“Yes, I will feel indebted.” She was frowning. “If I don’t get you killed out there. You’re being stupid.”
“That won’t happen. You’ll protect me and we’ll be able to chart another memorable experience to remember.” He turned to Fitz. “Just introduce me to the crowd at the gates and let me entertain them for a bit. Okay?”
“Okay.” Fitz shrugged and looked at Jessie. “It will probably work, you know. This town is celebrity-crazy. But I have guys out there who will back us up if it doesn’t.”
“No,” Jessie said flatly. “If Brice is going to do this, I’ll be the one who guards him.”
“Not necessary,” Brice said. “I’m coming right back. I’m a featured attraction at this shindig, remember?”
Fitz turned on the flashers. “Let’s get these fine people . . .
who . . .” He paused a moment as he suddenly glanced at Archie, who was sitting very straight and looking very curious as to what was going on around him. Then Fitz smiled and started again. “Let’s get these fine people . . .” He nodded at the robot. “. . . as well as their illustrious companion, safely to their homes . . .”
EPILOGUE
THREE MONTHS LATER
WINDSOR, ENGLAND
Where have you been?” Kendra asked as she slammed the door of the Range Rover and turned to Lynch in the driver’s seat. “You tell me that you’re going to take me to say goodbye to Stevie, and you’re two hours late. I was getting very nervous.” She tensed as a thought occurred to her. “Something went wrong? They’re not going to set her up in that safe house in Washington?”
“I didn’t say that,” Lynch said. “Stop worrying.” He bent forward and gave her a kiss. “It just took a little longer than I thought to arrange, and I knew you’d be fretting if Stevie wasn’t properly settled.”
“Yes, I would.” Kendra relaxed a little but was still frowning. “Even though I’m not sure this arrangement could be considered either proper or settled. But I still want to say goodbye. We’vebeen through so much together since we first met.” She made a face. “And Stevie had so many reporters and diplomats at that damn farewell dinner last night, I barely got to talk to her.”
“I noticed that.” He was driving down the road now. “But it’s only what you’d expect after all the notoriety from that Wembley incident. She’s famous all over the world.”
“I guess you’re right,” She shook her head. “But I’m a little worried about what she might have to go through once they all start officially ‘handling’ her.”
He sighed. “Why did I know that was coming?”
“Be quiet.” She punched his arm lightly with her fist. “IlikeStevie. I worry about people I care about. I’m not like you, who tends to knock out anyone who gets in his way instead of trying to solve the problem.”
“You’re maligning me, and I thought we were getting along so well.” He smiled at her. “But I forgive you because you still don’t realize how sensitive I am. I’ll even allow you to make amends in the ways that we find the most entertaining when you discover how wrong you are.”
“I can hardly wait. And when is that fantastic discovery going to take place?”
Lynch pointed to the airport just ahead. “Do you see that sleek wonder of an Airbus sitting on the runway?”
“I could hardly miss it,” she said dryly. “Which billionaire decided to drop in for tea?”
“Actually, I requested a loan from the owner to come by and pick up Stevie to take her to her safe house. Do you think she’ll like it?”
“I’ve no idea,” Kendra said. “I doubt it. She didn’t impress me as a materialist. Remember? She said that she could be amultibillionaire herself if she sold the rights to her robot. Is that plane where I’m supposed to say goodbye to her? Is she waiting for me?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Lynch put on the brakes and sat there staring at the plane. “I’m afraid I may have done something that will irritate you. I didn’t exactly tell you the truth.”
Kendra’s eyes widened. “Exactly? It’s yes or no.” Then she tilted her head, and a smile touched her lips. “What are you up to, Lynch?”
“Becauseexactlyreally is the right word. Stevie is waiting for you on the plane, but not for you to come say goodbye to her.” He grinned. “We smuggled her onto that plane early this morning. I told her that I didn’t want her to see you because that would draw attention to her presence here. I wanted Archie and her to slip away and get settled before all the fireworks started over her departure. I knew both of you would be disappointed, but it’s only for a little while. In a few minutes, you’ll get out of the car and go to the tarmac and Stevie will see you and you’ll both wave goodbye and bon voyage.” He added gently. “I promise there will be lots of hellos and goodbyes in the future for both of you. I’ll just have to work out how best to arrange it. You’re both in a rather difficult situation at the moment.”
“And you’re confusing the hell out of me,” Kendra said. “I thought the principal difficulties were over. So tell me what you’re doing. Make it simple.”
“Simple?” Lynch repeated. “Okay, here goes . . .” He paused and then dove in. “Stevie thinks the idea of those politicians shipping her to Washington sucks. She wants her life, and skills, and privacy back. She also wants Archie to be totally hers again and not a toy for the world to play with.” He was starting tosmile. “And I believe you want that for her, too. I could see it growing in you day by day as you watched all those self-important officials trying to use her to glorify themselves.”
Kendra slowly nodded. “Anyone could see it. But it would be very difficult to arrange what she needs.”
“Maybe not so hard. I’ve had more complex problems to solve in my career. So I thought I’d set up a way to do it and then give both of you the chance to accept or refuse. Shall I tell you about it?”
