Assignment: Bodyguard

“It’s not over yet, is it?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Where do we go from here?” she asked, gripping his hands to ward off the trembles moving through her body.

“I’m working on that. The shooter is in the hospital and under police custody but he’s still unconscious. Our people and the police have gotten statements from all the eyewitnesses, but no one has come forward yet with any solid explanations or motives.” He leaned close then, his words a whisper in her ear. “And I’m not so sure you’re safe, even here.”

Shocked, she pulled back. “You can’t be serious.”

His touch moved up her arms, protective and intimate. “I think you’re still in danger.”

“But this is Eagle Rock. I’ve always felt safe here.”

“Things have changed,” he retorted, his eyes locking with hers, one hand going to his stomach as if he were in pain. “I’ve got a bad feeling.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“I have a plan, if you’re willing to trust me.” Holding her shoulders again, he leaned forward and asked, “How would you like to run away with me?”

FOUR

Katherine opened her mouth but her words only came out in a whisper. “What do you mean?”

“As I said, I’m not so sure you’re safe in Austin, even here at Eagle Rock. Devon’s wife Lydia was attacked here a couple of years ago, before they were married. They were on the run and came here to hide.”

“I remember. Mother told me their story. Devon had a target on his back and Lydia got caught in the cross-fire. And it involved Eli Trudeau’s grandfather Pierre Savoy.”

“Yes, because his grandfather—the Peacemaker and one of the founding members of CHAIM—wanted them both dead so he planted someone on the inside to do the job, or at least to kill Lydia.”

“You don’t think—?”

“I’m not paid to just think. I’m paid to act. Someone smuggled a weapon into that room tonight in spite of our best security measures. It had to be someone above suspicion but with easy access to the event. And that means the same person could also reach you here. So as I said, I have a plan but your father and his cronies won’t like it. Are you interested?”

Katherine looked around at the place where she’d always come for extended visits growing up. While the Andersons lived here year round and took care of the compound, Eagle Rock was like her second home. She’d spent so much time here and never once had she questioned her safety.

Until now.

Should she trust the CHAIM system or the man who’d broken into this room to make sure she was all right? The same man who’d saved her life tonight?

“How can I be sure of anything?” she asked.

“You can’t. Nor can I. I usually rely on my experience and my training, my instincts and…a lot of prayer.”

“I’ve been praying since this happened. I’m hoping God will give me understanding until we can find out why this is happening to me.”

“That’s my job,” he said, “if you’re willing to trust me and let me do that job.”

She looked up at Shane, her hands trembling again. He took her hand in his, waiting for her answer.

“What did you have in mind?” she finally asked.

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Well, first, we have to break out of Eagle Rock. And after that, well, we’ll be on our own until I can do some digging and put all the pieces together. But Kit, I can’t do this if you don’t feel…if you aren’t sure.”

She didn’t know if it was because she was in shock or just tired of fighting, but she shook her head, her blood pulsing back to life. “I’m not sure.”

He looked disappointed, but he nodded understanding. “Then we’ll go to plan B.”

“And what is that?”

He gave her a soft grin. “I’ll just have to take you hostage.”

“You’re not serious.”

“No. But it’s tempting.”

“But won’t we be in even more danger out there?”

“Not where I’m going,” he said. He rubbed his stomach. “I can’t shake this feeling.”

She faced him, her world tumbling and crashing much too fast. She wasn’t used to this. She liked stability and structure and calendars and committees. Those things kept her on track and helped her to focus on helping others. But how could she be a good steward if she was putting everyone in danger?

The room was still and hushed, but Shane didn’t push her. The silence didn’t seem to faze him. She supposed he was used to silence.

Finally, she swallowed, pushing away the solid wall of fear. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it. I don’t think I have any choice. I didn’t take these threats seriously before, but if that man was after me then my presence at that gala put others in danger. Maybe it would be best if you and I did leave.”

He lowered his head. “Is that a yes?”

Her prayers lifted with each heartbeat. “Yes.”

He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Okay, we’re going to have to act very quickly and I need you to do exactly as I say. Are you up to it?”

“I want my life back,” she said. “And Shane, I think my father hired the right man to make that happen, regardless of how you make it happen.”

He took her hand in his and kissed it, then bowed deep. “At your service, Madame. Now let’s get you into some decent traveling clothes. And pack a bag. We’ll be gone for a while.”

Katherine hurried to change, her mind whirling with a renewed awareness. Her trembling had shifted to nervous energy, but she couldn’t decide if she was running away from danger or using that as an excuse to run right into Shane Warwick’s waiting arms.

Kit’s mind raced with worry and anticipation, her prayers scattered. Worry that she was making a drastic mistake and anticipation that she would finally be free of the yoke of propriety that had held her since she was presented as Cotillion Queen back during her college years.

“How are you coming in there?” Shane asked from the sitting room, his pacing making her even more nervous.

Kit put on her watch and her pearls—silly but necessary for her sanity. “I’m almost ready.”

Was she? Kit knew how to pack a light travel bag. She usually kept things packed and ready to go at home, since she sometimes had to travel at a moment’s notice. But here at Eagle Rock, things were different. Her mother and Lulu Anderson kept clothes here in various sizes for all the wives of the CHAIM agents—maybe because Sally Mae instinctively knew her friends might have to leave quickly? But Kit was so confused, she could only stare at the huge walk-in closet full of feminine things. What to take?

Black, she decided. A lady could never go wrong with black, even when she was on the run from someone who obviously wanted her dead. Trying to keep her head with a little bit of humor, she grabbed a slinky black travel set—pants and a matching lightweight duster. That would work on the run, wouldn’t it? After adding a few other things, she grabbed an overnight bag from a shelf then stood still, the enormity of her situation making her numb.

She whirled to find Shane staring at her from the doorway. “Don’t analyze your wardrobe, Katherine. We have no time for that.”