“Thank God.” Nicky closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the top of my head. “Why in the hell would they want to kidnap Kyra?”
“Leverage,” another policeman replied in clipped tone. “Holding her for ransom or to illustrate how violently they oppose change would’ve been the goal. The purposes of these groups—of any terrorists—are to disrupt and to cause panic, and their plan for that weekend in November was designed to do just that. The bomb they planted would have a high casualty rate, including, they hoped, the Duke of Kendal, and then they would also take the Duchess. In the wake of all that, they felt their cause would gain maximum exposure.”
“But they failed.” Commander Pratt softened his tone. “The bomb’s placement meant that while sadly, tragically, there was loss of life, it was not nearly to the extent that they had expected or hoped. And they were not successful in capturing the Duchess, and the resulting tightening of security and intensified investigation means that they’ve had to go deeper underground.”
“We sense that this was a matter of a one-shot deal: when they made a move, they had to make it count, because in order to do it, they were forced to come out from hiding and reveal something of the nature of their group.” The man to my left spoke up. “Ultimately, we can use the information to force them out into the light, as it were.”
“But there will be danger still,” added Commander Pratt. “That’s why we’re increasing coverage for all members of the Royal Family and asking that both you, sir, and the Duchess as well, limit your engagement calendar to smaller, more local visits.”
Nicky exhaled. “We’re supposed to represent Her Majesty in Canada in April. I would think that getting out of the country might be safer.”
“Unfortunately, sir, that’s not the case. Maintaining security in another nation is more complicated, and our newest intelligence indicates that this group is not confined to the UK. We’re not dealing with domestic terrorism here; it’s international.” Commander Pratt’s voice was tinged with regret. “We’ve been working with the Palace, of course, and the decision has been made to postpone the trip to Canada. Your continued recovery will be referenced in explanation.”
Nicky grunted. “Makes me sound like an invalid. Won’t people wonder if there’s more going on than meets the eye?”
“Sir, we think this is in the best interest of both you and the Duchess, as well as the continuing investigation.” It was clear that this verdict was final. “Now, if you have any concerns or questions about the increased security measures, please don’t hesitate to ask. And as always, if there is something that comes up, something that either of you remember or information that you receive, please let us know immediately. We want to end this threat. The sooner, the better.”
“That felt like a colossal waste of time.” Nicky scowled as he pulled away from parking area at Kensington Palace. Normally, we would’ve walked to any meeting held here, but today’s weather was rainy and bitterly cold, so we’d opted to drive. It was a rare luxury to be in the car without our protection officers; the grounds of any royal palace were considered safe enough that we could be freer here.
“I think they’re doing their best.” I sighed, slumping in my seat. “But it was exhausting, I’ll give you that.” I was quiet for a moment. “I didn’t even bring up the possibility of going to the states to see my family. I’d hoped to visit this spring, since we didn’t see them at the holidays at all. I suppose that’s out of the question.”
“For now, yes.” Nicky’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. “Why don’t we invite them all over here, and you can have a little holiday at home? Play tourist.” He reached across for my hand. “As a matter of fact, I have a grand idea. We’ve been putting off visiting Cousin Anders to see about that estate.”
“Ihaven’t been putting it off,” I interrupted archly. “I’m not the one who had to change plans every time we were supposed to go.”
“I know. You’re right.” He raised my fingers to his lips and brushed a kiss over my knuckles. “But it was never intentional. Each time we were meant to go, I had to go work with Scotland Yard. They recommended that I should be taught basic defense maneuvers, given the nature of the threats they were receiving about me.” He gave a brief, humorless laugh. “As it turned out, they didn’t teach me how to outrun a bomb, and that was the one that nearly got me.”
I shivered. “Let’s bring this discussion back to a more pleasant topic. You were talking about a grand idea that had to do with Cousin Anders and the house in East Anglia.”
“Oh, yes.” Nicky smiled at me. “Why don’t we go this weekend? Since we’ve both been essentially grounded from duties further afield, this would be the perfect time to find a house and then get to work on it. If we’re able to figure out the details, then we could invite all of the Duncans over to help us settle in to our new digs—maybe in April or May. What do you think?”
I waited until Nicky had stopped the car alongside our own cozy cottage, and then I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to face him, twining my arms around his neck.
“I think your idea is brilliant, and you’re brilliant, and I’m brilliant for marrying you.” I kissed him once, hard on the mouth. “Let’s do it.”
“By all means, yes, let’s do it.” Nicky’s eyes went dark with desire. “I don’t have any plans for the rest of the afternoon.”
I swatted his shoulder. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Prince Nicholas. I meant, let’s arrange to go see Cousin Anders and then invite my clan over to help us christen the house.”
“I was afraid that was what you meant, but then again, you can’t blame a guy for trying.” Nicky winked at me. “All right. Let’s go inside, and I’ll call Anders.”
“Fabulous.” I climbed out of the car and waited until we’d both reached the front door before adding, “And then once you’ve made the call ... maybe we can see about putting your mind back in the gutter.”
He snickered and caught me by the hips, tugging me close against him. “I knew I could make you see things my way, Ky. I’m very persuasive, in case you haven’t noticed.”
I snorted. “Oh, believe me, darling, I’ve noticed.” I pressed against him, giggling as I felt the evidence of his interest in my suggestion. “It’s hard not to notice.”
“Then I’m doing something right.” He released me and opened our door, swatting me lightly on the backside as he added, “I’ll be about five minutes on the phone with Anders. If you’re in bed before I’m done, I’ll reward you.”
With a breathless laugh, I took off for the steps, slowing only as I heard my husband call out the rest of his promise.
“And if you’re naked in bed, extra points and extra reward.”
I climbed the steps, answering him as I went.
“Nicky, sweetheart, I do love your manner of motivation!”
“MAMA, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVEthe house.” My phone in my hand as I curled on my side in the huge bed I shared with my husband, I smiled, eager to share about our new home with my mother. “It’s got acres of ground, and Nicky and I are already talking about what I can do with that—I’d like to use it for some really cutting-edge ideas when it comes to farming processes. It could eventually be a place where I could invite others in and demonstrate what we’re doing. The gardens nearer the house need some serious work, but again, that will be a labor of love.”
