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“You can’t just say we’re going to get married. You’ve got to do this right. Get my dad’s blessing, bring a ring, down on one knee, the whole bit.”
He changed the subject. “How did you learn that escape move you used?”
“From the master chief who taught me to pick locks.”
“Now I really have to thank this guy. What’s his name.”
“Master Chief Brass.”
Duke froze. “Brass?” He gripped my arm. “What’s his first name?”
“Fred, I think. But I wasn’t allowed to call him that.”
Duke’s mouth dropped open.
“What?”
“That’s my friend, Freddy.”
“The one who…?”
He nodded. “Marilyn’s husband. He died in a helo holding my hand.” Tears threatened in his eyes. “He always said he’d find me a strong woman one day, and he really did.”
I threw myself at Duke and hugged him. “Maybe it really is fate.” The master chief had brought us together, giving me the tools to survive and be rescued by his best friend.
“I want to go home now.” I had my man, and I wasn’t ever letting go. Plus, I had some new ideas for positions we could try.
As he held me, I knew I’d found my partner in life, the man who cherished me as much as I did him, who would show me exciting times, stand up for me if I needed it, and protect me always.
Though hopefully, the times ahead would be a little less exciting than the last two weeks had been…
CHAPTER 46
Serena (Two monthslater)
Duke heldmy hand as the court clerk called the case. It had been two months since Duke and the Hawk team had saved me from Katelyn and Johnson Spinelli.
I recrossed my legs and squirmed with anticipation. Different courthouse, but the same hard wooden bench as I’d had for Harvey Fox’s sentencing.
Duke had suggested a conservative black pantsuit for me. But being superstitious, I’d chosen the same white top, same black skirt, and same shoes that had gotten a maximum-sentence result the last time.
For moral support, my sister Kelly was in from D.C. in the row behind us, along with my parents and all my brothers except Vincent.
Vincent had taken the Covington job in Boston and couldn’t make it. He had a good reason. He was being investigated by the FBI.
The agent in charge was none other than Ashley Newton, the girl he’d regretted not chasing. It couldn’t get any weirder. Nowshe was chasing him, but with a badge and a pair of handcuffs—and not the fur-lined kind.Talk about drama.
Kelly leaned forward to place a hand on my shoulder. “You holding up okay?”
I nodded.
Dad whispered from behind me. “I still think this was a mistake.” He didn’t know how to give up on an argument.
“Shush now,” Mom told him.
Duke had wanted to prosecute the four for a combination of conspiracy, the two kidnappings, the attempted kidnapping, and the car bomb. Multiple charges led to longer sentences, per the guidelines. But Dad had insisted I stick with his idea of keeping any mention of a Benson kidnapping out of the news.
Dad had provided leverage with the DA. But it had been my decision, and I’d sided with Duke on pressing all the charges, which Dad had a hard time swallowing.
