by Debra Webb
The idea that he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible made her feel complete—invincible. Redmond had better get back in line, for she was not about to be thwarted by him or anyone else. She was back—mind and body. He would see. And anyone who wanted to take his side would fall just as he would if he waited too long to see the error of his ways.
Caroline moved behind her desk and reviewed her calendar. Remembering the mix-ups and confusion surrounding those last couple of weeks before she took her mini-vacation, she summoned her secretary. If anyone decided to take a potshot at her sanity again, she intended to be prepared.
“Yes, Madam President.”
Caroline produced a smile for Barbara. Trust was not the issue, she considered, as her apparently loyal secretary crossed to her desk, it was awareness that Caroline had allowed to falter. She intended to be fully aware of all that went on around her henceforth. She would not be caught off guard again.
“Let’s go over the calendar.”
“Certainly.” Barbara took a seat in front of Caroline’s desk. “Where would you like to begin?”
“With a new policy,” Caroline said bluntly. “From now on, I want you to initial each appointment that you and I have approved. I want the calendar on my desk as well as the one in my PDA to reflect our joint approval.”
Barbara nodded once. “Whatever you think is best, Madam President.”
Caroline knew exactly what was best for her. She recalled an adage her father had emphasized: complacency was the route to self-ruin. She had a new route now.
A new route and a new attitude.
The Academy of the Holy Cross
Kensington, Maryland
PRIDE FILLING her chest, emotion shining in her eyes, Caroline watched the young women march toward the rest of their lives. The Academy of the Holy Cross had been educating young women since the 1800s. Strength and courage, as well as a strong spiritual conviction, was emphasized. These women now accepting their diplomas represented the cream of the crop and would move on to the finest universities in the country as well as abroad.
Her speech to this class had been meant to inspire these women to the greatness she fully expected each one to achieve. The resounding standing ovation she’d received when she’d finished indicated that she had accomplished her goal. As a graduate of Holy Cross herself, Caroline understood the opportunities that abounded. These women had already been exposed to greatness…understood where they could go if they so choose. Nothing would stop them now. She fully expected to see one of them occupying the Oval Office in the future.
Justin, looking extraordinarily handsome in his dark suit, stood beside her as they applauded the graduating class. Her security detail had faded into the background, appearing to be mere attendees at the festivities. But they were everywhere, watching, waiting for the slightest wrong move. She didn’t want any wrong moves tonight. These graduates deserved the perfect night. Every precaution had been taken to ensure Caroline’s safety as well as the safety of those in attendance. In fact, she had felt compelled to speak with the principal and warn him that her attendance might not be such a good thing considering all that had happened. He had insisted that she come. The graduating class would be gravely disappointed without her annual appearance.
A small reception had been planned for alumnae members after the ceremony. Caroline looked forward to seeing some of her former classmates. Her gaze lingered on the man at her side. And afterward, anticipation sang through her veins, she wanted to make her and Justin’s first night back in the White House special. She needed to begin their second chance on the right foot.
He looked down at her and she couldn’t help smiling. He was so very handsome, even with the scar. When he turned back to the cheering crowd her gaze remained fixed on his profile. The scar looked much smaller now. Or was it her imagination? Maybe it had only appeared much worse the first time she saw it. She might simply be adjusting to the changes. She thought of how his hands felt softer now, not so rough. Her gaze moved to those hands, watched as he clapped enthusiastically along with everyone else in attendance. Those scars appeared much less apparent now as well. She dismissed the idea; she had to be mistaken…just her imagination.
That he had declined a complete physical with his personal physician had unsettled her just a little. In the past he’d always done the logical thing. Ensuring that all was as it should be certainly felt like the logical thing to do in Caroline’s opinion.
She pushed the troubling thoughts away and focused on the ongoing festivities. Justin was a very intelligent man. He would do the right thing in his own time.
Tonight, she had to do the right thing…for both of them.
Private Residence
Alumni Reception
CAIN NURSED his drink as he watched the guests mingle and mill about the elegant room. An alumna, a close friend of Caroline’s from her school days, had insisted on this exclusive reception for the members of their graduating class who had chosen to attend this year’s ceremonies.
The event itself didn’t give him pause since it had been planned for two months. Yet the sheer number of guests combined with caterers and hired help made tight security difficult. His instincts were humming tonight and that was not a good sign.
He stayed close to Caroline, despite the fact that four agents mingled among the guests, including Levitt, who didn’t veer more than a half-dozen feet from the president’s side. Each exterior door as well as each floor of the grand Kensington, Maryland, residence was covered. The gated grounds were being monitored as well. Still, Cain felt on edge. Threat loomed not so far away. He sensed it on every level.
He also sensed difficulty where he and Caroline were concerned. Though he had taken their relationship to a more physical level as he had known would be necessary, he had refrained from taking personal gratification. Instinct warned him that it would be a mistake, though he could not say how much longer he could put off the inevitable. Caroline Winters was determined.
He understood the human need for physical bonding on an intimate level and she was well overdue. It wasn’t that providing the necessary physical union would be unpleasant, it was more about moving beyond some emotional barrier of hers he instinctively understood would be a mistake.
When he touched her he experienced sensations that were completely alien to him. Not unpleasant, he reiterated, merely confusing. He yearned for her even when they were not in the same room. Today, for instance, when she’d been carrying out her presidential duties, he’d had a difficult time thinking of anything but her. Watching her was his mission, but this was different. He wanted to do a great deal more than watch her. He wanted to touch her…to kiss her as he had on the night before last. The sounds she made, the way her body reacted to his touch intrigued him. Made him want to see more. To learn more. That was not part of the mission.
What he felt appeared to be emotion…which was impossible since he possessed none.
When his gaze settled on Caroline once more his entire body reacted, refuting his claim.
The realization startled him…another first.
Unspecified Location
THE DOOR OPENED and his urgent appointment walked in. He watched in utter disdain as the fool took a seat. He didn’t bother standing or even greeting him. This was an unnecessary risk. He already had the intel he was no doubt about to receive. In fact, he wondered if he even needed the fool any longer, considering what he suspected now. But he was a patient man. The idiot might prove useful yet.
“They know it’s you,” his visitor said, his expression somber, his palms no doubt sweating.
“Of course they do. They have the technology. I assumed that when Marsh’s body was discovered they would know the truth within a matter of hours.”
Confusion lined the other man’s face. “Why would you want them to know? And why kill Marsh? We needed him.”
He almost laughed at that one. He didn’t need anyone. Perhaps this impotent has-been needed a half-d
ozen pathetic excuses for human beings rallied around him, but he needed nothing…no one.
“Marsh had served his purpose,” he said simply.
The epiphany dawned, rather belatedly. A gasp echoed in the quiet. “You wanted them to know it was you?”
The smile that stretched across his face was answer enough.
“But why? If they know it’s you…they’ll—”
Dr. Waylon Galen stood, weary of the discussion. He moved behind his chair, in anticipation of exiting this unnecessary meeting. “They’ll know their enemy is one they cannot defeat.”
The other man’s eyes widened perceptively. “You’re not going to stop until you’ve destroyed them all.”
Galen clapped his hands together three times, applauding the man’s sudden ability to see what was right in front of his face. The reality that he was so close sent anticipation rushing through Galen’s veins. “I’ve spent more than a decade underground. Working out of temporary labs in jungles. Moving from place to place to avoid detection. But no more. Now all that Center possesses will be mine. I was the one who created the Enforcers. They belong to me. That never changed.”
“Why all the subterfuge?” The other man shook his head in bewilderment. “Thurlo? Archer? What was the point? I thought you needed the key code.”
Galen leaned forward and braced his hands. “I only need one thing and that will be mine very soon. Money is power. You’ll see. I need her or her replacement on my side.”
“Why kill all those people at the hospital in Mexico where Justin Winters had been?” he demanded, his bravado peeking from behind his fear. “Did you think I wouldn’t hear about that? Center is all over it. They know it was your doing.”
Galen nodded, mentally chalking one up for his nemesis, O’Riley. “They seem to know a great deal.” He had a feeling his ally here was playing both sides of the fence. Oh well, that wouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. His destiny was already in place.
“I don’t understand.” He shook his head, his confusion clearly mounting.
“You don’t need to understand,” Galen assured him. He straightened and moved toward the door but hesitated before leaving. He shook his head and glanced back at his befuddled visitor. “Did O’Riley really think that I wouldn’t find out he’d sent in an Enforcer? You’ve both greatly underestimated me. I wonder if either of you fully realizes what you have done.” He didn’t wait for an answer. He left. Nothing anyone could say at this point would slow the momentum.
Caroline Winters was doomed if she did not support him.
And so was the Collective either way.
“I SHOULD BE GOING,” Caroline said to her host. “The reception was lovely. I had a wonderful time.”
Dorothy Sizemore gave Caroline a brief hug. “Thanks for coming, Madam President.” She drew back and winked. “I knew you wouldn’t change.”
Caroline couldn’t help but smile. “I’m still the same person I was before the election.”
Dorothy nodded. “Ambitious overachiever and the apple of her daddy’s eye.” Her expression turned somber then. “I know you still miss him.”
Congressman Clayton Mattson had been a strong supporter of the school Caroline and her friend had attended. But more important than that, he had been a great father. One all her friends had admired.
“I do,” Caroline admitted. She always would.
Dorothy curled her arms around one of Caroline’s and tugged her nearer. “But my, my that husband of yours makes a fine replacement for the man in your life.”
Caroline beamed. He did indeed. Her father would like the way things were going for her and Justin. He had wanted more than anything else for his only child to be happy. And she was on her way, finally.
“Nobody move!”
The screamed threat came out of nowhere and seemed to be all around them at the same time.
Caroline searched the room, her gaze coming back to rest on her husband. Her breath evaporated in her lungs when her brain assimilated the fact that the man who had shouted those harsh words had a gun jammed into Justin’s temple and an arm wrapped tightly around his throat.
Agent Levitt and three others were suddenly around her, backing her from the room.
“I said, don’t move!” The man’s furious gaze crashed into Caroline’s where she watched between Levitt’s and the other agent’s broad shoulders.
“Stop,” she ordered her security. She would not allow them to usher her from this room at the risk of Justin’s safety.
“Ma’am,” Levitt murmured, “we have to get you out of here.”
“No. Not without Justin.”
“The others are already formulating a strategy to rescue your husband but my orders are clear. Remove you from the threat at all costs.”
Caroline refused to move. “I said no.”
“I want her to see this!” the angry man who’d posed as a waiter screamed.
Caroline’s heart dropped to her feet. Dear God. She suddenly knew what he was going to do. He intended to kill Justin while she watched. How had he gotten past security?
“You have to stop him,” she whispered to Levitt. “Don’t you see what he’s going to do?”
Levitt knew. He didn’t have to say anything. Caroline felt the change in his posture…saw the tightening of his jaw. She heard him whisper three curt words that would echo from the communication device on his lapel into the earpieces of every Secret Service agent on site. “Take him out.”
The events that unfolded next left Caroline paralyzed by a new kind of shock. Even moments afterward she would not be able to move or speak. She could only stand there, perfectly still, watching the scene play out over and over in her mind.
Justin spun in the man’s hold, forcing the gun barrel upward in the same instant with his left hand. Not missing a beat he grabbed and twisted the man’s head with his right. The sound of his neck snapping echoed in the deafening silence. The would-be killer crumpled to the floor. The guests shrieked and scrambled to move aside.
Agents suddenly swarmed around Justin.
“Let’s get Freedom out of here.”
Levitt’s voice. He’d just ordered her evacuation from the premises. Freedom was her code name.
Before the haze of confusion could clear completely from her mind she’d been hustled into the waiting armored limo and whisked away.
“Justin,” she murmured, at last finding her voice.
“Mr. Winters is fine, Madam President,” Levitt assured her. “He’s in vehicle number three directly behind us.”
Caroline swiveled in her seat and stared out through the heavily tinted glass. The other vehicle was right behind her.
She settled back into the elegant leather, exhaustion clawing at her. She blinked and tried to rationalize what she had just witnessed. Justin had executed moves only a professional bodyguard…or trained killer…would be able to perform. She thought about that day in the parking lot behind the restaurant and how he’d prevented her from being shot. She’d excused that incident by telling herself he’d simply gotten lucky. Anyone could have pushed her out of the way if he’d seen the threat quickly enough. It hadn’t taken any particular skill to do that, just a keen awareness of his surroundings. The fact that he’d recognized the threat before any of her security was just plain old luck.
But tonight had nothing to do with luck.
Thwarting that killer had been about expertise.
Expertise in the art of protection…in the science of killing.
Justin had killed that man in a split second with a move that no normal, untrained human would even know to make.
Justin Winters had never undergone any such training.
Justin had kept himself fit, but he possessed no particular physical endurance or courage. He would never have dreamed of killing another human, much less of acting without thought.
That only left one possibility.
The man who’d come back to her…brought her more pleasure in a few d
ays than she had known in five years of marriage…was not the husband she had lost three months ago.
Chapter Nine
White House
Presidential Bedroom Suite
Caroline tugged the brush through her hair as she stared at her reflection in the large, beveled-glass mirror. She’d been standing here like this for more than half an hour, stroking her hair with the silver brush her mother had given her on her sixteenth birthday and peering at the woman she scarcely knew anymore. What had gotten her to this place where she could trust no one? Not even those closest to her.
Pretty soon he would knock on the door to the dressing room and ask if she was all right. And how would she answer that?
She couldn’t possibly be all right.
She had no idea who the man posing as her husband really was. Laying the brush aside she closed her eyes. That was insane. Impossible. She swayed, then clutched the marble vanity top to steady herself. He looked like her husband. Talked like her husband. They had discussed numerous moments from their past. Admittedly there were things he didn’t remember, but that went hand-in-hand with the injuries he had sustained in the plane crash. There was so much he did know. How could an impostor possibly know all those things?
If anyone ever found out that the thought had even occurred to her she would be carted away in a strait-jacket immediately. She doubted even Rupert would stand by her under those circumstances.
But she had seen Justin’s uncharacteristic response to the danger. Had noticed the other, more subtle differences that were so un-Justin like. He certainly hadn’t learned to kill people while he lay in a coma in that hospital.
Fury whipped through her, searing away the vulnerability. She did not like this feeling. Being out of control was not the norm for her and the past several weeks had been all about no control at all.
It was time to stop the downward spiral. There was only one way for her to know the truth.
And it wouldn’t wait a minute longer.