Royal Target (4 page)

“I’ve seen how much security you have following you around, so I’m not too concerned about me, but I’ll talk to Lauren.” Tim shrugged. “Hopefully things will settle down in the next couple of weeks. Who knows, you might even capture whoever bombed the embassy.”

“Let’s hope so.”

Chapter 4

Janessa looked aimlessly out the window of her sister’s living room at the evening traffic filtering by, still feeling latent frustration from being sent back to the States again. She had been looking forward to attending the rest of the trade summit and watching history unfold, even if it was only as a member of Prince Garrett’s protection detail. Instead, she had spent the past week and a half pushing papers in a tediously dull office job. She took some measure of comfort in the fact that this current job was only temporary until the Agency decided what to do with her. She wasn’t terribly worried about being let go. After all, she had already completed her trial period with the Agency, and except for the three incidents Donald had mentioned, her work record was excellent.

Don’t think about it,
she told herself, then turned to Mary. “You never finished giving me the latest gossip from back home. Is Jake going to marry that girl he brought home last Christmas?”

Mary shook her head. “He broke up with her a few weeks ago.”

“Why?” Janessa asked, glancing down at a framed photo of her family, taken the last time she was in Iowa. “She seemed perfect for him.”

“I thought so too.” Mary shrugged. “I think he’s afraid of commitment.”

“Maybe,” Janessa commented, not sure what to think. She couldn’t claim to have any real experience with serious relationships. She had made the decision long ago that she would marry in the temple, but it had never occurred to her during her teenage years that she might not find the opportunity. Too often she felt as though being single meant she had failed somehow.

She knew that twenty-seven really wasn’t old, but she wasn’t exactly tripping over men who were potential husband material. As her travels overseas continued to limit her contact with single members of the Church, she had all but given up on the possibility of marriage. Fortunately, most of the time she was happy just being herself, even if she was destined to live alone.

When the doorbell rang, she motioned for her very pregnant sister to stay seated. “I’ll get it.”

Janessa pulled open the door, surprised to find a courier on the doorstep so late in the day. She signed for the envelope addressed to her and then tore it open. An embossed invitation was clipped to a stack of papers. She scanned it, wondering why she would be receiving an invitation to Meridia for a party. She thought of her evening with Prince Garrett, but she couldn’t imagine that the few hours they had spent together would warrant a royal summons. Then she thought of her friend in security who was fond of practical jokes. “Supposedly I’ve been invited to Meridia by the royal family.”

“Are you serious?”

“It’s just a joke.” Janessa dropped onto the couch in her sister’s apartment. She flipped through the privacy agreement attached to the envelope, shaking her head. “I’ll have to compliment Alan on his originality this time. He can’t resist rubbing it in every time I get into trouble.”

“How can you be so sure it isn’t real?” It was obvious that Mary was itching to call home to tell their parents and four younger siblings about the letter her sister had received.

“Be serious, Mary.” Janessa lifted the embossed invitation. “‘You are cordially invited to the summer home of King Eduard Fortier of Meridia for the annual Independence Day gala.’ There’s no way this could be real. Royalty doesn’t invite Iowa farm girls to their summer homes. Besides, only the people from work know that I’m staying with you.”

“Which means anyone in the government could probably track you down.”

“True.” Janessa sighed. “I hate my job.”

“You love your job,” Mary countered easily. She rubbed a hand across her swollen belly, smiling when the life within her gave another kick.

“I loved my old job.” Janessa pouted. “I’m a linguistics specialist. I don’t want to sit around Washington, D.C., all day long and translate for boring politicians.”

“So you would rather sit around some third-world country all day long and translate for boring politicians?” Mary asked.

A giggle escaped Janessa at the accuracy of her sister’s words. “Well, yeah. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to live in another culture, to really get to know it.”

“You can always go places on vacation.”

Janessa sighed. “It’s just not the same.”

* * *

Alan Neisler was engrossed in his surveillance plan when Janessa entered the security office. He didn’t notice her presence, so Janessa simply leaned against the doorjamb, watching him. His skin was a shade darker than molasses, and his features still had a baby-face quality about them, though he was only two years her junior at twenty-five.

The tip of his pencil broke, and he reached for another without looking up. Amused that his concentration was so unbreakable, Janessa walked into the room and sat down on the corner of his desk. Still, he continued writing until Janessa took his work and slid it out from under his pencil.

His eyes followed the surveillance plan, and a confused look crossed his face. He looked up, seeming more surprised that his work had escaped him than to find Janessa sitting on his desk, feet crossed at the ankles.

Alan lifted one eyebrow, a skill Janessa had always admired. “Did you want something?”

“This one was actually pretty funny.” Janessa dropped the thick envelope on his desk.

“What?” Alan studied the contents of the envelope with his typical intensity. He read the invitation, set it aside, and moved on to the privacy agreement. For several minutes he remained absorbed in the text. Finally, he looked up and spoke. “Is this a joke?”

“Of course it’s a joke.” Janessa laughed. “When did you find time to come up with this?” She fingered the gilded invitation. “I mean, the bubble bath after the little incident in Japan was funny, and of course the rubber nose after that problem in Paris, but this really takes first prize. I guess that’s what I get for telling you that I met a prince.”

Alan leaned back in his chair. His lips curved into a smile that slowly moved over the rest of his face. “I didn’t send this to you. I think it’s real.”

“What? It can’t possibly be real.”

Turning to a computer, Alan punched a few buttons to pull up the recent cable traffic from the overseas stations. He focused in on the cables from Meridia, finally finding the one he wanted. “Read this.”

She stepped behind him, reading over his shoulder. She had heard about the bombing at the US Embassy in Meridia just two days before. Her eyes widened as she saw King Eduard’s request for military and intelligence assistance.

Janessa stepped back and studied her friend. “This is insane.”

Alan’s grin stayed in place, and mischief flashed in his eyes. “I’ve never met any royalty before. Can you get me some autographs?”

“I thought you were headed to London next week. You’ll be tripping over royalty in no time.”

“Oh, come on.” Alan continued. “The only way I’m going to see royalty in England is if someone plants a bomb in Buckingham Palace.” He pulled out a pad of paper. “Here, you can use this for an autograph book.”

“Stop it.” Janessa laughed, despite the absurdity of the situation. “There’s no way I’m going.”

“Of course not.” Alan tried to keep a serious face. “Insult Venezuela last week, insult Meridia this week. For you, it’s par for the course. By the way, you’re supposed to go see personnel. You really are getting a new assignment.”

Janessa stood, shaking her head. “I’m leaving now.”

“What about the autographs?” His laughter followed her into the hallway. She made her way to the personnel office to find out where she was going to be posted next. Surprisingly, the receptionist handed her a message that told her to report to the director’s office.

Confused, Janessa headed upstairs to the recently remodeled offices. She announced her arrival to the director’s personal secretary, deliberately not wringing her hands together. Surely the problem in Venezuela wasn’t bad enough to have gained the attention of such a high-level government official. She was surprised when the receptionist immediately showed her into Director Palmer’s office.

The man sitting behind the huge mahogany desk motioned her in. Janessa had seen photos of him before, but this was the first time she had seen him in person. He was thinner than she had expected, though she had heard through the grapevine that he was adamant about exercising every day. His charcoal suit fit him precisely, the color nearly matching his hair.

Determined to appear professional, Janessa sat in the chair he indicated across from him. She clasped her hands together, wishing her first meeting with the director were under better circumstances. Undoubtedly, she was going to be reprimanded for the most recent of her blunders.

Director Palmer leaned back in his seat. Just a hint of humor laced his voice. “I reviewed your personnel file for the first time today. I have to admit that it’s quite colorful, considering that you’ve only been with us for three years.”

“The incident in Caracas was simply a misunderstanding. I’m sure that if I had been allowed to stay I could have worked it out.”

He held up a hand to stop her explanation. “As I looked over your incidents, I noticed that all the explanations have a common thread. It seems your religious beliefs were somehow insulted each time.” He paused and closed the file. “In fact, it appears that when it comes to your religious beliefs, you tend to act first and think later.”

Janessa remained silent, unsure how to respond.

“I made a call to the president of your church.”

“You called the
prophet
?” Janessa’s eyes widened.

“The president wasn’t available, but I spoke to someone at your church headquarters.” He continued, drumming his fingers on the file in front of him. “I was concerned that your beliefs might cause a problem during your next assignment.” He lifted up an identical copy of the privacy agreement that had accompanied her invitation to Meridia. “The man I spoke to assured me that while you will undoubtedly remain true to the teachings of your church, there should be no conflicts that would prevent you from accomplishing your duties in Meridia.”

“You want me to go to the gala?” Surprise crossed Janessa’s face.

“Are you aware that our government has been negotiating for some time with the king of Meridia to build a naval base in his country?”

Janessa shook her head.

“While King Eduard does not oppose the presence of our armed forces in his country, finding a suitable location has caused some significant roadblocks. The bombing yesterday will undoubtedly throw up a few more,” Director Palmer told her. He tapped a finger on her file as he added, “I was also informed by the man at your church headquarters that they are about to break ground for a temple in Meridia.”

“Really?” Her eyebrows lifted at the news that yet another temple would be built in Europe.

“Apparently so. If only we could be so lucky in our own negotiations for land.”

“Um . . . I still don’t understand how all of this affects me,” Janessa admitted, fiddling with the silver CTR ring on her right pinkie. “I certainly wouldn’t have any effect on these negotiations just by attending a party.”

“You would hardly just be attending a party. Since neither Prince Stefano nor Prince Garrett is married, the only hostess in the royal family is Queen Marta. In the weeks prior to the event, she would normally
be making plans and arrangements on-site at the chateau in Bellamo. Understandably, King Eduard does not want his wife anywhere near Bellamo until her safety can be guaranteed.”

“So if I understand what you’re saying, you want me to secure the chateau and also throw in some hostessing duties?” she said dubiously.

“That’s right. But there’s more.”

“More?”

“You are going to be engaged to Prince Garrett.”

“What?” Janessa leaned forward, her jaw dropping. “You can’t be serious!”

“It’s just for show,” he assured her. “You wouldn’t have to do anything more on that front than a few public displays of affection, an interview or two with the press, and the usual social functions. The reason for the charade is that as his fiancée, you would have complete access to the grounds and the staff of the chateau. You would also be privy to all of the security arrangements being made. Basically, you would be our inside man.”

“So you want me to go undercover,” Janessa said, finally seeing some logic behind the request. “Let me ask you one thing. Why me?”

“The king didn’t name names, but he asked that we send the woman best suited for the job, and I believe that’s you. The fact that Prince Garrett requested you to continue on his security detail in Caracas weighed in. Besides that, you have integrity, and you speak the language.” He shifted the file on his desk before his eyes met hers once more. “You need to understand that in essence you are this team’s leader. From this moment on, everything you do has to be consistent with your cover story.”

Director Palmer stood now, and Janessa followed his lead. “You have your first briefing in the morning on Meridia’s culture, the royal family, and the plans for the naval base. My secretary will give you the details.”

Janessa nodded and followed him to the door. When he opened it, she turned back to face him. “Well, it was nice meeting you, sir.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Director Palmer said, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a smile. “Rogers, try to stay out of trouble.”

Her smile was instant. “Sir, I always try.”

Chapter 5

“I still can’t believe I was chosen for this job,” Janessa said as she followed Levi Marin into the conference room where they would receive the first of several briefings.

“I wish I could see Donald’s face when he sees pictures of you and Prince Garrett plastered all over the tabloids.” Levi grinned as he sat down at the conference table across from her. “The security on this assignment is so tight, not many people are going to know your engagement isn’t real.”

A sense of unease settled over Janessa as she considered the enormity of the difficulties she was about to face. “I don’t know if I can really pull this off, especially once the press gets wind of the engagement.”

“That’s why I’m coming too,” Levi pointed out. “I’ll work the technical end of the chateau’s security, and you size up the people we’re dealing with. The US ambassador to Meridia has been instructed to give us any assistance we need.”

Janessa gave a reluctant nod. “Will anybody else know who I really am, besides the ambassador and the royal family?”

“The chateau manager, Martino, and the chauffeur, Enrico, are aware of your true identity,” Levi told her. “Both have been with the royal family for years and are trusted.”

“Will they both know about you?”

“Martino knows who I work for, because he made the arrangements for me to work with the chateau’s security staff,” Levi said. “Everyone else will only know that I have been hired to help improve the security for the gala.”

Levi slid a paper across the table to her. “Here’s the latest report on the embassy bombing. So far neither government has managed to find any solid leads as to who is behind it. All we know is that the attack is consistent with the MO of several known terrorist groups.”

“But we have no idea which one,” Janessa finished for him.

“The staff at the embassy will continue to work on the investigation.” Levi shifted some papers in front of him and then passed a stack to Janessa. “Here’s what we are more concerned about. Threats against the royal family have been arriving with some regularity over the past several months. These are the ones that have been received over the past few weeks.”

Janessa looked at the top page and was shaken when she saw the computer generated image of Prince Stefano and Prince Garrett hanging from a tree. The next one was directed at the queen. A picture of a gun was aimed at the queen’s head. Nearly a dozen threats were in the stack, all of them threatening that one or more members of the royal family would die.

“I’ll never understand what drives someone to even think up this kind of stuff, much less follow through.” Janessa flipped through the threats again. “Do you think these are from the same person who bombed our embassy?”

“There’s no way to be sure.” Levi shrugged. “But one way or another, it’s our job to make sure no one gets the chance to follow through.”

* * *

“Father, you can’t be serious.” Garrett paced across his father’s office.

“I am serious. The invitation has already been sent.” Eduard leaned back in his massive chair and watched his son pace.

Garrett dragged a hand through his dark hair. “Doesn’t it seem ridiculous to you for me to get engaged to a woman I’ve never met before?”

“This is the only way she will have full access to the chateau,” Eduard insisted. “I can’t let your mother go to Bellamo until we’re sure it’s safe. Someone has to oversee the caterers and their employees to make sure that whoever is behind these latest threats doesn’t try to get someone inside during the gala.”

“Can’t she go undercover as a servant or a guest?”

“As a servant she would not be able to interact on an equal basis with those who will provide services for the gala, and guests don’t have full access to the chateau.” The king shook his head. “The only way she will be able to take over your mother’s duties is if she is considered part of the royal family.”

“But won’t my engagement to an American aggravate the anti-American sentiment here in Meridia?”

“We are hoping that the union will actually have the opposite effect.”

Garrett’s mind whirled as he tried to come up with another alternative, any alternative. “Surely you know that the attention we’ll get from the press will make security even more difficult.”

“We’ve considered that, but your brother feels that this will help pull the attention away from the embassy bombing and let the press focus on something more positive.”

“So I’m a distraction.” Garrett shook his head in frustration.

“You know that publicity is only one factor that has been considered. I realize you are not always comfortable in the spotlight, and I’m sure the press will thrive on the story both when your engagement is announced as well as when it is broken. Regardless, I am concerned with the safety of this family, and I believe this is the best way to fortify our defenses at the chateau.”

Garrett sighed with resignation. “Who is she, and when do I meet her?”

“She should be arriving on Tuesday. Since your duties will likely keep you here at the palace until then, the driver from the chateau will pick her up from the airport and take her to Bellamo to get settled in,” Eduard told him. “We will officially announce the engagement here at the palace the following Monday.”

“Why wait?”

“Stefano thought it would be more believable if you were seen with her a few times before we made the announcement.” He held a photograph out to Garrett. “Her name is Janessa Rogers. She was handpicked by the director of the CIA.”

Garrett snatched the photograph from his father’s hand, his eyes widening as recognition dawned. “She was on our security detail in Caracas.”

“Good, then she will be familiar with our security procedures.”

Garrett took a step toward the door, his attention still on the photograph. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to make some phone calls.”

“Garrett . . .” Eduard waited for his son to turn back to him before continuing. “I appreciate the sacrifices you are willing to make for the family.”

Somewhat mollified, Garrett nodded and slipped out the door.

* * *

Garrett stood on the balcony of his room, looking out into the darkness. A crisp ocean breeze ruffled his hair as he dialed the phone number.

He wasn’t sure why he was calling except for the simple reason that he wanted to talk to her. His confidence suffered a blow when a man answered the phone.

“May I speak with Janessa Rogers, please,” Garrett asked formally.

“Just a minute,” the man on the other end said.

A moment later Janessa picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Janessa? This is Garrett Fortier.”

She hesitated for the briefest moment before responding. “Your Highness, what can I do for you?”

“I hope that wasn’t a jealous boyfriend who answered the phone,” Garrett started, half seriously.

As he had hoped, Janessa laughed. “No, that was my brother-in-law, Kevin. I’ve been staying with my sister since I came back to Washington.”

“That’s a relief. I would hate to find out my fiancée was dating someone else already.”

“Your Highness . . .”

Garrett cut her off before she could continue. “Call me Garrett. After all, we are going to be engaged soon.”

“Okay, Garrett,” she managed. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you always work this fast?” Humor filled her voice. “After all, a week and a half ago I went from a woman you’d just met to a jealous girlfriend in a matter of minutes. And now we’re talking about getting engaged.”

“It’s amazing what can happen after one date. You obviously made quite an impression on me.” He smiled and felt some of his anxiety easing. He was glad he hadn’t been saddled with a harsh, business-only woman for this imaginary engagement. As nice as Janessa was, though, he wondered whether she really could do much to help augment the chateau’s security. But at least he would be relieved of the duties typically carried out by his mother. “I actually called to see if you have any questions about where you will be staying here or what you need to bring.”

“I probably have more questions than you have time to answer.” Janessa laughed. “I’ve only had one day of briefings, but I don’t have any real information about what my duties will be there.”

“During the day you will have a number of business meetings to help arrange for various services for the gala, and I’m afraid you can expect a lot of formal dinners in the evenings.”

A sigh came over the line. “So you’re telling me I need to bring business suits and evening gowns.”

“Basically.” Garrett grinned. “It wouldn’t hurt to bring a swimming suit along too. Our beaches are beautiful.”

“I’m looking forward to that part of the assignment,” Janessa admitted.

“A driver is scheduled to meet you at the airport when you arrive. Let me give you my cell phone number in case you have any questions before then.” Garrett rattled off his phone number and then, as an afterthought, gave her his private numbers at the palace and the chateau.

He had planned on ending the call then, but when she jokingly asked how things had gone with Monique after she left Caracas, he found himself telling her the highlights of the trade summit. They chatted for nearly an hour before he finally hung up.

Moving back into his bedroom, Garrett set down his phone and thought back to the night he had first met Janessa. More than once during that evening he had nearly forgotten that she was assigned to his security detail, especially with the way she was so easy to talk to. Tonight’s phone conversation hadn’t been any different.

He could only wonder if she would still be the same down-to-earth girl after her photograph was splashed all over the world and her name was linked with his.