Andy added, “And producing the trigger set up by Pierre to bring on the trance.”
“I’m slipping Andy. I should have looked for these as soon as she told me what was happening.”
Andy looked at Danny Mac and saw the burden he carried to keep Kenann safe.
Surveying the damage, he said, “I will not see that look on Kenann’s face again. As soon as we are back from our honeymoon, we are going after these people.”
“What do you mean back from your honeymoon? You seriously aren’t considering going off on your own?” Andy was incredulous.
“Well, I am not taking you on my honeymoon. But I might as well. I’ve got a whole contingency assigned by Carter. It is worth it for the simple fact that Carter is not getting his way on this. He wanted me to forget the honeymoon.”
“Where are you going?”
“Jake’s cabin in the Ozarks.” Danny Mac said.
Andy threw his hands in the air and turned in a circle. “Could you find anyplace more remote? Jeez, Danny.”
“Jake has made sure there is firepower in the cabin. We will be fine. If anyone gets by Carters ring of steel, they’ll have to come through me to get to Kenann.”
“Well, at least let me create a diversion.”
“Go for it but run it by Carter first. I promised him no going rogue.”
“What do you and Carter have cooked up?” Andy asked.
“We may take this group on a merry chase.” Danny Mac provided.
“Expound.”
Danny Mac explained. “I want to take advantage of having them on the defensive. We have started here and are building a profile of anything suspicious in Memphis. Anything that doesn’t fit. Then we are going to take our show on the road. We will send in a forward team to do some recon. We will build a profile based on changes in the local chatter or behavior. In this way they will hopefully give us a ‘tell’. Angelo … David,” He corrected himself, “will be here tomorrow. This group sees us as the team that put them on the run. And this is the team that is going to hunt them down.”
* * *
They picked up Jake and filled him in on the way. He reminded Danny Mac that even though he was more than welcome to use the cabin, he was relieved that there would be security on site and that they were being led by Johnson and Whitaker who had been with Andy in Egypt. Andy investigated cell service and breathed easier that a strong signal was available there. He transferred the men’s cell numbers to Danny Mac. He asked Danny Mac to agree to text them to check in. That would be the extent of their intrusion on him and Kenann’s honeymoon, Andy promised. Danny Mac pinned him with his gaze.
“I promise!” He protested.
Danny Mac’s look had said it all. Andy made a mental note to threaten his men with court martial if they made their presence known to Kenann in any way.
It was late by the time the men made it to Mrs. Gage’s. They were let into the parlor and a few minutes later the women filed in, dressed in robes and slippers. The men collectively grinned at them.
“Aren’t you all cute.” Andy said.
He was pinned by a look from ‘she who must be obeyed’. He raised his hands in supplication and mouthed to Judy, ‘What’? Judy just grinned back at him. Her eyes never left his face.
“Gentlemen, report please.” Mrs. Gage was all business despite her attire. Kenann’s eyes still looked bruised in her pale face. Granny wore the look of warrior.
Danny Mac took over. “As anticipated, there were no identifiers left behind but I did find the transmitters they used to convince you that you were hearing voices.”
Kenann nodded and stared at the devices in Danny Mac’s hand.
Danny Mac continued, “The police did a nice job going over the scene and agreed to contact Andy if they come up with anything while Kenann and I are away.”
“Away?!” The women spoke as one. Except Kenann. She looked at Danny Mac with relief and love. He had guessed right. It was exactly what she needed.
Andy rescued him. “It will be fine. We have taken precautions. For once, Mrs. Gage, you will have to trust us to handle this.”
“I am not accustomed to relying on anyone but myself.”
Jake mumbled, “Tell me about it.” Mrs. Gage cut him a withering look but said nothing.
“Very well then. Kenann are you comfortable with this?”
Kenann never took her eyes from Danny Mac and whispered, “Yes.”
Danny Mac winked at her and her heart did a monumental flip and dropped to her feet.
Danny Mac turned to the others in the room. “I told Andy to make sure Carter is ready as soon as we are back. I also told him we would all be available to him?”
No one spoke. Their mutual determination was evident.
He added, “This has to end.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The day dawned cool and crisp for September in Memphis. The ceremony was set for 12:30 with reception following. Danny Mac and Andy picked up Angelo at the airport that morning. Danny Mac gave him a suit to wear and asked Angelo to be part of the security detail. Johnson and Whitaker and other agents donned their suits and were good at blending in as the guests arrived. Upstairs Kenann sat quietly with Granny looking out the window. Granny was concerned at Kenann’s lack of obvious nerves.
“What are you thinking, honey?”
“Oh, just what it would be like if Mom and Dad were here. Wonder if they would have made time to come?”
“They didn’t do right by you and I’m not proud to admit it. We both know they did the best they were capable of.”
“They probably should never have had kids, huh Granny?”
“But I thank God every day they did.” Kenann went into Granny’s arms. She did not cry. She simply wanted the comfort.
“You have always been my center, Granny.”
“Now you have Danny Mac for that.”
“What if I disappoint him? What if he decides he made a mistake?”
“Oh sweetheart, I am not going to make empty promises. Marriage is hard work and there will be bumps. But you two are determined enough and stubborn enough to work them out. He adores you, Kenann. He is not infatuated with you. He truly needs you. Open yourself to what he is offering. And believe a little bit in yourself, kid.”
Kenann sighed, “Wow, big day, huh?”
“Yes, it is. One of the biggest and I am so glad I am here to see it happen.”
Kenann took a deep breath and stood up. She held out her hand to Granny and said, “Let’s get this party started.”
Mrs. Gage and Judy were waiting in the adjoining room. They all admired each other and their choice of colors and gowns. Mrs. Gage and Granny were in the same midnight blue but different styles. Judy was gorgeous with her hair swept up and a strapless gown of softly draped mauve material that complimented her skin tone perfectly.
They encircled Kenann to inspect and admire. Her gown was simple and draped in the same soft folds to the floor. The cap sleeves and heart shaped bodice was adorned with small pearls. Her head piece was closely fitted and adorned with the small pearls. Her veil had been altered at the last minute by executive decision. It was opaque and covered her face and hair. It was part of Andy’s plan.
They all heard the music begin and joined hands in their circle. Mrs. Gage, as always, rallied her troops.
“Kenann, we are all honored to share this day with you. You are a part of our hearts and our lives. And don’t ever forget, we’ve got your back.”
Kenann laughed, “You guys are the best. Who couldn’t be the happiest girl in the world with what I have here and what is waiting for me down there?”
Judy pushed down with her hands and pulled up with “Go team!”
Everyone laughed and holding hands they walked down the wide gothic stairs side by side and into the Ballroom laid out for the reception to follow. Blade was waiting there looking handsome in his tuxedo and holding the open Bible where their two rings lay. The ceremony was to be held outside in the garden. The audience
made up entirely of people from the church family. Mrs. Gage waited for the appropriate musical cue. She walked through the center French doors across the patio and down the stairs. She paused before she entered the aisle created by white chairs leading to where Jake, Danny Mac and Andy waited. Jake winked at her. She smiled back and thought how tired she was of fighting her battles alone.
Andy beamed when he saw Judy come through the doors. Their eyes met and never wavered as she walked toward him. In their hearts this marked a special time of celebration for them as well. New found love. Blade walked stiffly through to the patio monitoring his sacred trust of the rings. He wasn’t this nervous when they bound him and placed him on the sacrificial slab in Egypt. Of course, he had always known Danny Mac would save him. This was all on him to get those rings down there without dropping them. Almost there. One more step. Okay, now stand where they told you beside Jake. No time to practice. Done. When he finally looked up everyone was smiling. Mission accomplished. He blew out his breath and Jake chuckled beside him.
The music swelled and Jake raised his hands to signal everyone to stand. Granny James and Kenann stepped out of the French doors and paused for the briefest of seconds. It was as if they both wanted to savor it before proceeding. In that moment Danny Mac felt everyone and everything fade away. It was if he saw his life and his past with pure clarity. He was meant to come here to this place, this day and to this woman.
Kenann’s opaque veil did not hide her glow. She couldn’t help it, she started laughing with delight. She could almost feel the bricks falling away from her emotional prison cell. At the sound of her laughter others began to smile. It was infectious. By the time she reached Danny Mac everyone was smiling or laughing and feeling pretty good about life.
They stopped in front of Jake who asked the traditional question, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”
Granny lifted up Kenann’s veil. Looking at her she said, “I do.”
They smiled at each other. Granny took Kenann’s hand and Danny Mac’s hand and brought them together. Without another word, she took her place on the front row. Jake motioned for everyone to be seated.
Kenann and Danny Mac went through the motions, answering all the questions and saying the vows but they became truly united in the questions and answers they gave through their eyes. You know I love you. Yes. I do. I will always be there for you. I know. And you know what a nut I can be at times. Yes, and that is one of the things I love about you. We are going to make it. Yes, we will.
“May I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Daniel MacKenzie. Daniel, you may now kiss your bride.”
He smiled at her. She smiled back. His kiss was tender. Kenann, forgetting everyone but Danny Mac, felt herself begin to drift. When he raised his head, she swayed, and everyone broke into laughter. They turned and Danny Mac raised their joined hands in a sign of triumph. The watchers had not been able to penetrate the security to join this gathering despite their leader’s express demand. The crowd clapped as they went down the aisle to the veranda to greet their guests. They were joined by the rest of the wedding party. Leading the group was Granny and Blade arm in arm, followed by Judy and Andy then Mrs. Gage and Jake. They stood in a circle of hands for a moment, each thinking similar thoughts. Their bond had been forged through adversity, but it was thriving out of love, undying loyalty and devotion to each other. We are family.
The reception was as lighthearted and fun as the ceremony. There were lots of food and libations. Johnson, Whitaker and Angelo checked the perimeter frequently as well as inside the massive house. Nothing concerning at this point. Mrs. Gage’s subtle security was on the job as well.
Andy had devised a diversion for the first part of his plan to keep Kenann safe. Andy and Judy made the announcement that they were going to chauffeur the bride and groom to their honeymoon suite and went out to get the car. They slipped in through a garage entrance, and hurriedly switched clothes with Danny Mac and Kenann. They then entered the limousine with darkened windows and brought it around to wait at the front door. Andy and Judy complete in their disguise with amazingly accurate wigs. The rest of the crew was given strict instructions to bombard them with rice as the “bride and groom” raced with their heads down to the waiting car. Once inside they sped away to the cheers of the crowd. Both Andy and Danny Mac were watching for tails. None were overt. Danny Mac made his way through town to the Carlisle where Andy had a room. They said their goodbyes and best wishes from the confines of the car as they parked under the portico. The faux bride and groom exited and kept their heads together and down as they went into the lobby. They caught the elevator being held by Andy’s backup. He had called in help in case the ruse worked too well, and they came after him or Judy before they realized they had been duped.
Meanwhile, as soon as Andy and Judy were out of the car, Danny Mac sped away toward I 40 and their Ozark mountain honeymoon cottage. Neither spoke until they crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas. Kenann blew out a huge breath and laid her head back on the headrest.
She asked, “Now what?”
“We stop in West Memphis and change vehicles – just in case.”
“I sure hope our stuff made it into this car. Wonder how Andy and Judy are doing?”
“To your first question, never fear. I did it myself and to your second question I would say they are doing fine. But more importantly I am saying that for the next week, no one exists except you and me.”
Kenann looked over and studied Danny Mac as he drove. He never took his eyes from the road but asked, “What?”
“Oh, just looking at my husband. Saying that is going to take some getting used to.”
“Just shut your mind off and relax. Don’t overthink us. We are good together and we will stay good together till death do us part. And we might even have a little fun.”
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Okay, buddy, I tried to warn you. You are so totally stuck now.” She didn’t see the grin that spread across his face.
* * *
The blood boiled in the veins of the man sitting behind a bank of monitor screens. He watched the bride and groom make their way into the elevator through the lens of the man behind the front desk. He willed his breathing to slow. His smile was chilling - feral. Revenge for the attack on the Order would be sweet. But first he would torment and torture.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Andy couldn’t resist, and scooped Judy up in his arms as soon as he had his hotel door opened and carried her across the threshold. She giggled like a school girl. The thought went through her mind that she never giggles. Well, not until she met Andy. He tossed her on the bed and leaped beside her.
“This is giving me all kind of ideas, girlfriend.”
“Do you realize how gay that sounds? Calling me girlfriend?”
“Well, you are my girlfriend, aren’t you?”
She faltered just a little then laughed, “Well, I guess I am.”
“You guess?”
“I am.” They lay side by side and grinned at each other.
“Andy?”
“Hmmmm?”
“I have issues.”
“Who doesn’t?”
She sat up and turned to him, the wedding dress rustling between them. “I’m not sure I can have sex with you.”
He coughed and sat up himself. “Uh, I wasn’t really going to . . .uh …”
“No, I don’t mean right now. I mean I am not sure if I ever can.”
“Okay?” stretching the word out in question. He kept his face calm and as impassive as possible as he waited for her to elaborate.
She heaved a huge sigh as she looked down. In for a penny, in for a pound, Granny James always said. “My only experience was multiple rapes as a teenager, and I have never let myself get close to anyone until now.”
He longed to reach out but was afraid to spook her. His mind scrambled searching for the right words and fast. This explained so much.
“Judy.” Andy paused, “The
re is nothing. Nothing,” he repeated, “that we can’t work through. I am,” he struggled desperately for the right word, “Honored, that I am your first.”
“How can you say that?”
“Look, I am your first. Whatever happened was not of your doing. You were not involved. And we can put it behind us.”
“How do you know? What if I am . . . frigid?”
He almost laughed but caught himself. “Judy, have you frozen up when we kiss? Or when I hold you in my arms?”
“Well, no.”
“Then when we make love, we will take it slow, as slow as you need, and we will be fine.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Yes, I do.” He paused just long enough and said, “So do you want to fool around?”
She laughed which was his intent, but then he asked gently, “Want to talk about it?”
She looked at him for a moment and started, “I was part of a youth group at church. The preacher took some of us to Europe on a mission trip the summer after my senior year of high school. He found ways to get me alone several times that summer. He said he had God given needs.” She choked on the last words and started to cry. He didn’t hesitate this time but pulled her into his arms.
“I want his name.”
“No, Andy. Leave it alone.”
“I am going to kill him.”
She jerked back and saw how deadly serious he was. He repeated, “I want his name.”
“He is already dead.”
“Liar.”
“Andy, I don’t need you to complicate this whole thing by going psycho on me.”
“Trust me, I am very clear.”
“Andy, let it go. I should have done something when it happened. I know that. But I was sick and in shock. I never told anyone until this summer. I told Mrs. Gage and Jake. I knew I had to get it off my back if I was going to be any good to Kenann. That sick jerk may not be dead, but he had a massive stroke when I went to college and sits slobbering in a nursing home. My only regret is he never paid for what he did.”
“Well, maybe he did.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Once In Awhile Page 5