Not allowing himself to dwell on that possibility, Charles raced back to Demi and the kids. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and reassured himself that she and his children were still in one piece.
Then he noticed the blood on her arm.
THIRTEEN
The stinging, burning sensation in her upper right arm started the minute she realized everyone was safe.
Wincing, she looked down to find blood. Her stomach clenched. Had she been shot?
Charles gently set her back. “Let me see.”
Brianne and Aaron hollered and fought against their restraints while Charles probed the wound.
She winced. “It must not be too bad. I didn’t notice it until now.”
“Adrenaline. It can mask pain. I saw guys with limbs blown off and they didn’t even realize it.” She jerked and he grimaced. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, it’s all right. It’s a part of you.”
His eyes caught hers. “Yes, I suppose it is. Not the part that I particularly like, but one I can’t change.”
Demi lifted her uninjured arm and reached up to wipe a smudge of dirt from his chin. “I wouldn’t change one thing about you.”
His eyes darkened and an emotion she couldn’t identify flashed in them. He started to say something but Brianne’s whiny cry interrupted him.
He turned from her and did his best to reassure the children before once again focusing his attention back on her arm.
“Are you all right?”
“Is she hit?”
The voices came from her left.
Demi looked up to see Ryan and Owen hovering, their concerned gazes on her and Charles. Charles spoke without turning. “She’ll be fine. I think the bullet just grazed her. Either that or it ricocheted off something.”
Ryan freed a screaming Brianne from her stroller and held her on a hip.
She quieted and lay a head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Unca Ryan.”
“You’re welcome, darlin’.” He kissed the top of her dark head and Demi’s heart twinged again. How close and loving this family was. Then she saw Ryan blanch as he said, “I think I know what it bounced off of.”
His white face and grim tone alarmed her. Demi followed his gaze. And saw the metal handle of the stroller inches from where Aaron’s head rested against the cushioned seat. She gasped and felt Charles’s fingers tighten momentarily on her arm. She ignored the flash of pain as the horror of what almost happened hit her.
“Oh, Charles…” she breathed, tears clogging her throat.
“They’re fine. They’re okay.” She didn’t know if he was saying the words to reassure her or himself. Probably both.
“We’ve got officers searching everywhere,” Owen said. “He won’t get far.”
“Did you see him?” Charles asked, his voice low.
A pause. Then Owen said, “No. Not even a glimpse.”
The two brothers stared at each other for a brief moment before Charles rubbed a hand down his face.
Ryan said, “Just more proof that God shows up even when bad stuff is happening.”
“Yeah.” Charles’s voice sounded tight, strangled almost and Demi knew he was picturing what could have happened.
“As far as we could tell, there are no casualties. No one hurt except Demi,” Owen said.
“That’s because he was aiming at me.” Charles’s quiet statement rocked his brothers, Demi could tell.
But as the thought sank in, Owen nodded and said, “I can see why you would think that.”
“I don’t think it, I know it.” Charles sighed and said, “Demi, your arm needs a bandage and you probably need some antibiotics just as a precaution. Let’s get over to my office and get that taken care of. We can sneak through the back alley. If anyone else connects that shooter to me, it’s going to be crazy and I don’t think I’m up to facing the media or a crowd of hysterical people right now.”
Demi reached out for Aaron’s hand and he clasped her fingers and said, “Want out.”
“I know, darling. Just a little longer.”
Ryan settled a protesting Brianne back into her seat. “We’ll take care of this mess here. You duck out while you can. Like you said, if the media gets ahold of you, they’re going to start asking questions about Olivia. You don’t need that aggravation.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Then get Demi taken care of and I’ll fill you in on everything later. Let me have an officer escort you. If this guy is truly after you, we don’t need to be sending you off all by yourself.”
Charles’s jaw went tight and Demi knew he didn’t want an escort. Then she saw his eyes dart to his children. Then her. He gave a slow nod. “I won’t argue with you. Might not be a bad idea to have some backup. Thanks.”
“Good.” Ryan nodded and spoke into his radio. He looked up and said, “Someone will be here in a minute.”
True to his word, a uniformed officer soon rounded the corner of the building and joined them. Ryan filled him in on what was needed. The young man nodded.
Charles took control of the stroller. His eyes landed on the dent left by the bullet and Demi saw him shudder.
She cradled her arm as she followed him toward his office. As they skirted the crowd, Demi saw the faces of the people. Shock, anger, terror. Emotions ran the gauntlet and the media grabbed every available emotional moment.
The walk seemed to take forever and she kept expecting someone to jump out and start shooting at them again. It didn’t happen and soon she saw Charles’s office come into view.
Once inside, Charles asked his secretary, Cecily, to watch the children. She agreed. Her eyes on the officer accompanying them, she asked, “What happened at the debate? I heard sirens. Sounded like the entire police force was out there.”
“They were,” Charles said. “Someone started shooting into the crowd.” Cecily gasped and Charles continued, “Demi was hurt. I’m just going to take a look at her arm.”
Still stunned, the woman nodded and released the restless children from the stroller. They darted to the play area with glee. The waiting room was empty. Apparently, the debate had been the priority for the majority of the citizens of Fitzgerald Bay, sick or not.
Charles was silent, his eyes troubled as he went about patching up her arm. She left him to his thoughts, not sure what to say, still in shock at everything that had happened in the past hour and a half.
With gentle hands, Charles put the final piece of tape on her arm.
“Are you allergic to anything?”
She blinked and sighed. “I have no idea.”
“Right. We’ll use a broad spectrum antibiotic, so you don’t have to worry.” He shook his head as he wrote the script. “Sometimes I forget…”
Demi smiled. “It’s okay. Sometimes even I manage to forget for a little while.”
“The wedding’s tomorrow.” He looked at her arm. “If you don’t feel like going…”
“No, I’ll be fine. I want to go.”
Frowning, he said, “I just wonder if I should go.”
“Because it looks like someone is out to get you?”
“Exactly.” He shook his head. “My children, my family, everyone at the debate was in danger this morning because of me.”
“You can’t know that for sure.”
“I’m pretty sure. There were three shots this morning. The first one missed only because I moved at the last second. The last two missed because of dumb luck, God looking out for me, I’m not sure which.”
She looked at her wounded arm then back at him. “I prefer to think God’s looking out for us.”
His face softened. “Yeah, I’m getting to that point, too.” Then his j
aw tightened. “Well, today answered one question.”
“What’s that?”
“I thought Burke Hennessy might have been behind everything going on, but looks like he can’t be held responsible for this incident.”
“Unless he hired someone,” she muttered.
Admiration glinted in his eyes. “Yes, there is that.” Then he sighed. “I’ll talk to Ryan about whether or not I should go to the wedding and let you know.”
“Okay. But it would be a shame for you to miss it.”
“Yes, it would. Douglas and Merry have been waiting for that day for a long time now.” He reached up to stroke her cheek and she sucked in a deep breath. He swallowed. “Today was too close for comfort.”
“I know,” she whispered.
“I know we said we’d talk…after…but—” his throat worked “—I don’t want to lose you, Demi.”
Her heart clenched. What could she say? “I know, Charles. I don’t want to lose you, either. I just…”
“I know.” He gave her a small smile. “I’ll be patient.”
Her anxiety eased slightly. “Thanks.”
“Yeah.” He helped her down from the table. “Come on.”
They walked back out to the waiting area where Brianne and Aaron still played. Brianne poured imaginary tea and Aaron fired his Dino from the top of the small television set. Dino landed in Brianne’s cup and she hollered her anger while Aaron looked confused about what had triggered her wrath.
Charles immediately swooped in and picked up the little girl. Startled, Brianne squealed, then giggled, her ire forgotten.
But Charles’s shadowed eyes hurt her heart and she wished there was something she could do.
Brianne said, “I want ice cream.”
Charles allowed a glimmer of a smile to lighten his face. “I’m sure you do. I think after today we all might need some ice cream.”
Brianne gave an eager nod. “Very good idea, Daddy. Yummy.”
Just as they were gathering the children, Ryan stepped into the office.
Charles looked up. “Did you get him?”
“No. He got away.”
“Anyone else hurt?”
Ryan shook his head. “Come with me. We need to talk.”
Charles and Demi finished loading the protesting children into the stroller. Charles pushed and Demi followed Ryan out the door. The officer stayed with them, bringing up the rear.
Back on the street, Ryan led the way to the Sugar Plum Café where Owen and Victoria ushered them into an empty back room used to host large parties.
Victoria took charge of the children. “We’re going to see Fiona at The Reading Nook.”
Charles shot a look of gratitude toward his soon-to-be sister-in-law.
Owen looked at Charles. Under his breath and out of earshot of anyone else, he whispered, “I know this isn’t the best timing, but we really need to talk to Dad about that picture.”
“You’re right, the timing stinks, but—”
Aiden opened the door and stepped inside. Charles clamped his lips together as his father said, “Have a seat. I’ve decided we needed a little impromptu meeting about what’s going on with Charles.” He settled into the nearest chair and looked at his son. “Someone appears to be of the mind to want you out of the picture.”
Charles nodded. “I agree.”
“Writing a nasty message on your garage door is a far cry from shooting into a crowd of people.” He raked a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair as his blue eyes drilled his son. “There were three shots fired today. All of those were aimed at you.”
“Yes, I noticed that.”
Ryan pursed his lips as he listened to his father.
“I don’t like it,” Aiden continued. “I’m putting protection on you until we get this figured out. More protection than just a car sitting outside your house at night.” He looked at Ryan. “Can you take care of that?”
“Consider it done.”
Charles shifted and he grimaced. “People are going to accuse you of favoritism. Again.”
“So be it. A car will be stationed outside your house 24/7. You’ll have a tail and security at your office. One of your brothers will be around when they can.”
“Dad,” Charles protested. “You don’t have the manpower for that. Not to mention the fact that it could be political suicide. The people in this town aren’t convinced I’m not a murderer. For you to make this move…it might not be smart if you have plans to win the election.”
Aiden’s eyes hardened. “Your safety and the safety of my grandchildren are far more important than any political race.” His eyes clouded. “It’s the right thing to do and I’m going to do it.”
Aiden glanced at Demi—and at her bandaged arm. “That protection will cover you, too. This guy doesn’t seem to care who’s in the path of his bullets.”
“What about Douglas and Merry’s wedding?” Charles asked. “I hate to let this guy keep me away. Then again, I don’t want to show up and lure him there, either.”
Aiden drew in a deep breath. “I’ve already discussed this with Douglas and Merry. Bottom line is they want you there. Security will be tight not only because of what’s going on with you, but because of Burke and his veiled threats.”
“He’s made threats?” Owen asked, eyes narrowing.
“Not blatant ones, no. But his nastiness just keeps getting worse as this election gets closer. He plays dirty. It wouldn’t surprise me if Burke has some sort of agenda, a plan to use the wedding as a way to further his own political ambitions.” Aiden waved a hand at Charles’s questioning look. “How he could do that, I have no idea. I just want to cover every angle when it comes to making sure Merry and Douglas’s day goes off without a hitch.”
Charles’s father pursed his lips. “The reception at Connolly’s Catch is a private one. No one gets in without an invitation.” He paused. “I’m even going to have a couple of guys on the roofs watching. No way is anything going to mess up this wedding.” Then he gave a grim smile. “Actually with all the security at the wedding, you’ll probably be safer there than at your house.”
Charles’s gave a slow nod and shot a glance at Demi. “Fine. We’ll be there.”
“It’ll be the same setup for the rehearsal tonight.”
Charles stood. “I’ll be there for that, too, then.”
Aiden walked them to the door. “Ryan, let’s get that security detail going. Yesterday.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Ryan got on his phone, Charles looked at Owen. “Uh, Dad, could we have a word with you?”
Aiden paused and glanced between his sons. “What is it?”
Owen opened his mouth and shut it. Charles looked at Demi. “Do you mind waiting in the hall for a minute?”
She raised a brow. “Oh, sure.” Once she left, the brothers turned back to their father and Charles tried again. “Dad, we came across a picture of—”
Aiden’s phone rang the same time Owen’s did and Charles clamped his lips on the words he’d been trying to force past clenched teeth.
“Excuse me, I need to take this.” Aiden grabbed the phone, listened and said, “I’ve got to go. They’ve found some evidence on the shooter I need to look at.”
“What kind of evidence?” Charles asked.
“I’ll fill you in when I know.” Aiden left and Charles felt a tide of frustration rush over him. As Owen listened to the person on the other end of his line, Charles went to find Demi standing in the hall, leaning against the wall.
His phone buzzed signaling a text message. He checked it then told Demi, “Victoria just sent me a text. She wants to know if she can keep the kids the rest of the day and bring them to the rehearsal tonight. Apparently
Paige is having a good time reading to them. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Enjoy some time to yourself.” He glanced at the officer who’d been assigned to Demi. “Or with your shadow there. I’m going to be really busy with all of the pre-wedding stuff but I’ll have someone come by to pick you up for the wedding tomorrow afternoon. It’s at two o’clock.”
“I guess that’ll be all right. You don’t need help with the children tonight?”
He shook his head. “They’re in the wedding and I’ll have enough family there to help me out if I need it.” He touched her wounded arm. “Take the time. Rest. Do whatever it is you need to do.”
Demi nodded. “All right.”
“Great,” Charles said. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding. I’ll be saving a seat for you.”
“Sure.”
“Hold up, guys.” Owen caught their attention and they turned as Owen said, “Thanks for the tip.” He hung up and said, “We just got some info on Demi’s identity.”
Charles heard her indrawn breath and felt the sudden tremble in her hands. “Who was it?”
“A hotel clerk in Springfield. Apparently, he’d been visiting relatives here in Fitzgerald Bay and saw a clip of the news. He called it in yesterday. It took us this long to determine it’s legit.”
“So, he knows who I am?” The hope in her voice grabbed Charles and he found himself praying Owen said yes.
“No. Not really.” Her hope deflated like a punctured balloon and Charles squeezed her fingers. “But he did recognize your picture. He said you’d been living at that hotel for about three weeks before you just disappeared without a word. You never checked out, you never claimed your things.”
“My things?” she whispered. “I have things?”
Owen offered her a gentle, sympathetic smile. “Apparently. He said he had boxed them up in case something had happened to you and the police came asking questions.”
“What else?”
“He said you registered under the name of Michelle Smith and always paid for the room daily. Never in advance. You were quiet, kept to yourself and seemed like a nice person.”
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