Royal Target (10 page)

Chapter 16

Garrett stood in front of the framed mirror in his sitting room, adjusting the jacket on his dress uniform. The dinner party this evening had been a surprise to him, and he was already regretting not escaping the palace while he still had the chance. Had it not been for his mother’s insistence that she needed Janessa for her final fitting Wednesday morning, he would have made excuses for both of them to leave for the chateau hours earlier.

Since announcing their engagement, Garrett felt like he had hardly seen Janessa except at social functions. Her days were filled with meetings with his mother, fittings, and conference calls with government officials from her country. Of course, he was so busy himself that he probably wouldn’t have even realized how busy she was had he not sought her out each day in his spare moments.

His own days had been spent in meetings, among them a briefing given to him and Stefano by the security staff about the embassy bombing investigation. The findings that no known terrorist group had been responsible for the bombing had created a whole new set
of problems. Fighting a known quantity was so much easier than analyzing the unknown.

A knock came at the door, and Garrett called out, “Come in.”

Stefano stepped through the door, closing it behind him.

Garrett glanced his brother and shook his head. “If I had known Lady Renault was among the invited guests tonight, I would have left for the chateau this afternoon instead of waiting until tomorrow.”

“I don’t know what you’re complaining about.” Stefano leaned against an armchair, watching his brother’s reflection in the mirror. “Cynthia Renault is young, beautiful—”

“Lying, deceitful,” Garrett continued for him. “All she cares about is how she can improve her social standing.”

“Now, is that any way to talk about a lady?”

The corner of Garrett’s mouth quirked up. “I’ve always found her title somewhat ironic.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have to worry about her tonight, in any case.” Stefano shrugged. “Now that you’ve found the woman you’re going to marry.”

“Let’s hope Cynthia believes the engagement is real.” Garrett had dated the woman only twice. Those two dates had been just enough for Cynthia to set her sights on becoming a princess and make Garrett want to run in the opposite direction every time she was near.

Stefano chuckled. “If this engagement were any more real, you and Janessa would already be on your honeymoon.”

Garrett’s heartbeat accelerated as he turned to face Stefano. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact that you’ve fallen in love with our American spy.”

Garrett opened his mouth to refute his brother’s observation but couldn’t form any words. Reality seeped through him along with a sense of awe at how quickly he had come to love Janessa. Not wanting to lie to his brother, and certain that Stefano wouldn’t believe him anyway, Garrett said nothing.

With a smile, Stefano continued. “I have to say that I was a little worried at first, but now that I’ve spent some time around her, I think she’s a fine choice.”

“Well, I’m so pleased to know you approve.” Sarcasm coated Garrett’s voice, nearly disguising his emotions. “And what do Mother and Father think?”

“You don’t really think that Mother would personally oversee Janessa’s wardrobe if she didn’t like her, do you?”

The tension eased out of Garrett as he laughed at the truth of his brother’s statement. “Mother doesn’t like fittings any more than Janessa does.”

Stefano stood and motioned to the door. “Come on. Let’s go escort your fiancée to dinner, and we’ll see how she handles the competition.”

* * *

Lady Cynthia Renault stood in the center of the parlor, her sable hair flowing freely past her shoulders. Her siren–red dress dipped dangerously low in the front, held up by two thin straps. Beside her, Councilman Hennero laughed at something she said.

Standing between Garrett and Stefano, Janessa took one look at Cynthia and wondered just how long Garrett had dated the woman. She was definitely a head turner. And everything about her dress and her posture screamed that she wasn’t about to watch Garrett marry someone else.

For about two seconds, Janessa was able to convince herself that it didn’t matter who this woman was. Stepping closer to Garrett, she asked, “Did you date her long?”

Surprise flickered over Garrett’s face as Stefano’s laughter rang out.

“We went out twice years ago.” Garrett tucked Janessa’s hand through the crook of his arm and leaned closer. “And I have regretted it ever since.”

“Ah.” Janessa smoothed the skirt of her gown of shimmering gold, the first of Signora Vorneaux’s finished products.

Garrett leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Trust me, darling. You are the only one for me.” With that he moved forward to greet their guests.

Janessa let herself be led into the parlor and felt the attention shift toward them. The woman in the red dress studied her openly, and Janessa deliberately straightened her shoulders, fighting against her insecurities. She let Garrett’s words replay in her mind. He couldn’t mean it, of course, that she was really the one for him. For tonight, though, she decided she would let herself pretend she belonged at his side.

Music played softly in the background, and the scents of varying perfumes mixed into a completely unique smell. Garrett worked his way through the crowd with ease. He laughed at the right times, charmed the women, and answered questions diplomatically. Janessa tried to follow his lead, reminding herself to relax.

Janessa had already met a few of the guests in attendance, though many faces were new. Even a few dignitaries from the US Embassy were present. When she and Garrett finally circled to the woman in the red dress, she could feel Garrett tense.

“Your Highness.” The woman curtsied and offered Garrett a sultry smile. “I was hoping you would be here tonight.”

“Lady Cynthia Renault, may I present my fiancée, Janessa Rogers.”

“Oh, of course.” Cynthia laughed, her voice sharp. “The American.”

“So pleased to meet you.” Janessa smiled, ignoring the implied insult.

Cynthia’s eyebrows rose, revealing her surprise that Janessa spoke Italian. Now she focused her attention on Janessa. “Garrett and I are old friends. You don’t mind if I steal him for a minute, do you? I really need to speak with him in private.”

“I’m sorry, but we are overdue in greeting his parents,” Janessa declined without missing a beat. “I’m sure you understand.”

Garrett followed her lead, stepping away from Cynthia. “Enjoy your evening.”

Janessa lowered her voice as they were swallowed up by the crowd. “Where are your parents?”

“Here comes Mother now.” Garrett slowed as his mother approached. He leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek, smiling as he watched her greet Janessa warmly.

“My dear, you look stunning.” Queen Marta took both of Janessa’s hands in hers.

“Thank you. So do you.”

“Garrett, it’s rather warm in here. Why don’t you take Janessa for a walk in the gardens?”

“Mother, that’s a splendid idea.” Garrett motioned to the terrace doors. “I don’t believe you’ve seen the gardens at night yet.”

Janessa let herself be led along, stopping briefly to exchange greetings with Garrett’s father. Several guests were also enjoying the night air. Garrett continued down the wide steps and crossed under an ivy-covered trellis into the garden.

“I suppose I should apologize for shutting down Lady Renault in there,” Janessa began.

Garrett smiled in response. “Or I could thank you for sparing me from inventing an excuse.”

Janessa shrugged. “I didn’t think it would look right if she managed to find time alone with you.”

“So you were just worried about appearances?”

“In your world, appearances often matter more than reality.”

“And in yours,” Garrett conceded, continuing farther into the gardens. “It seems like I’ve hardly seen you the past couple of days.”

“We’ve both been busy.”

Garrett stopped and turned toward her. “I’ve missed you.”

“I—” Janessa stopped herself, appalled that she had nearly admitted to missing him as well. “I don’t understand you.”

“I think you’re afraid to understand me,” Garrett corrected. “Is it so hard to believe that I have feelings for you?”

“Garrett.” Janessa put her hand on his chest as he edged closer. She searched his face, for the first time allowing herself to accept the sincerity she saw there. She fought against her own feelings and tried to make a stand. “Don’t you understand? You’ve got to stop this. I can’t do my job like this.”

“I care about you, Janessa, and I believe you care about me. I’ve thought about this a lot, and I don’t think we will endanger anyone’s security by acknowledging our feelings for each other.” Garrett toyed with a curl that had fallen onto her cheek. His voice lowered as he added, “Please give us a chance.”

Garrett leaned down to kiss her, but before his lips touched hers, the ground rocked beneath them, and fire shot up into the sky from the village below.

“What was that?” Garrett turned, seeing the flames near the coastline.

“Make sure your family is okay,” Janessa said as she moved with him to the front of the palace.

“Where are you going?” Garrett grabbed her arm as she turned toward the garage.

“To the village.” Janessa managed two steps before Garrett stopped her.

“You aren’t going down there by yourself.” Garrett motioned to one of the valets, instructing him to retrieve a car from the garage. “I’m coming with you.”

“Garrett, you need to stay here until the area is secured,” Janessa insisted.

“The prince’s fiancée wouldn’t run down to the village by herself to see a fire.”

Janessa recognized the logic in his argument. After a brief internal debate, she motioned to his bodyguard to follow as they dashed off to the village together.

Chapter 17

Thick smoke hung in the village, making navigating the roads difficult. Another explosion rocked the ground as they made their way toward the market district along the seashore.

By the time they arrived, three fire trucks were already on the scene attempting to control the blaze. A two-story building was engulfed in flames, and the firefighters were able to do little more than try to contain the fire.

“Do you know what was in this building?” Janessa pointed at the fiery structure as Garrett parked at the edge of the crowd that had formed.

“It was a gas station for boats, if I’m not mistaken.” Garrett climbed out of the car, noticing his bodyguards quickly approaching.

“You should wait here until the area is secured,” Janessa said as she scrambled out of the car behind him.

Silently he shook his head and waded through the onlookers and thick smoke toward the barrier several policemen had established. The heat grew more intense with each step, as did the noise from the fire and the crowd.

One of the policemen saw Garrett approach and bowed before moving to intercept him. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but you need to stay back. It’s not safe yet.”

“Was anyone inside?”

“We think the owner was. That’s his wife over there.” He pointed at an ambulance attendant trying to console a middle-aged woman nearby. Her face was stained with tears and soot.

“I want to talk to her.” Garrett nodded toward the woman. “Do you know her name?”

“Signora Manero.”

Janessa slipped her hand into Garrett’s and gave it a comforting squeeze. “I’ll come with you.”

Garrett nodded. When the woman saw him approach, she blinked hard as though trying to ascertain if the prince really was coming toward her. Despite the tears streaming down her face, she dipped into a curtsey. “Your Highness.”

“Signora Manero, I am so sorry for your loss.” Garrett pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and passed it to her. He led her to the back of the ambulance, then sat next to her and held her hand as she continued to weep.

When at last the woman’s tears slowed, Garrett asked quietly, “Can you tell me what happened?”

“I went to my sister’s. I go to her house for dinner when my husband has business meetings.” She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. “We heard an explosion, and when we got here, everything was burning.”

“Did he often have meetings at night?” Janessa asked, stepping out of the background for the first time.

“Once a month. Always the first Tuesday.”

Garrett glanced down at Janessa, cueing in to her suspicions. “Do you know who he met with?”

“He said he was meeting with his suppliers.” The woman paused, her eyes lighting with sudden clarity. “The strange thing is, they didn’t look like they worked in the gas industry. Last month I forgot my purse at the station, and when I returned for it, my husband was talking to two men and a woman. Both of the men were wearing expensive suits, and I remember thinking how young the woman was to be at the meeting.” The tears started flowing again. “Alberto was upset that I had interrupted.”

“Don’t think about that now,” Janessa said, her voice soothing. “Is your sister here?”

The ambulance attendant stepped forward. “She is calling Signora Manero’s children.”

Garrett spoke to the ambulance attendant now. “You will see to her needs?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Garrett conveyed his condolences once more before leading Janessa back to where he had left the car. He vaguely noticed his security men standing a short distance away. “I want to go down to the beach. We might be able to see more from there.”

Janessa nodded, shifting around the barricade. They made their way between a clothing store and a restaurant down to the seawall. The flames were no longer visible, now smoldering beneath the constant spray of water. For the first time, they were able to see two boats that were also on fire and a fireboat that was moving in to contend with the smaller blaze.

“Do you think it was an accident?” Garrett asked, his eyes burning from the smoke.

“It’s too soon to tell.” Janessa shrugged. “The explosions could have been caused by something igniting the gasoline.”

“Or someone could have detonated the gasoline.”

“No one will be able to determine anything until morning,” Janessa said. “We just need to make sure the area is secure, in case there’s any evidence to find.”

“The police will see to it,” Garrett agreed.

“I know it’s a difficult time for Signora Manero, but we also need the descriptions of the people who were meeting with Signore Manero.”

Garrett nodded in agreement. “It looks like the police are working on that right now. I should get you back to the palace.”

Janessa started to protest, then seemed to think better of it and sighed. “Do you think it would be okay if we came back in the morning before we left for the chateau?”

“I’ll check with the fire chief before we leave.” Garrett took her hand to lead her back to the car.

He opened her car door, helping her inside before moving to speak with the fire chief. A moment later he returned and climbed in behind the wheel. “The fire chief said we can come back tomorrow. They will start their investigation as soon as they have enough light.”

“I hope they’ll be able to find some answers,” Janessa said, glancing back at the smoldering fire.

“Me too,” Garrett agreed before lapsing into silence for the rest of the drive.

As he finished parking next to the garage, Janessa reached over and laid a hand on his.

“Are you okay?” Concern filled her voice.

Garrett looked down at her hand covering his. It was a simple gesture and surprisingly soothing. “Not really, but I think you understand.” He climbed from the car and went around to open her door. “When something like this happens, I feel so helpless.”

“It’s difficult, isn’t it? Having the responsibility for so many people and knowing that there are times when nothing you do will protect them.” Janessa stepped out of the car, and the two of them started toward the house.

“I should have been able to do something.”

“You comforted a widow when she needed comfort the most.” Janessa took his hand and squeezed it. “There was nothing more you could do.”

“We have to find out who did this,” Garrett insisted.

“We will.” Janessa nodded. “When the smoke settles, we’ll find out exactly what happened.”

* * *

Janessa packed the last of her things and zipped her suitcase shut. She had hardly slept due to the events of the previous evening tumbling through her head. The gas station fire should be a routine matter for the local authorities to handle, but the possibility of its being connected with the embassy bombing nagged at her. She was certain Garrett felt
it too.

She tried to concentrate on what needed to be done and how her government might be able to help. It was easier than thinking about what had happened right before the fire.

Dropping onto the window seat, she stared out at the cloudy day. Garrett’s words kept replaying in her mind. Each time she wondered if she was just reading too much into them. He’d said he had feelings for her, but she still wondered exactly what that meant. Could it be possible, she asked herself, for Garrett to fall in love with her? Or had he said the same thing to the dozens of other women he had been photographed with over the years? He seemed so sincere that she was beginning to believe that his feelings for her might actually be genuine.

Wearily, she leaned her head against the window. The real question was, what was she going to do about her own feelings? Everything in her demanded that she settle for nothing less than a temple marriage. Her heart simply wasn’t listening.

A knock on the door sent her heart racing. Expecting to see Garrett on the other side, she pulled the door open to find the queen there instead.

“Are you all packed?” Queen Marta asked as she entered the room.

“Yes. I was going to stop in the village this morning before we leave to see if there have been any new developments.”

“Garrett already left with Frederick Donovan, our country’s director of security.” Marta took a seat and motioned for Janessa to do the same. “Since Garrett has already met the widow, he wanted to stay for a day or two until everything settles.”

Annoyance and frustration shot through Janessa. Garrett had left without her. “Perhaps I should postpone my appointment with the caterers,” she suggested.

“No.” Queen Marta shook her head. “I know you want to be part of the investigation, but we need you at the chateau. I’m not happy that Garrett is insisting on working with Frederick on this, and I certainly don’t want the press to see both of you involved. Remember, if the public sees you going about your duties as hostess, no one will suspect that you are anything but what you appear to be.”

Janessa closed her eyes a moment before nodding in agreement.

“Good,” Marta said as a knock came at the door. “Now that we have that settled, let’s get through this fitting so you can be on your way.”

Janessa sighed. “I’d rather dig through ashes.”

“So would I.”

* * *

Janessa moved up the steps of the chateau as Martino opened the front door. As always, his tone was formal and aloof when he spoke to her. “Welcome back.”

“Thank you, Martino.” Janessa walked into the parlor, for once relieved to know that the staff would see to her bags. “Have the caterers arrived yet?”

“They are in the dining room,” he told her. “Today you will finalize the menu, so they brought samples.”

Wearily, she leaned against the arm of a sofa. “Could you please ask Patrice to join me? I have the queen’s notes, but I’d like to have Patrice’s opinion as well.”

“Of course.” Martino took a step toward the door before turning back to her. Surprisingly, his tone softened fractionally as he asked, “Are you all right?”

Janessa nodded and gave him a weary smile. “I’m just tired.”

Five minutes later, she no longer had time to be tired. The caterers bustled around, offering her tastes of various items, noting how much should be prepared, and determining how and when each item would be served. Patrice, who thankfully was well experienced in both protocol and menu selection, was a tremendous help.

Two hours later, when the caterers left, Janessa turned to Patrice. “Thank you so much for your help. I never could have done it without you. I guess making these decisions is just business as usual for you.”

“This is the first time, actually,” Patrice told her with a smile. “Never before have I been consulted on the menu.”

Janessa looked at her, surprised. “I suppose the queen didn’t want to pull you away from your other duties. As long as you’re willing, I have every intention of relying on your expertise.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Patrice moved to the door. “Do you want me to fix you some lunch?”

“I don’t think I could eat another bite,” Janessa said, laying a hand on her stomach. She lowered her voice and peeked through the door to make sure the caterers were indeed gone. “By the way, I much prefer your quiche Florentine.”

Patrice laughed. “So do I.”