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They parked a short while later and Anne slipped on an oversize pair of designer sunglasses. She glanced at Blane. “I’m ready for my closeup, Mr. Demille.” She pursed her lips and tilted her head.
He cracked up. “You certainly are.” He gave her a quick kiss. “You look amazing,” he said softly enough so the agents wouldn’t hear.
Everyone unloaded from the SUVs, the press from a couple of large passenger vans. Once she was out of the car, Anne could hear the noise.
It was the crowd. Her eyes widened and grew even wider as they entered the stadium through the underground tunnel.
The stadium was almost full. Only the very top seats were empty. There was a stage set up in the middle of the field and people surrounded it, filling up the green space. There was a clear path to the stage, which they followed to cheers from the crowd. Someone was already on the stage, speaking, and she realized it was the governor. Several white folding chairs were lined up behind him.
Blane took her hand, and they climbed the stairs together and took seats.
The governor was revving up the crowd, holding a cordless microphone and pacing the stage, alternately facing different directions. He said a lot of good things as he introduced Blane to thunderous applause.
Blane got up, quarterback smile on full display, and waved to the crowd. He’d been fitted with a wireless earpiece mic. He began his opening remarks, pausing several times for applause.
Anne sat with her ankles crossed, hands in her lap. She’d wiped off the Resting Bitch Face and wore a small, proud smile as she watched Blane, acutely aware that eyes were always on her. And likely cameras, too, since this was her first public appearance with Blane.
Speaking of which…
“Before I go any further, I have something very special for you today,” Blane said. “I’d love for you to give a warm welcome, in her first public appearance by my side, my beautiful fiancée, Anne.”
He turned and beckoned for her but Anne was already on her feet and moving toward him. She smiled with all the straight, white teeth her parents had paid for, and waved. Not a vigorous hand flap, but a controlled wave that her mother had given her a crash course on before leaving home. She stopped by Blane’s side as he slid an arm around her waist and placed a kiss on her cheek. The crowd went wild. It was overwhelming.
The applause was fading and Anne turned to head back to her chair when she heard it.
“Gun!”
She was tackled from behind as a shot rang out. Screams erupted in the crowd as she hit the ground, Blane on top of her. Fear iced her veins.
It was only a few seconds, but felt like forever before the weight was off of her and she was being pulled to her feet so forcefully, her feet left the ground. A Secret Service agent was on each side of her and each had one of her arms. Ahead, she saw two more agents hustling Blane off the stage.
Everything was a blur. Anne realized she was in shock. She barely walked, her toes brushing the ground as the agents rushed her out of the stadium and to the waiting SUV. When she got there, Blane was throwing aside his agents.
“Where is Anne?” he thundered. “I’m not going anywhere without her.”
“Here!” Anne called out, falling into his arms.
“Sir, please get in the SUV,” the agent practically begged.
Blane opened the door for her as if they were on a date. Anne’s limbs shook as she climbed in. Her sunglasses were long gone. Blane climbed in after her and drew her into his arms as the agent shut the door. In seconds, they were peeling out of the lot behind a police car with siren blaring. Anne practically climbed onto his lap.
“Are you okay?” His hand smoothed her hair, over and over.
Anne couldn’t speak so she just nodded.
“You’re in shock. We need to take you to the hospital.”
“I’m okay.” Her voice shook alarmingly. “Are you okay?”
He hesitated. “I was hit, but it’s just a scratch.”
Anne yanked herself upward, twisting to look at him, utterly alarmed. “Where? Where were you hit?”
“Sir, you were hit?” The agent in the front passenger seat had turned around to face them.
“It’s nothing. But I want Anne seen for shock.”
The agent murmured to the driver and then got on his radio. The police car leading them took an abrupt left and the SUV followed.
