Page 55 of Gunner

“What of your father, Jack?”

Gunner saw Jack clench his jaw and hated that his friend was being pushed into this position.

“Well, as James knows, my father was behind the blackmail with Gunner, and he will need to be dealt with, but until I have proof, my hands are tied. If you would prefer someone else to take over your protection and security, I would fully understand.”

“Good lord no, the sins of the father should not taint the sons. Gosh, if my ancestors judged me, I would be doomed to failure.”

Her Majesty cocked her head as she looked at Blake and then back to Jack. “I trust your team, Jack, and you. If I didn’t, you would not be here now. It takes courage and backbone to do what you do, and you have saved my life and that of my family more times than I can count in the last five years, ensuring the safety and security of the monarchy in multiple ways. No, you have proved yourself to me, Jack. There is no need to lambast yourself for your father’s ill deeds.”

The Queen stood, and they followed, as she crossed her hands in front of her in a familiar gesture. “I concur with your plan. See that it is carried out immediately and please keep James abreast of the situation.”

Jack dipped his head. “Yes, Ma’am, of course.”

Her head turned to Blake. “Do bring Grace next time you visit. I would love to meet her.”

“Of course, Ma’am.”

Her eyes focused on him and Gunner felt like she could see through to his soul. “Having a family member threatened is a harrowing thing. I am so glad your sister is well, and I understand she is doing well now?”

“Yes, Ma’am, she is doing very well indeed.”

“Good. Now you must excuse me, my new lady in waiting is going to show me a few self-defence moves. Isn’t that exciting.”

Jack went a little pale but inclined his head. “Very.”

The Queen motioned for James to escort them out and after bowing one more time, they made their way back toward the car.

“James, keep her here and have Astrid stay close. How many of Osbourne’s men are at Sandringham?”

“Two.”

“I’ll be in touch later but if anything changes at all or if you get a feeling, let me know.”

“I will, Jack.”

“I should stay.” Gunner looked at Blake, who had made the offer.

“I think that’s a good idea. You know this place better than we do and can stay close and hidden. I don’t like leaving two of the highest-ranking Royals with just Astrid no matter how good she is. If Osbourne gets suspicious, he could strike before we have a chance to end this.”

“Agreed.” Blake turned to James. “Do you have a secure office I can use to talk with the team?”

“Yes, use mine.”

With that settled, the four men went their separate ways. Gunner didn’t like the idea of Blake without the team, but he knew Astrid would have his back and all the more because of Pax.

They were in the car on their way back to Hereford and Jack had the entire team patch in on a call while he drove so he could co-ordinate the next part of this very delicate operation. Gunner knew the slightest slip and it would be an international disaster. The fate of the Crown was literally in their hands. His part in this would be crucial, and yet he didn’t feel the normal doubt in his ability to do the job well. He just wanted to get it done so he could rid Lacey of the threat Carmine was to her and begin the next chapter of what he hoped would be a beautiful life with the woman he loved.

Thinking of her, he saw a text come through.

Lacey: Going to the house with Bebe to check over the damage. Talk later. Love you.

There was nothing wrong with the text, in fact, it was pretty innocuous, yet he had a bad feeling in his gut even though they’d already discussed her going there. He still hadn’t found Carmine Russo and had a feeling Osbourne was helping him. He didn’t want Lacey out of the house without him, but he couldn’t keep her locked up like a criminal when the real criminal walked free. The best he could do was make sure she had people with her who were experienced with threats and Bebe was one of the best, and he had asked Liam to keep an eye out too.

Questioning of the men they’d caught after the fire had yielded little help, and they’d been passed on to the local authorities through Aubrey. Lacey was as safe as he could make her, and the tracker he’d slipped in her boots ensured he could always find her if the worst were ever to happen. Not that he allowed himself to go there.

As they made it back to Hereford, he shot off another text to her and was relieved to hear she was back home and having a girl’s night with the other Eidolon wags as they called themselves. He sent a final text to say it would be a late one and he’d see her later, and then he concentrated all his attention on the job.