AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you so much to Mr. Novak for letting me perform. When I heard that Senator Pratchett was going to be here tonight, I told him I absolutely had to sing. Growing up, he was like an uncle to me because my daddy worked for his campaign. And a little birdie tells me it’s his birthday today.”
I raise an eyebrow. What is happening? Judging by Pratchett’s reaction today is not his birthday.
“Zara, honey. Come on up here, won’t you?”
I burst into a grin and look at Pratchett with all the fake adoration I can muster. The governor is standing two tables away from us and Hunter Novak is nearby, looking our way, too. He’ll embarrass himself if he doesn’t let me go.
“Don’t do anything stupid or you’ll live long enough to regret it.”
I squeeze his arm and make my way to the stage where I take the second mic Skylar offers me. As I do, I spot Luke standing near the back entrance, and my heart nearly shatters. His eyes are wild, and he looks exhausted, but I don’t dare let my eyes linger. Instead, I find Pratchett and smile wide.
“Chuck, this one’s for you. I know your wife—may she rest in peace—would appreciate it.”
To the crowd I say, “Let’s all sing the senator Happy Birthday.”
As the crowd begins a raucous rendition of the classic song, the lights go out and chaos ensues. Two arms wrap around my shoulders—one from either side. I’m sandwiched between two people, and I can only pray they’re the good guys.
“When we get to the hallway, you’re going to run like hell for the exit sign. It will still be lit. Someone is waiting for you and Luke won’t be too far behind.” I’ve only ever heard him speak a handful of times, but I know one of the men currently helping me off stage is Victor Serrano.
We reach the hall, and both people let go of me. “Run,” Victor whispers. And I do. I run as fast as my legs will take me and push through the door.
Jeanie is waiting next to a limo, and her scowl morphs into a relieved smile. “Get in, Ms. Blaire. We have to move fast.”
I dive into the open backseat, just as a bullet hits the frame. Jeanie is behind the wheel in seconds, and we drive as fast as we can. Which isn’t very fast because we’re on a side street about to turn onto the strip.
“We’ll be safe once we get onto the strip, and we’re just going to drive until Mr. Bowden says otherwise. You gave everyone quite a scare when they realized you never actually made it to London.”
I heave a sigh of relief and then burst into laughter that I can’t control. But it seems better than tears at this point. Jeanie is staring at me in her mirror as if I’ve lost my mind, and perhaps I have.
“I can’t believe I was actually going to sing that bastard happy birthday,” I say between bouts of laughter.
“Who?” she asks as she eases the limo into another lane. “I think you better have some water. There’s some in the door.”
I suck in a deep breath and force myself to stop laughing while I open a bottle of spring water.
When I’m calm, I take a long drink. “You weren’t inside the ball?” I ask, setting the bottle aside.
“Nope. Mr. Bowden was supposed to wait in the limo, but then he realized you might be in there, so they made a few changes and he called and asked if I wanted to help get you out.”
“I really hope he gives you a fucking raise after this.”
She grins at me in the mirror. “Oh, he did. Way more than necessary, too.”
We drive for what feels like an hour before Jeanie finally gets a call. But it’s not from Luke.
“Yes, Sir, Mr. Thorne.”
“What did Owen want?” I ask when she ends the call and flips her turn signal on.
“Wants us to head for the Sandwich shop and wait there. Said someone would be there to let us in.”
“Is Luke OK?” My gut twists, and I can’t think about anything happening to him.
“Didn’t say. I’ll ask if they call again.”
I nod and lean back against the seat and close my eyes.
When we reach the familiar parking lot a little while later, someone I don’t recognize is waiting by the door.
