Royal Target (5 page)

Chapter 6

Janessa stepped off the turboprop airplane onto the tarmac. She had decided to treat her soon-to-be-announced engagement as just another assignment. One that would be overridden with press and annoying inconveniences. The phone conversations she had had with Garrett over the past several days confirmed what she already suspected—the press was going to be intrusive and at times would likely be an obstacle to overcome in performing her duties.

She still couldn’t believe that a prince had been calling her so casually, but she had talked to him a dozen times as she prepared for her trip. On a few occasions she’d had to remind him that she had work to do to prepare for her trip, but when they spoke each evening she felt like she was talking to a friend rather than an assignment. In fact, they had spent nearly two hours on the phone the night before while she packed. She smiled as she thought of his last request—a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. She glanced down at the two boxes she carried.

Her smile stayed in place as her gaze fell on the nearby village. White buildings with red tiled roofs lined the hillside in no apparent order. Lush, green flora fought its way out of the craggy gray cliffs that dropped off into the Mediterranean. The airport itself was a modern structure made of steel and glass, an anomaly amid the fairy-tale setting.

Janessa lifted the handle of her carry-on bag and fell into step with the other passengers as they deplaned and headed inside. Nerves fluttered in her stomach as she worried about seeing Garrett in person again. Despite their lengthy phone conversations, she still wasn’t sure how she was supposed to act in public. She also wasn’t sure how Garrett felt about this whole façade. Though he often joked about her being his fiancée, he never really said anything about how all this was going to impact his life for the foreseeable future.

Levi Marin had arrived at the chateau the day before and was already working with the chateau manager and the security staff to identify where they needed to augment the current system with new safety measures. From their briefings earlier in the week, Janessa expected that she wouldn’t see much of Levi unless she sought him out.

As she stepped inside the airport, she spotted a uniformed chauffeur near the entrance holding a sign with her name on it. He was not terribly tall, and his build was comfortably rounded. His otherwise dark hair was peppered with gray, and his dark eyes were scanning the crowd.

“Signore, I am Janessa Rogers,” she said as she stepped in front of him, automatically speaking in the country’s native Italian.

He lifted an eyebrow at her use of Italian. “You are American?”

“That’s right.”

He nodded his approval. “I am Enrico Saldera.” Before she could object, he took her carry-on bag, leaving her with only the doughnuts to carry. Ten minutes later, they walked out of the airport to the waiting limousine. A porter followed behind with her luggage and efficiently loaded it into the trunk.

Enrico opened the door to the back of the limousine. Janessa glimpsed the plush inside but turned to Enrico rather than getting in. “Would you mind terribly if I rode up front with you? I’ll feel silly sitting back there by myself.”

The initial surprise that passed over his face was quickly replaced with a genuine smile. “Of course, signorina.”

As soon as they were both settled in the front of the limo, Enrico found himself bombarded with questions. Janessa started out asking about his family. Yes, he was married. His wife, Patrice, served as the cook for the royal family at the chateau, and he happily told Janessa about his two sons and his daughter. Janessa learned that Enrico’s family had been serving the royal family for generations and that his father, Paolo, still managed the stables.

As they drove, the conversation turned to questions about life in Meridia and the royal family. Enrico gave Janessa far more information about protocol and the kingdom of Meridia during their hour drive than she had received in several days’ worth of briefings. She learned that though the primary language was Italian, several areas of Meridian culture were strongly influenced by the French, particularly food and fashion. Enrico also confirmed what she had already suspected: The royal family was loved unconditionally by their subjects. The press loved them as well and particularly enjoyed exploiting the activities of Prince Stefano and Prince Garrett.

As they entered the town of Bellamo, Janessa was beginning to feel more comfortable with the prospect of spending the next several weeks in this tiny country nestled between France and Italy.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the royal chateau came into view. Built of weathered native stone, the grand structure sprawled over the green hillside, a unique combination of turrets, towers, and balconies. The Mediterranean glistened below in a mirror image of the cloudless sky. Flowers spilled from pottery urns on the balconies, and the courtyard was alive with the color provided by a dozen kinds of roses.

They pulled up in the driveway, which circled a gushing fountain. Janessa stepped from the car and looked at the coastline. Pristine white beaches stretched for several miles to the west, interrupted by impassable rocky cliffs, which provided a natural defense. To the east, the beach was visible until the land curved out of sight. A Meridian naval base was situated at a point where the beach jutted out half a mile into the ocean, a strategic location to protect the royal vacation home as well as the resort villas that lay beyond.

Janessa watched a destroyer coming into port and wondered idly if she would be allowed a tour of the base.

“I will have your bags taken upstairs for you.” Enrico put his hand on her elbow to lead her up the steps. He gave her arm an encouraging squeeze and motioned to the front entrance. “Welcome to Meridia.”

* * *

Janessa stood in the doorway of the parlor and stared for a full minute. The room was five times the size of her parents’ living room, yet it still managed to feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. Couches, love seats, and chairs were arranged to create intimate conversation areas, the upholstery comfortably faded from the light streaming through the tall windows. Janessa moved forward just as a man walked through a doorway on the other side of the room. He appeared to be in his fifties, but his dark hair did not show a speck of gray, and his lean frame indicated he was still active.

“Signorina Rogers.” His voice was formal with a hint of disdain humming through it, but he moved forward and took her hand in his. “I am Martino. I am the manager of the chateau,” he said in English.

“I’m pleased to meet you.” Janessa shook his hand then took the seat he indicated. With a smile, she continued in Italian. “Please don’t feel you have to speak to me in English. I’m happy to speak your language.”

“Very well,” Martino said stiffly, now speaking Italian. He sat down across from her and opened up the portfolio he held. “I understand you will be taking over the hostess duties until Queen Marta arrives from Calene.”

“That’s correct.” Janessa nodded. “I need to take some time tomorrow to acquaint myself with the chateau, and I would like to meet with the caterers early next week.”

“I will make the appointment with the caterers,” Martino insisted in a superior tone. “This evening, you will dine with Prince Garrett and his guests, and then tomorrow afternoon you will accompany His Highness into Bellamo.”

Refusing to be affected by Martino’s cold tone, Janessa slid a pocket organizer from her purse, along with a pen. “What time is dinner this evening?”

“Seven o’clock,” Martino told her.

“I’ll need a copy of the guest list for tonight.” Janessa let her voice take on an edge of authority.

“I will bring that up to you shortly. Now, if you would like me to show you up to your rooms, Prince Garrett should be arriving within the hour.”

Rooms?
Janessa thought, but all she said was, “Thank you.” Determined to keep an open mind, Janessa followed Martino up the curving staircase, hoping that he would warm up to working with her before too much time passed. Her next thought was that she shouldn’t expect everyone to like her. Even her own siblings reminded her often enough of her flaws—“bossy” being at the top of their list.

A few minutes later, Janessa stepped out onto her balcony and breathed in the sea air. The view was incredible, almost too perfect to be real. To the right, a swimming pool was nestled among Mediterranean palm trees and climbing roses, and to the left, the expansive gardens swept along the back of the chateau all the way to the seawall that separated the chateau from the beach just beyond.

A short flight of stairs led to the beach from the swimming pool, and another flight of stairs mirrored it, descending from the gardens. The Mediterranean Sea glistened beneath the midday sun, and a few boats were visible on the water. She leaned on the railing, wondering if she had ever seen such perfection before. She had always imagined that the coastal regions of Italy would look something like this, but on her mission she had never served near the water.

The sitting room behind her was nearly as large as her entire apartment in Caracas, and her bags had already been delivered and were currently on the floor in her bedroom. Yes, Martino really had meant
rooms,
plural. She was afraid she would get spoiled if she stayed here very long.

Her mind turned to the man she would soon call her fiancé. She had read his bio several times over the past few days, trying to reconcile what was on paper with the man she had met so briefly in Caracas. He had graduated college when he was twenty-one and then served for four years in the Navy. She had been surprised to find that his military training had been rather intensive and that he had spent nearly two years working with naval intelligence. After his time in the service, Garrett had spent a year working with his father before attending law school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Janessa smiled as she thought of the irony of it all. Garrett had just spent the past three years in her country while she had spent most of that time living outside of it. Still, Prince Garrett had popped up in the newspapers and glossies with regularity, with a different woman on his arm almost every time. The last thing she recalled seeing about him was his breakup with some actress, though she couldn’t remember ever actually seeing them photographed together. She had meant to ask him about it the last time he called but had never found the opening.

When a knock came at the door, Janessa stayed where she was. “Come in.” She turned, expecting to see Martino in her open doorway. Instead, Prince Garrett stepped through.

For a moment they stared at each other. Reminding herself to follow Meridian protocol, Janessa dipped into a curtsey. A strand of her thick, red hair caught in the breeze. Self-consciously, she brushed it out of her face and moved from the balcony into the sitting room.

“I hope you find your accommodations acceptable,” Garrett said as he moved into the room and closed the door to ensure some privacy.

“I was just admiring the view. It’s spectacular,” Janessa replied. She wondered if he had chosen to speak in English out of habit or if he had forgotten she spoke Italian.

Garrett motioned for her to sit down, settling himself in a chair once she was seated. “My father asked me to thank you for agreeing to assist my country during this difficult time.”

“It’s my pleasure,” she responded, somewhat surprised by the formality of his tone.

“Now that you are here and I don’t have to worry about anyone eavesdropping on our conversation, can you tell me a little about what you do for your government?” He shifted in his chair. “The information my father gave me was rather vague.”

Janessa smiled. “I’m not even sure
I
know what I do for my government.”

Garrett’s eyebrows rose. “I thought you were some sort of security officer.”

“Officially, I’m a linguistic specialist.” Janessa shrugged. “Unofficially, I use my knowledge of languages to gather information.”

“You’re a spy?” Garrett laughed.

“Not exactly.” Janessa replied, not at all offended by the prince’s reaction. “When I was working as a linguist for the State Department in Madrid, I happened to overhear an important conversation. A few weeks later the Central Intelligence Agency recruited me.”

“Forgive my laughter, but I find it hard to picture you as an intelligence officer.”

“Which is exactly why I’m good at my job,” Janessa stated confidently.

“I hope so, for all of our sakes.” Garrett stood now. “I’ll let you get settled in. Dinner is at seven.”

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Janessa stood as Garrett started toward the door. She moved into the bedroom for a moment and returned carrying both boxes of doughnuts. Holding them out, she smiled. “Enjoy.”

Surprise followed by humor lit his eyes. Then he grinned, and the formal air melted away. “I didn’t think you would actually bring them.”

“Then why did you ask?” Janessa laughed, for the first time feeling like she was talking to the same man who had called her on the phone. “One dozen for you, and another dozen to share.”

Garrett was still grinning when she shifted the boxes into his arms. “Did you want one?” he asked.

She shook her head and patted her stomach. “I’d better not.” She lowered her voice as though sharing a secret. “There were three boxes when I got on the plane.”

Garrett’s laughter rang out. “I’ll see you tonight.”

Janessa’s smile stayed in place as she watched him leave the room. Then she turned from the door and focused on the pressing matter of what to wear.

Chapter 7

Janessa studied the other guests while listening halfheartedly to the woman standing next to her in the parlor. The excitement level in the room was high, as this was the first official function at the chateau for several months.

Uniformed waiters moved through the room carrying trays of hors d’oeuvres and glasses of champagne. Every lesson in protocol and etiquette ran through Janessa’s mind as she accepted a miniature quiche and declined the champagne. She tried to convince herself that she belonged here amid the wealth and glamour, but she couldn’t help feeling a little out of her league. Still, she hoped that the last few years of pretending to be something she wasn’t would help her appear comfortable in this formal setting.

Across the room, Prince Garrett stood near the terrace doors greeting several of his guests. Laughter rang out as a young woman moved closer to Garrett, laid a hand on his arm, and held on.

Three women clustered behind her spoke of the latest tabloid article about Prince Garrett. Though Janessa had never read more than an occasional headline, she was well aware of Garrett’s many exploits during his naval career. Of course, his presence in the United States over the past few years had made his social life even more interesting to the American people. Even though she didn’t put much stock in anything printed between the covers of gossip magazines, she doubted that Prince Garrett was anything like the good LDS boys her parents and siblings kept throwing in her path.

Already she was having trouble reconciling the man across the room with the man she had spent hours talking to over the past few days. He looked the same as the first time she had seen him—formal and a bit aloof. On the phone he had been so . . . normal. She had already started to think of him as a friend rather than an assignment, something she knew was against both of their best interests. Still, those phone conversations had given her so much insight into what to expect as well as a comfort level with the assignment she never would have had without Garrett’s help.

She thought of their meeting earlier. She realized that he wasn’t sure she could protect his family. And despite her confidence in her own abilities, Janessa wasn’t sure she could either. The Rominez assassination had proven what she knew all too well: Even the best security could be breached under the right circumstances. She just had to make sure those circumstances were highly unlikely over the next five weeks.

The model-thin woman clinging to Prince Garrett leaned in to whisper something in his ear. With an inward sigh, Janessa excused herself from her current conversation and crossed the room. She had to start playing the part of Garrett’s girlfriend sometime.

She moved slowly across the parlor, taking a moment to gauge what language was being spoken. Though several scenarios crossed her mind, she opted for a subtle solution. When she reached Garrett, she lightly ran a hand over his shoulder as she spoke in French to the woman clinging to him. “I can’t believe Garrett hasn’t introduced us yet. I’m Janessa Rogers. I’m a guest at the chateau for a while.”

When the woman saw Janessa’s extended hand, manners demanded that she release Garrett and extend her own. She was several inches taller than Janessa, standing about five foot nine, and she took the time to look down her nose at Janessa. “Isabel Dumond.”

“I am so pleased to meet you.” Janessa flipped through her mental file of the evening’s guests. “You must be Pierre’s daughter. I understand your father has headed the museum in Bellamo for many years now.”

“Yes,” Isabel said. She smiled coyly at Garrett before continuing. “My family has enjoyed a close association with the royal family for some time.”

Before Isabel could cling to Garrett once again, Janessa resolved the problem. Stepping neatly between Isabel and Garrett, she angled her head toward Isabel. “Have you met Mademoiselle Poratte?”

Eyes narrowing, Isabel shook her head.

“She just arrived from Paris last week and would love to gain your perspective on life here in Meridia.” Janessa laid a hand on Isabel’s arm and motioned across the room.

Isabel lifted her chin a bit higher. “I’m sure someone else can help her with that.”

“Perhaps, but there are so few of us here that are close to her age. I would love to help, but I haven’t been here long enough yet.” Janessa gave her a subtle nudge as she turned to Prince Garrett. “If you will excuse us.”

“Of course, Janessa.” He nodded and turned to speak to the French ambassador as the two women crossed the room.

Janessa introduced Mademoiselle Poratte to Isabel, deliberately ignoring Isabel’s annoyance. If she guessed right, Isabel had set her sights on Garrett and was determined to get her way. Janessa breathed an inward sigh of relief when Isabel’s father joined them a moment later and introduced himself. He reminded her a bit of her own father with his open, intelligent expression, sturdy build, and dark hair peppered with gray.

“I understand you are staying here at the chateau,” Pierre commented, his voice welcoming.

“Yes, I only arrived today, but I’m looking forward to exploring a bit tomorrow.”

“There are days I would like to do the same thing. The history and artwork here make me feel like I’m in a museum disguised as a home.” He lowered his voice fractionally. “One that has the best cook in the province.”

Janessa took another miniature quiche from a servant’s tray and nodded her approval. “I’m definitely going to have to compliment the chef.”

A few minutes later dinner was announced. When everyone moved into the dining hall, Janessa stopped at the entrance and absorbed her surroundings.

Three elaborate chandeliers were evenly spaced over the enormous table. The wooden floors were freshly polished, and Janessa imagined that the wood itself was centuries old. She guessed the room could easily seat a hundred people, though only half that many would dine here tonight. A bit intimidated by the size of the room and the formality of the setting, Janessa forced herself to move forward. After a quick search, she found the place card with her name on it and was surprised to
see she hadn’t been seated next to Garrett.

As Janessa sat down, a waiter moved to fill her wine glass. Janessa held the glass out to him, speaking quietly as she explained in Italian that she didn’t drink and asked if he might give her a glass of water instead. The waiter nodded in agreement, removing her glass and returning a moment later with a goblet filled with water.

Janessa thanked him and took a sip as the rest of the guests filtered in. When Prince Garrett entered, she moved to stand as protocol demanded. Noticing her already at the table, he caught her eye and smiled, then changed his course so he would pass her as he moved to his own seat at the head of the table.

He leaned in to kiss her cheek and whispered, “Having fun yet?”

She whispered back, “Probably as much as you are.”

He smiled and moved on, leaving Janessa wishing they had been seated more closely. The guests at tonight’s party were dignitaries from the French Embassy along with selected family members and a few prominent French citizens working in Meridia. The conversation was tedious and single-minded as the French ambassador continued to express his concerns over an upcoming trade summit. Thankfully, the delicious meal more than made up for the lack of interesting conversation.

At the head of the table, the prince smiled and chatted with those around him. He evaded some questions and answered others, every time responding politely to each of his guests. His voice was sincere, yet his posture remained rigid throughout the evening, and he never seemed to really relax.

His eyes were dark and just a little mysterious, as though he didn’t want anyone to pierce through to the man beneath the polished sheen. He managed to take a bite of his meal occasionally, but several of his dinner companions failed to recognize that they were there to eat. Every time Prince Garrett moved to take a bite, someone else would ask him a question.

As Janessa ate her dessert, something sinfully chocolate and airy, her sympathies went out to the prince. He never even got a chance to pick up his spoon.

When the meal finally concluded, everyone moved back into the parlor. The open terrace doors invited the night air in. Garrett introduced several people to Janessa. He then spent a few moments socializing with Isabel and two other young women in attendance before he excused himself to go get a breath of fresh air. Rather than give him the few moments alone he so clearly needed, those chatting with him decided some fresh air would benefit them as well.

Garrett’s manners were impeccable, and only a flicker of annoyance flashed in his eyes before he quickly concealed it and smiled at the women who escorted him outside. One of the dignitaries shifted to follow them, and Janessa glanced around the room. Some of the guests had settled down to have an after-dinner drink, but many others were preparing to leave.

Realizing her job was basically done for the night, Janessa checked with Martino before excusing herself. She moved out of the parlor and past the dining room, pleased when she found the kitchen. Janessa knocked on the door as she pushed it open. She spotted a slightly rounded woman with graying hair she guessed to be Enrico’s wife, Patrice.

“I just wanted to compliment you on a wonderful meal,” Janessa said in Italian. She moved forward and extended her hand. “I’m Janessa Rogers.”

“Patrice Saldera.” Patrice’s eyebrows lifted even as she shook Janessa’s hand. “Everything was satisfactory?”

“Everything was delicious.” Janessa smiled.

Patrice sighed, waving a hand at the counter where a tray of desserts lay, most of them untouched. She spoke Italian with a thick French accent. “I thought maybe they didn’t like it.”

“I think too many of them are on a diet.” Janessa shrugged. “I’m afraid they didn’t give the prince a chance to eat his either. He may appreciate it if you save some for him.”

Patrice nodded. “Signorina Rogers . . .”

“Please, call me Janessa.”

“Very well. Gianessa,” Patrice corrected herself, using the Italian version of Janessa’s name. She waved at the platters of leftover food. “Did you get enough to eat?”

“More than enough.” She patted her stomach and nodded at the dessert dishes. “Mine is the empty one.”

Patrice chuckled and nodded her approval.

“Good night. Thank you again for a wonderful meal.” Janessa turned to leave just as the door opened behind her.

“Oh, I beg your pardon.” Prince Garrett stopped just inside the door. Surprise flickered in his eyes. He looked from Janessa to Patrice and then back to Janessa. “I hope you didn’t get lost.”

Janessa shook her head, her lips quirking up in the beginnings of a smile. “No, not at all.” She motioned to the food behind her. “You must be hungry. I’ll get out of your way so that you can eat.”

“We just ate.”

“
I
just ate.” Her smile broke free. “
You
entertained. Try the dessert. It’s magnificent.”

Clearly surprised by her observation, he turned to see Patrice smiling at him. “She’s right. My boy never eats enough at these dinners,” Patrice said in a matronly tone as she waved toward a doorway on the other side of the kitchen. “Go sit down. I’ll fix you a plate.”

All formality melted away as Garrett grinned and crossed to kiss Patrice on the cheek. “You’re too good to me.” He kissed her other cheek. “And you’re still the best cook in the province.”

“You just want me to make you fresh strawberry pie.”

Garrett chuckled. “That too.” His grin was still in place when he turned to Janessa and asked, “Will you join me?”

Janessa’s eyebrows rose. “I thought you would appreciate some time alone.”

Garrett shook his head. “I don’t like to eat alone, and Patrice doesn’t ever sit down until the dishes are done.” He winked at Patrice and gave Janessa a boyish smile. “If you don’t eat with me, she might put me on dish duty like when I broke the breakfast room window when I was twelve.”

Now curious, Janessa followed him into the breakfast room. “How did you manage that?”

“Home run.” Garrett shrugged as he pulled one of a dozen chairs out for her. “I guess we should have been trying to hit away from the chateau.”

“Lesson learned.” Janessa laughed. She sat down at the square table, amazed at how quickly Garrett had shed his formal air and become once again the man she had spent so many hours talking to on the phone.

Garrett waved in the direction of the kitchen. “Did you get enough dinner? I can have Patrice fix you a plate too.”

“I had more than enough. As I told Signora Saldera, I don’t think I can eat another bite.” She watched Patrice put a full plate in front of Garrett and then a dessert in front of each of them. She laughed despite herself. “Okay, maybe just one more bite, but I’m going to have to schedule time to run tomorrow.”

“I think that can be arranged.” Garrett took a bite as Janessa swirled her spoon in her dessert. “From what I understand, nothing is scheduled tomorrow until lunchtime.”

“Martino mentioned an outing tomorrow afternoon.”

Garrett nodded, his eyes meeting hers with a directness she wasn’t accustomed to. “You did well tonight. I hadn’t realized that you spoke French.”

“I told you I’m a linguistics specialist,” Janessa reminded him. “Romance languages are my specialty.”

“I should have realized that when you mentioned being a jealous girlfriend.” Humor danced in his eyes. “How many languages do you speak?”

“Six, if you don’t include Japanese.” Janessa pushed her half-eaten dessert away from her and leaned closer as though sharing a secret. “And trust me, my Japanese tends to get me into trouble.”

“I guess it’s a good thing we don’t have any pressing engagements with Japan in the near future.” Garrett laughed. “And thank you for your help tonight with Isabel.”

“I gather she’s admired you for some time.”

“She has admired my title for some time,” Garrett corrected. “It often makes for an awkward situation.”

“Like the one in Caracas.” Janessa smiled. “Maybe being engaged will help keep you out of awkward situations for a while.”