Bridal Armor (17 page)

Doubts crept in and worry like he’d never experienced threatened his self-control. No room for error on this one, personal reputation didn’t matter. National security took a backseat to family security just now. His niece was counting on him to make sure this was the first day of a long and happy future.

Thomas shifted gears and resumed his hunt, the wind bringing tears to his eyes as he raced forward with renewed determination. Suddenly a tree in front of him burst into a flurry of bark as bullets bit into the trunk.

How the hell had he passed Whelan? He turned back, spotting his target on another snowmobile emblazoned with the rental company colors. Cutting the angle, he drove full throttle down the slope, cornering him as he and Jo had discussed.

But the road was empty. Where was she?

More bullets zinged by and he yanked the snowmobile behind a tree and drew his weapon to make a stand. He would not let this pyromaniac anywhere near the resort, if it was his last act of this life.

“You are out of options, Thomas, my old friend,” Whelan shouted over the idling engines. “Come with me now and I will spare your family.”

Thomas knew better. He risked a quick peek around the thick trunk of the tree and darted away from the machine that gave away his position. Leaving his best hope of escape was a necessary gamble. Stuck on foot now, his only option was to separate Whelan from his snowmobile. Thomas squeezed off two rounds and waited for the return fire.

“That’s hardly the right answer, Director Casey.”

“Who hired you?”

“Hired?” Whelan laughed, the sound full of evil intent. “I volunteered!”

Thomas ducked down as another spray of bullets rained through the trees.

“You destroyed my reputation, stole money and my family. I could not wait to return the favor.”

“You forget I know your signature better than most,” he called back. “You’ve had plenty of work since we met in Germany.”

“Ah, yes, the notorious Casey network.” More laughter, edging toward maniacal. “Give up! There is nothing left, Casey. The woman is dead and your family and special agency will follow.”

Thomas’s stomach dropped at the bleak image Whelan painted where everything that mattered most was gone. That was his intent...no matter what Thomas did right now Whelan would not stop until he was fully incapacitated or dead.

Thomas stifled the urge to leap out, gun blazing until Whelan was no more than a bad memory. If Jo was gone, and he had to believe she wasn’t, the emotion had to wait. Lucas was the last line of defense for Casey and Cecelia, but Thomas wouldn’t let it come to that. He had to stop this madman here and now.

On his belly, he crawled to a better position. The cold snow got up under his jacket and gloves, soaked his jeans and chilled his legs. None of it mattered.

Whelan was a genius with explosives, but if memory served, he relied on quantity over quality when it came to small arms fire. All bad guys had their weak spots.

Hearing the sound of a car engine at last and praying it was Jo, he moved to take his shot. Music blared out across the brittle air. He recognized it as an oldies station and a smile split his face. Jo loved the oldies. She wasn’t dead and she’d just turned the tables once more in their favor.

Whelan opened fire on the car.

Thomas fired at Whelan but couldn’t get a clear shot through the trees. True to her training, Jo reacted instinctively and Thomas wanted to cheer as she gunned the engine, forcing the car off the road, driving straight toward Whelan’s position.

Countless bullets chewed up the grill, peppered the hood and punched holes in the windshield.

He said a prayer she survived the onslaught even as he took aim. Whelan reeled back as Thomas put a round through the man’s shoulder.

“Damn it!”

Before he could get off another good shot, Whelan leaped onto his snowmobile and drove off toward the lodge.

Thomas leaped onto his own rental and drove to the car, immensely relieved to see Jo in one piece. “Are you hurt?”

“No. But I owe a man a car.”

“Tell me later.” He handed her his gun. “Let’s go. When you get a shot, take it.”

* * *

S
HE
WRAPPED
HER
arms around Thomas’s waist and ducked her head behind his back as they raced after Whelan, staying right behind him. Leaning around Thomas, she fired at the bomber, but between the bumpy terrain and the distance, the handgun proved useless.

Thomas cut back between stands of aspen, heading for the main road, leaving the ridgeline to Whelan. If they could get ahead of him, she’d have a clear shot, but as they drove closer and closer to the lodge, she couldn’t help wondering what traps Whelan, with a day’s lead, had in store for them.

He throttled down and they listened to the other engine rev and struggle as Whelan urged the snowmobile up the mountain. Just before he would have shot by their hiding place, Thomas raced out of the cover of the trees, and Jo braced for the impact as Thomas bore down on him.

Startled, Whelan lost control and skidded toward the ridge, unable to leap clear as the snowmobile careened over the edge. There was a terrible explosion as the machine hit the bottom of the ravine.

Thomas pulled their snowmobile to a stop and cut the engine, but she couldn’t seem to relax her grip.

“It’s over.” He gently pulled her hands away from his midsection. “It’s done.” He helped her stand and together they looked down at the wreckage. “No way he survived that,” he said.

Jo thought she might be sick. A dead bomber was better than a live bomber determined to kill Thomas, but now they might never know who had assisted him in his blind rush for revenge.

Still, they had the virus and thanks to the evidence Lucas had found and submitted to her boss, the investigation was all but over. It would have to be satisfaction enough.

“You should go on to the wedding. Specialist Grant and I will clear this with the local authorities.”

“No. Let Grant and Holt deal with it,” he said, looking over his shoulder as a bulky, dark SUV pulled to a stop on the road. “I want you with me.”

Her heart fluttered against her rib cage. The reaction was impossible to ignore even though she knew better than to read too much into the comment. It was hardly a declaration of either a personal or professional partnership. Thomas might not want her out of his sight simply because of his longstanding trust issues. The Initiative had taken a significant stance against him and she was still the face of the oversight committee.

“There will be questions and reports,” she reminded him.

“Which can all wait a few hours.” Keeping her hand in his, he walked down the slope toward Specialist Grant.

“You both all right?”

Jo nodded, letting Thomas explain the chase and end result. She felt Jason’s gaze on their joined hands and wondered what opinion lurked behind the absolutely neutral expression on his face.

“The Mike Smith guy is already en route to our D.C. offices. The police are on the way up here,” Grant said. “I’ll give the statement. You two should go on up to the wedding. I’m told the roads are mostly clear, but be careful. Plows don’t make regular runs up here.”

“Thanks,” Thomas said, opening the passenger door for her.

The heavy snowfall had turned the two-lane road into a one-lane path, complete with patches of ice where the thick stands of pine trees blocked the sunshine.

She tried to enjoy the view, reminding herself the worst was behind them.
Her.
The worst was behind her until she got back to the office. She wasn’t looking forward to the fallout her full report would bring. “You know I have to mention Holt as a potential problem.”

Thomas sighed, over the road or the case, she wasn’t sure. “I know. He won’t get any warning from me.”

“Do you really suspect him?”

He didn’t reply immediately and she couldn’t blame him. In these past forty-eight hours, Thomas had been the victim of vicious innuendo and treacherous rumors. What he believed and what he could confirm about Holt were two different things right now.

“He’s my deputy director. Your committee might have confirmed the appointment, but I’m the one who nominated him.”

“Right.” Her heart clutched at the distance in his voice. She noted his tight grip on the steering wheel and wondered if the road was just one challenge too many. “Do you want me to drive?”

“I’ve got it,” he said as he eased around another shaded—and therefore icy—hairpin curve. “What do you think it would cost to extend the reservation at the resort?”

“How long?”

“Maybe forever at this rate. I could use a vacation from this long weekend.”

She chuckled. “Despite the storm, it’s still off-season. I’m sure they’ll work with you.”

“Then the front desk is my first stop after the wedding. Provided we get there in time.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Glenstone Lodge

Rolling to a stop in front of the resort steps, Thomas put the car in Park and thought he might never want to drive again. Not in the mountains. Not in snow. He’d never hired a driver since taking the director’s post. Maybe it was time to reconsider.

Then Jo laughed and the whole situation fell into perspective. “You made it.” She tapped the clock on the dash. “You even have time to clean up.”

Casey would be dressing already. Probably. Her mother would be thinking he was the worst sort of brother breaking his promise to walk Casey down the aisle. Lucas was right. He didn’t know the first thing about weddings. Had his best friend been able to keep her from turning into bridezilla?

“I missed the rehearsal.”

“You have one job. One short line. You’ll do just fine.”

His palms were damp with a sudden burst of nerves. “I don’t know.”

“You’re nervous?” She laughed again. “Oh, this is rich. I always wondered what it would take to shatter your composure. I never would have guessed it would be a wedding.”

“I’m so late. Whelan blew up her surprise. I’ve missed everything.”

“Not the most important part.” She reached across the seat, took his hand in both of hers and rubbed gently. “You’re here now.” Raising his hand to her lips, she kissed his knuckles. “Look, there’s Lucas.”

Thomas peered through the windshield. Lucas stood at the top of the steps, as calm and steady as ever. Thomas pushed the car door open and on shaking knees, climbed the stairs to join his friend.

“I—I don’t know what to say.” The enormity of what he was supposed to do suddenly crashed in on him.

“We’ll work on it while you clean up.”

“Is she furious?” Thomas didn’t want her to be angry with him but she had every right. “Has she turned into a bridezilla?”

Lucas shook his head. “Resort is still standing,” he said, but his smile was reserved. “She’s been worried. We took turns distracting her.”

“Her mother should do this.” Thomas shook his head. “I don’t want to screw up.”

“That’s how they rehearsed last night but it isn’t really what Casey wants and it’s her day, Thomas. She wants you.” Lucas escorted him all the way to his room and when he fumbled with the key card Lucas plucked it from his fingers and swiped it, pushing the door open. “Seems a shame for you to back out now.”

“You’re right.” He’d slogged through a frozen hell to clear his name and get here in time. “You’re right,” he repeated with more conviction. “There was a point when I wasn’t sure I’d make it at all, much less in time to fulfill my promise to Casey.”

“That’s better.” Lucas’s smile lit up his whole face. “I’ll go let the bridal party know you’re here. I’m sure the wedding planner will be happy to coach you through the steps.”

“Is there somewhere for Jo to wait or dress or...” He wasn’t sure he knew what he was asking.

“I believe Victoria made arrangements for her.”

“Thanks, Lucas.” His throat clogged with emotion. He knew this man had a hand in getting his name cleared. And the added bonus that they’d learned about Jo and made arrangements for her tugged at his heart. “For everything.”

With a nod, Lucas ducked out of the room.

Thomas indulged in a shower set just shy of scalding, washing away the physical and emotional grit of the past two days.

When he emerged, he felt more like himself and ready to celebrate the wedding. He dressed, grateful for Lucas, who’d thought of all the necessities and accessories, beyond the tux delivered to the hotel, down to the cuff links that were in the luggage he’d lost to Whelan’s car bomb.

Returning to the lobby, he found Lucas chatting with Levi and the other groomsmen. The wedding planner was all smiles as she directed the groom and his party to their places.

Thomas glanced over the crowd, but he didn’t spot Jo. His stomach rolled at the thought that she’d left. If she had, he’d just cut the reception short and go find her. He had plans for her...for them. He was still reeling with the emotions he could no longer deny. He wanted to be with her.

“You come with me,” the wedding planner said, taking his arm. “The bride will be so happy to see you.”

When they reached the bride’s chamber Thomas’s breath caught at the sight of his niece. If it had been hard to choke out an answer when she’d asked him to walk her down the aisle, it was hopeless to try and form words now.

He opened his arms wide and she gave him an exuberant hug. Over her shoulder, he saw his sister wipe away a tear.

“Oh! Uncle Thomas,” she said leaning back, fighting tears. “I was so worried.”

“Sorry I’m late.”

“You’re just in time.” She linked arms with him and her mother. “Let’s get me married.”

“If you’re sure,” he teased.

“Please. I know you vetted him ages ago.”

He grinned at her. “You’ll be lucky if he doesn’t faint away at the first sight of you.”

Casey beamed at her mother. “Should we take bets?”

Cecelia left a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “I hope Levi knows what he’s in for.”

“A lifetime of happiness,” Casey said, sending her mother into the ceremony. Then she turned to Thomas. “It’s just you and me now. And Daddy,” she whispered.

Thomas touched her cheek. “He’s watching, sweetie, you can count on it.”

The wedding planner interrupted with a final review of his pacing, his line “her mother and I do,” and where to sit after putting her hand in Levi’s.

He looked down at his precious niece once more. “Let’s do this thing.”

Thomas got through it, though he wondered for a moment if he might pass out instead of Levi. For a man who’d spent his working life noticing details others overlooked, Thomas wouldn’t have been able to describe any of the guests. He didn’t see anything beyond Casey and her delighted groom.

So the warm hand that cradled his after he took his seat was a surprise, until he recognized the way Jo laced her fingers with his. He slid a glance at her and thought he owed Victoria a serious debt of gratitude.

Jo wore an amazing jade sheath that fit her petite body like a glove, and a soft, serene smile. He thought she’d never looked more beautiful and struggled to keep his eyes on the happy couple exchanging vows.

He stood with the rest of the guests, applauding as the newlyweds kissed. As the other guests moved to follow Casey and Levi from the ceremony, his sister reminded him he needed to stay for pictures.

With a gentle squeeze of his hand, Jo let him know she’d be waiting at the reception.

* * *

J
O
GRATEFULLY
ACCEPTED
a glass of white wine from the open bar. She hadn’t been sure how people—primarily Lucas Camp—would receive her here. The only thing she’d decided as they’d dashed up the mountain was she wouldn’t slink away into the shadows without a proper goodbye for Thomas. She’d been prepared to wait in the lobby until Thomas had fulfilled his promise to Casey, but Victoria had insisted on a different course of action.

“Thanks again for the dress,” Jo said, still a little unsure how she’d fit in among this crowd.

“The shopping made me feel useful. I was getting a bit bored.”

Jo wasn’t sure she believed that. From what she could see, Victoria had been having a grand time celebrating another happy union with the family she’d made through the years with her Colby investigators and Lucas’s Specialists.

“Lucas wasn’t sure which side you were on,” Victoria admitted.

Jo nearly choked on the wine, but managed a faint smile. “Most people assume I’m the enemy.”

“Oversight departments have that reputation.”

“And few friends. I appreciate Lucas calling off the dogs.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Thomas is Lucas’s best friend. When he got wind of the accusations, he refused to sit back and wait.”

“Your husband has good instincts.” It was as far as Jo was willing to go. Maybe someday the four of them could sit down over drinks and laugh about it. Right now, it was too fresh, the averted disaster too close to destroying Thomas.

She didn’t want to revisit those tense, harrowing hours; she simply wanted to revel in surviving them. “Levi and Casey make a beautiful couple and are obviously deeply in love.”

“They are. It’s wonderful to see love grow,” Victoria said, raising her glass to encompass the rest of the wedding guests. “For years I thought my only chance had come and gone. It was no small shock to discover I could have a second chance with Lucas.”

“You make a good team.” Jo thought she’d never seen a couple more content and in tune with each other.

“We like to think so. It helps that we’ve known each other since we were very young. We were friends first. I believe that’s immensely important to a relationship. Friendship and complete trust.”

Jo didn’t know what to say. She had the distinct impression Victoria was trying to tell her something important. It was a sweet idea, but her situation with Thomas was different from what Victoria and Lucas had found. Wasn’t it? Certainly the trust part was, at least on his side.

Her heart would heal. As much as it could anyway. The past proved that much. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was possible. With enough time.

“As the best friend’s wife, it falls to me to say what Lucas won’t,” Victoria went on. “We are enormously grateful for all that you sacrificed to clear Thomas’s name. Lucas would have been devastated if anything had happened to him.”

Jo felt the same, but she simply couldn’t say such a thing out loud. Not without falling apart at this point. Despite her best efforts the tears brimmed and she had to look away.