To the Brink (44 page)

"If you like 'em medium well"—Wes, who was an older version of his boys, checked his wristwatch— "you've got about two minutes."

Darcy and Ethan hung back while Eve and Mac, followed by Dallas, trooped into the house.

"Dallas seems a little quiet, sometimes."

Ethan glanced at his brother. "Sometimes, yeah."

"No word from Amy?"

Ethan shook his head. "Guess not."

"She went through a lot. Maybe she just needs some time to sort things out."

"Yeah, well, we may never know. I didn't see it anyway. Amy Walker just didn't seem like Dallas's type. You, however," he said, his smile returning, "are definitely mine."

"Damn straight," she said, echoing Eve's crowing tone and accomplishing what she'd set out to do.

He laughed and pulled her into his arms. "Warning: do not take lessons on sass from my sister. It'll land you in big trouble."

She snuggled up next to him. "I've had enough trouble lately to last me a lifetime. But then again," she said, reconsidering, "there have been certain benefits."

"Like?"

"Like a lifetime supply of Life Savers and my own personal candy man."

"Whatever it takes, babe. Whatever it takes."

Darcy was sound asleep and tucked against Ethan's side in bed when the news report came on at eleven.

"Sources close to the State Department have confirmed that former U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Charles Gatlin, who was removed from his post last month, is dead, his death the result of a self-inflicted wound.

"As we first reported, Gatlin, a well-known industrialist who had gained his ambassadorship several years ago, was charged with several counts of embezzlement, fraud, and illegal brokering of weaponry.

"While never confirmed, it has been reported by an unidentified source that the former ambassador was believed to have been involved in a corporate espionage scam that had the potential to place the national security of the United States and other nations committed to democracy in jeopardy. The State Department has made no comment on the accuracy of those rumors.

"Secretary of State Hugh Morgan expressed condolences to the Gatlin family today along with regret over the circumstances of both Gatlin's removal from office and the charges that were filed.

"Morgan further stated—and this is a direct quote— 'While the former ambassador's death is regrettable, it would appear that justice has been served.'

"Moving on to other news ..."

Ethan didn't hear a word after the report on Gatlin. He was too busy feeling relief.

Darcy's ordeal was officially over.

Finally.

He picked up the remote and hit the power button.

Then he turned off the light and drew his woman— his life—closer against his side.

She murmured in her sleep and nestled her cheek on his shoulder.

She thought he'd saved her life when he'd found her in the jungles of Jolo.

Ethan knew better. He knew exactly who had done the saving.

And he knew exactly who had been saved.