Henry’s lack of response caused me to feel uneasy. I turned to Jon for answers, but he could offer none. I felt a new level of panic rise as tears again began to well in my eyes. As I tried to control myself, a figure appeared in the doorway. My eyes were clouded by the tears, and I couldn’t make out who the person was.
“Jordan?”
The sound of his voice overwhelmed me, and as he walked into the room, I ran to him, nearly pulling the IV out of my arm in the process. Everything and everyone faded as he picked me up and held me tightly. Despite my attempts to suppress them, I felt tears streaming down my face. Unlike the ones I shed on the rooftop, these were tears of relief and joy. We were all alive and together. Hepstadt & Lower would be held accountable for all the evil that they were responsible for, and they would no longer be able to cause anyone harm. From behind me, Jon cleared his throat loudly. Rick and I turned back toward him and everyone else in the room. I felt my face flush, embarrassed by my behavior, but Rick held on to me.
“Well, I just wanted to say congratulations,” he offered. I raised an eyebrow quizzically.
“Congratulations? For what?”
“For solving your first case. You really did it. I knew you could,” he added, standing up and walking out of the hotel room. I watched him leave, unsure of how to react. Rick interrupted my thoughts by putting his right hand gently beneath my chin and raising my face to his. My heart skipped a beat as I thought he was going to kiss me but instead, he offered a curious smile.
“So, this was your first case?”
Epilogue
“Jordan, you look amazing tonight.”
I blushed and cringed at the compliment. Despite the elegance of the pale-pink, strapless dress Alicia settled on for her bridesmaids, I was still self-conscious to be wearing such a dress in public. My admirer pressed, taking my hand in his.
“May I have this dance?”
As Greg Bell stood before me, I tried to hide my obvious disdain. Despite looking gorgeous in his black tuxedo, a requirement for all men attending the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coyle, he was still a creep, and I didn’t want to be within ten feet of him. Somehow this fact eluded him. I was grateful when someone tapped my shoulder lightly.
“Sorry, Pal, but she promised me this dance.”
With that, we left Greg standing near one of the numerous tables offering the country club’s finest dishes. I let out a sigh of relief as Jon led me to the dance floor.
“Thanks for that. I really owe you one.”
Jon clicked his tongue and glanced back at Greg, who was pouting.
“It is my pleasure,” he replied, twirling me. “That guy’s a creep. I saw him fixated on you during the ceremony. Who is he anyway?”
Trying not to make eye contact with Greg, I admitted, “My ex-boyfriend.”
Jon let out a loud laugh as he dipped me. “Really? You dated that jerk? Is there a shortage of guys in Louisiana or something?”
“Jon, give me a break . . .”
He twirled me out before pulling me back in expertly. I was impressed by his obvious dance skills, and he knew it. He smiled smugly. Making conversation as we moved across the floor, he asked, “Have you heard any more about the trial?”
“No. They’re supposed to be subpoenaing me as a witness, though. I think they’re gonna subpoena you, too.”
He scowled. “Swell.”
“You do want McCready and Broadsmith to pay for what they did, right?”
“Oh, definitely,” he insisted. “I just don’t want to be caught up in a lengthy trial.”
“It’s supposed to be televised,” I interjected. “That’s publicity.”
He pondered the thought for a moment before shaking his head. “That’s not the best publicity.”
I shrugged. “Sometimes it is.”
He twirled me again. “I just can’t believe we not only got paid by Rick but by the FBI, too. Can you believe there was a reward for information on that case?”
I nodded gratefully. “We were very fortunate, but Rick paid too much.”
“No, he didn’t.” Jon insisted. “Risking your life on a case is worth some serious cash.”
“I’m just thankful it’s generated some more business.”
“How could it not with all the publicity?”
I smiled as the music ended and Jon slowly pulled me up from one last dip. We walked off the dance floor together before Jon winked and said he’d see me later. I walked over to the bar to get something to drink.
“Those were some serious dance moves.”
I turned and saw my beautiful sister beaming at me. Her hair was pulled up in a loose bun that left some tresses resting casually on her shoulders. Her happiness was infectious. I smiled in return as we embraced.
“Thank you for all your help,” she whispered. I hugged her tighter.
“Thank you for putting up with me and insisting I help. Everything is perfect, and I’m so happy for you and Charlie.”
“Thank you. That means so much.” She took my left arm in her hands and studied it. “I’m so happy your arm healed properly. As a doctor, I have to tell you that you didn’t help the situation by smacking that guy in the head with it, but as your sister, I’m glad you did.”
“So am I.”
Startled, I turned around and faced my father. He looked Alicia in the eyes and offered a slight smile before hugging her and kissing her cheek. He then turned to me. “You both look beautiful, and I’m so proud of you both,” he stated, staring at me before walking off.
Someone put his arms around us both and pulled us in. I looked up and saw my new brother-in-law grinning widely. “I’m a pretty lucky guy to have the two hottest girls here on either arm.” Alicia laughed lightly and turned in to hug him. He kissed her forehead tenderly before turning to me. “Well, Sis, would you mind if I take my lovely wife for a spin on the dance floor?”
I backed away and shook my head, smiling. “Not at all.”
Alicia reached for my hand and pulled me in, kissing my cheek before heading off to the dance floor. I picked up the glass of champagne and took a sip, watching as Charlie attempted to twirl Alicia. The upbeat song ended, and the band seamlessly flowed into a slower one.
“You ask me if there’ll come a time when I grow tired of you,” the lead singer crooned. “Never my love, never my love.”
I suddenly felt someone standing beside me. I turned and saw Rick. A smile crept across his face as he looked into my eyes. Impulsively, I threw my arms around his neck. He laughed and hugged me back.
“I thought you couldn’t make it. Wasn’t today your graduation?”
He nodded as he led me to the dance floor. “Yes. I heard my name called, grabbed my diploma, and didn’t stop walking until I reached the airport.”
“But what about your mom? Didn’t your family want to celebrate your achievement?”
He pulled me closer. “We can celebrate anytime. Your sister is only getting married once.”
“What makes you think love will end when you know that my whole life depends on you?” the singer inquired. We danced in silence, swept up in the moment. Charlie and Alicia danced near us, and Alicia smiled knowingly.
“Did you know?” I accused her. Her grin widened.
“I swore not to tell.”
Charlie looked at Rick and nodded before whisking his wife off to the other side of the dance floor. We danced in place until the song ended. I looked up at Rick, and he stared down at me. He brushed a few loose strands of hair behind my ear and leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine.
“Jordan?”
I jerked away suddenly, annoyed. Jon stood a few feet away from us with my cell phone in his hand.
“What?” I snapped. He waved the phone at me, either oblivio
us to the mood he had killed or choosing to ignore it.
“You’ve got a call.”
“Now?”
He nodded adamantly. “Yep.”
“Who is it?”
“Franklin Belmont.”
“Who?”
“A prospective client.”
I looked up into Rick’s eyes. He just smiled. I turned back to Jon.
“Can it wait?”
“No. Trust me," he insisted, "You want to take this call.”
Rick kissed my forehead as I accepted the phone and walked off the dance floor with Jon on my heels. Once we were outside by the pool, I held the phone to my ear.
“This is Jordan James. How may I help you?” I listened to the man’s predicament with growing interest and glanced at Jon. He smiled and nodded. “Okay, Mr. Belmont, I have only one question for you,” I interjected once he stopped talking. “When can I start?”
Cold Ambition (Jordan James, PI) Page 29