by Barbara Gee
“Okay, um, I’m trying to think where I could go. It seems to me that somewhere with personal, 24/7, FBI protection would be a pretty safe option. Know anyone who already has that in place and wouldn’t mind sharing?”
He was quiet for a few seconds, and when he answered she could hear the smile in his voice. “I like the way you think, and I know just the person. How soon can you get here?”
Jolene laughed. “I thought I had until the end of the day to see whether they find Ethan Golding.”
“You can’t work anyway though, right?”
“I can do paperwork.”
“You should be in bed, Jo, not thinking about going to your office.”
“I’ll be okay. I need to go make sure things are ready for check-out tomorrow. Lowell can run it, but I need to get him some files and notes. And I should get a head-start on the retreat wrap-up work, too. We usually wait and start that on Monday, after everyone is gone. But if I’m going to be gone for a while myself, I need to get things in order so Lowell can get it completed before the next group arrives.”
“It can’t wait? Seriously, Jo, I want you out of there. I talked to Tuck about getting Virgil and Kay away, too. I don’t know if Golding knows they’re my parents, but if he does, I’m sure he wouldn’t be above using them to get to me.”
“I suppose,” Jolene said, her mind racing with the things she needed to get done if she was indeed going to leave the ranch. She was pretty sure Dr. Tusing wouldn’t approve, but concussion and cracked ribs aside, she’d have to spend a good deal of time in her office today.
“You shouldn’t have to be gone long,” Boone was saying. “I expect an arrest sooner rather than later, but seeing you would make me awfully happy, even if it’s just for a day or two.”
Jolene smiled. “Well, now that the seed has been planted, it’s all I’m going to think about. I guess I should look at plane tickets.”
“I’ll take care of it. You just tell me when you want to leave. The sooner the better, in my opinion.”
“I’m going to need most of the day, I’m afraid. I don’t want to leave my team in the lurch.”
“You have a concussion, Jo. And possibly broken ribs. You can’t sit at your desk all day.”
“My concussion is very, very mild. Nothing like yours was. And I just popped a pain pill and my ribs are completely bearable. I’ll be fine.”
He sighed, resigned. “So what time will you be able to get to the airport? And which one do you prefer, Fargo or Grand Forks?”
“Grand Forks. Um, I guess five or six o’clock?”
“Let’s go with five. I’ll let you know the details when I get your flight arranged.”
“Thank you.” Jolene couldn’t stop her grin. “It’s only been a little over a day since you left. It’s crazy to be this excited about seeing you again.”
“Then I guess we’re both crazy. I just hope traveling isn’t going to be too hard on you. Tuck said you were in a lot of pain last night.”
“If my ribs are wrapped and I can take a pill every few hours, I’ll be good.”
“Okay then. I’ll make some calls.” His voice was low and warm and it made Jolene shiver. In a good way. They said goodbye and Jolene hung up and headed for the shower as quickly as her ribs would allow. She had a lot to do before she left for the airport.
It was all good, though. She was going to see Boone.
CHAPTER 31
Boone had actually chartered a small jet for her. Crazy. He said he wanted to make sure she could lie down if that was more comfortable, and he didn’t want her to have to worry about delays or obnoxious passengers.
Jolene tried to enjoy the experience and not think about the cost—and she did end up lying down for most of the trip, even though it wasn’t a long flight. Sitting at her desk for six hours had probably not been the best thing for her ribs, but she felt better now. Knowing Boone would be waiting for her didn’t hurt, either.
It was almost eight o’clock when the plane touched down at the St. Paul airport and taxied to the terminal. As soon as they came to a stop, one of the pilots emerged from the cockpit to lower the stairs. He took Jolene’s arm as she descended, mindful of her need to move slowly. Ushering her across the tarmac and through the door to the busy terminal, he flagged down an airport employee to take her and her bag to the passenger arrival area.
Jolene’s heart was racing and she knew it was ridiculous to feel so much anticipation—but then she saw Boone and it didn’t seem ridiculous after all. He looked tired and stressed, but so, so good. So incredibly good. She sped up without thinking, then winced as her ribs protested.
He covered the distance in long easy strides. Instead of hugging her, he took her head in his hands and stared down into her eyes. “You okay?” he asked gruffly. “The trip wasn’t too hard on you?”
“My seat laid out into a bed, Boone, how hard could it be?” she teased.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” He pressed his lips quickly against hers. “Let’s get out of here.”
He grabbed her bag with one hand, and her hand with the other. As they walked slowly toward an exit, Jolene became aware that people were pointing and staring and smiling. And pretty soon the phones came up and they were taking pictures, and then the braver ones approached, digging in their purses and carry-on bags for paper and a pen, seeking autographs.
“Sorry,” Boone said in her ear. “I was in too much of a hurry to get here, and I forgot my cap and sunglasses.”
“It’s okay,” she said a little uncertainly, stopping when he did.
He patiently signed autographs and posed for some pictures, grabbing her hand again as soon as there was a lull. This time they made it all the way outside, where a black car pulled smoothly to the curb right in front of them.
“Having an FBI escort isn’t all bad,” Boone admitted. “One of the guys is driving, and the other has been discreetly following us.”
Jolene looked behind them, surprised to see a man in a suit standing there, his eyes constantly moving, scanning their surroundings. She’d totally missed him in the airport, but then again, she’d only had eyes for Boone. The agent moved in and efficiently stowed her bag in the trunk, then she and Boone slid into the back seat while the agents sat up front. Boone took her hand and she leaned into him.
“It’s not like that everywhere I go,” he said quietly. “The people wanting autographs, I mean. I don’t always get recognized.”
Jolene looked at him skeptically. “I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Boone. I know how big hockey is here, and I’m pretty sure you’re recognized much more often than not.”
His jaw dropped. “You went to school here? I didn’t know that.”
“I guess we haven’t discussed my college years yet. But yeah, this is where I became a die-hard hockey fan. Watching the Golden Gophers play was the highlight of my undergraduate years.”
“Wow. So this is your old stomping grounds.”
She chuckled. “I didn’t do much stomping. I studied and went to hockey games. That was pretty much my life. My roommate’s brother played, which is how I got introduced to the sport. I was hooked after the first game.”
“Of course you were.”
“I also know that even the college players are recognized around here, so there’s no way Boone Kendall can go incognito.”
“St. Paul and Minneapolis are the worst, obviously, but outside of Minnesota, and maybe Chicago, I can be pretty anonymous.”
“I’m sure it gets old, but you were very gracious to the people back there.”
He shrugged. “The fans pay my salary. If getting my autograph or a picture with me makes their day, it seems only right to give them that. I’m glad it’s fairly localized, though. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for the people who are known worldwide and can never get away from being recognized. I’d go nuts.”
“I assume your return to the Twin Cities made the papers?”
He nodded. “Yeah, but to b
e honest I don’t think most people even realized I’d been gone until the pictures from the ranch came out. They only knew I’d been put on injured reserve and hadn’t been spotted lately. But now that I’ve been seen going into the arena, it’s made kind of a splash because everyone is speculating about the state of my head. Wondering if I’ll be back playing if we make it to the play-offs.”
Jolene carefully swiveled in her seat so she was facing him. “Tell me about that. How’s it been going?”
He frowned. “First I want you to tell me everything that happened last night. Every detail.”
“Why, Boone? It’s over, and I’m sure Tuck told you everything already. Hearing about it again is only going to upset you.”
She saw a muscle jump in his jaw. “You suffered, it seems only right I should suffer, too.” He reached up and ran his knuckles gently along her swollen jaw line. “I’m so sorry, Jo. You know I would’ve gladly taken your place. I should have taken more precautions, protected you better.”
“Don’t put that on yourself. Like I told you before, even Tuck and Ryan didn’t foresee an inside job like that, and they’re trained in that kind of stuff.”
“I hate that you were hurt.”
“I know.” Jolene slid her hand through his hair to the back of his head, pulling his face toward hers. She kissed him softly. “I’m fine. Last night is in the past. I’m safe now, and I’m with you. That’s all that matters to me right now.”
“And Virgil and Kay are safely away?”
“Yep. They went to visit some friends on the western side of the state. They’ll stay away until they get the all clear.”
“Which I’m hoping will be soon.”
“Me too. So what happens after Ethan Golding is arrested?”
“Good question.” He sighed heavily. “I had a long, tough phone conversation with my dad this morning. First time I talked to him since he came to me for money. I told him I hired a PI, which led to a full blown FBI investigation. I expected him to go ballistic on me, but instead he seemed resigned to it. He said he wasn’t surprised I couldn’t live with keeping it quiet. He also admitted he’d often wondered if there were others who’d paid for healthy babies, and I think it was a little bit of a relief to him to know he wasn’t the only one. I told him that didn’t absolve him in the least.”
Boone cleared his throat and Jolene knew it was an effort for him to keep his emotions in check. “Anyway, Dad agrees it would be best if I’m the one to break it to Mom. His only request was that I let him know when it’s going to be, so he can try to prepare himself.”
“What if he’s arrested before you can get there?”
“Tuck will keep me in the loop. I’ll go talk to Mom as soon we know the story is going public, or as soon as the FBI is ready to start making arrests, whichever comes first.”
Jolene took his hand between hers. “I’m sorry you have to go through this.”
“I just hope and pray it doesn’t destroy too many lives.”
“Don’t second-guess anything you’ve done, Boone. I know you’ve been torn up about all this for months, but God was leading you, even when it didn’t feel like it. I truly believe He took you on this very path. Now we need to trust that He’ll finish it as He sees fit.”
His eyes bored into hers, wanting to believe it. “Have I told you I’m glad you’re here?” he asked softly. “Has it really only been two days since I saw you?”
“Two loooooong days,” Jolene said.
He pressed his lips to hers, and then the car came to a stop. Boone looked out the window.
“Home sweet home,” he said. He got out and came around to open her door. Jolene scooted to the edge of the seat and slowly stood up, determined not to wince.
“Okay?” he asked, concerned in spite of her efforts.
“I’m fine. It hurts a little to stand up, but once I’m there it’s not bad.” She smiled up at him. “Really.”
“You’re one tough gal,” he said proudly.
The FBI agents flanked them as they went into the hotel and up to the sixth floor.
“I have a two room suite,” Boone said quietly as they walked down the lushly carpeted hall. “It’ll be easier for the men to keep watch if we’re in the same room, but if that makes you uncomfortable, we’ll work something else out.”
She grinned up at him. “Think you can trust me not to jump you?” she teased.
He chuckled. “In your present condition, yeah.” He swiped his key card and opened the door. One of the agents waited out in the hall with them while the other one went inside and checked all the closets, under the beds, and in the bathrooms. After the thorough search, they were allowed to enter. The agents assured Jolene their room was just across the hall and they would be watching.
“You can relax here,” the taller agent said. “We’ll keep you safe.”
Jolene smiled at them. “Thanks, Agent Holt. And Agent Tobin,” she added. “I appreciate you being here.”
“Our pleasure, ma’am,” Agent Tobin said.
***
Jolene went inside while Boone held the door open and looked back at the men. “Thanks, guys. I’ll let you know what time we’ll need to leave in the morning.”
“Get some rest, Boone,” Holt said. “That was quite a workout the coach put you through today.”
“Yeah, but it felt great. Nothing like a good hard skate and drills to get rid of stress and aggression.”
“You looked good out there.” Holt was the hockey fan of the two, and was very much enjoying this assignment and the chance to spend a few days at the arena. “I think you’re going to be cleared to play.”
“Let’s hope so,” Boone said. “Will it be okay with you two if Jolene comes along tomorrow and hangs with you for the day? I don’t want to leave her here by herself, even if one of you stays back with her. I’d worry, and I don’t need that distraction. Coach and Ian are going to make their decision after practice tomorrow, and I want to have as good a showing as I can.”
Tobin waggled his brows. “No problem. Holt can watch you guys play hockey, and I’ll watch your girl.”
Boone took the ribbing in stride. “I’ll be watching her, too, Tobin, so don’t get any ideas.”
Holt gave the other agent a shove toward their own room. “He’s teasing,” he assured Boone. “But yeah, I’d keep a close eye on that gal if I were you. She’s the one every guy dreams about, you know?”
Boone nodded slowly. “I do know. Night, fellas.”
He entered the room and closed the door, looking to see where Jolene had gone. He found her coming out of the bathroom in her room, smiling a big beautiful smile that hit him right in the gut.
“This is gorgeous, Boone. When you said you had a two room suite, I pictured a bed and a pull-out sofa. I had no idea it would be two king-sized beds and huge bathrooms and a living room and kitchenette.”
“I meant a two bedroom suite, not that there were only two rooms.”
“I see that now.” She walked over and put her arms around his waist. “I missed you.”
He carefully wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He wanted to crush her against him and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe, but Jake Overby had made that impossible.
“I missed you too, baby. Do you need to lie down? Are you hungry?”
“Actually, I’m starving. I made a sandwich to eat on the way to the airport, but I left it in my fridge. Maddy asked if I wanted to stop to get anything, but I was so excited about seeing you I didn’t have much of an appetite right then.” She smiled up at him. “But now that I’m here and know you’re okay, it’s returned. I can probably out-eat you for a change.”
He laughed. “Only because I’ve already had dinner. Do you want to go with room service, or shall I call the guys and tell them we want to go downstairs to the restaurant?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to go out. Room service will be great. And while we wait for it to get here, you can tell me all about the last two da
ys with the team.”
Boone ordered the salad and club sandwich she requested, then he settled into a chair across from her and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his fingers laced together. Jolene raised her brows and waited eagerly for his update.
He couldn’t help but smile when he looked at her. He’d wondered many times over the years what it would be like to fall in love. How he would know when he was there. He remembered asking Jax that question a while back.
How did you know you loved Sarah, Jax? You dated a lot of women over the years—how did you know Sarah was the one?
His friend had smiled and assured Boone that if it ever happened for him, he would definitely know it. When you find the right woman, everything will click into place like that last puzzle piece. You’ll feel it the way to your toes. You won’t notice other women except to think how inferior they are to the one you’ve got. Going out with the guys is still fun, but staying in with her is even better. You can’t even contemplate life without her, so you put a ring on her finger and keep her forever.
Boone had scoffed as his buddy waxed poetic, but now he understood. That last puzzle piece was the girl he was looking at right now. The girl who’d gotten under his skin from day one. The one he wanted to keep forever.
It wasn’t the right time to say it, though. Not with so much uncertainty facing them in the coming weeks. He needed to get the meeting with his mom behind him, and he had to make it through the season, either on the ice or off. So no, not now. But someday soon.
He brought his focus back to what Jolene was waiting to hear about.
“It’s actually been a good couple of days,” he told her. “Coach started me out by myself and ran me through a bunch of drills. We started slow, but ramped it up when he saw I could take it. Once I was good and tired the trainers did an assessment, and you’ll be happy to hear they were shocked at how good I felt.”
Her smile was jubilant. “I knew you were going to blow them away.”
“Jax says it’s a miracle. I don’t know, maybe it is. All I know is I’m not having any headaches at all. Not even when I’m really exerting myself.”