to give. He needed her back to normal, or as normal as they could get in their current situation.

  He’d had to force her to eat breakfast. She claimed no appetite until he refused to leave the house unless she ate something. She had choked down a piece of toast and he bet she hadn’t had anything since. He wondered how long she could go on like this.

  He rose and whispered that he’d see her later and swiftly left the committee room. He needed to fix this and he wanted to ask the one person’s advice who knew her better than anyone. He made the quick trip back to the Rayburn Building and caught up with Nicole in the reception area of Rory’s offices. It appeared they were in the middle of a meeting with the Secret Service agents. One of them was showing a picture of Roan Sullivan. Jackson remembered it from Rory’s file. They all looked up as he entered.