Page 18 of Alistair

“I’m so excited for you both,” said Carsen. Ruby was walking toward them, and Alistair smiled at his great-grandmother.

“I knew it. I knew you wouldn’t let this girl slip away. She’s special, Alistair. Don’t you let her get away, and you’d better treat her right, or you’ll have me to deal with.”

“I’m not going to let her slip away, Great-grandma. And believe me. I will treat her like the special woman that she is. I’m marrying her,” he laughed.

“I know that. I know. I got something for you. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to, but I thought maybe it’d be something you’d want to give your wife.” She pulled a small box from her dress pocket and handed it to Alistair. He opened it, tears filling his eyes.

“GG Ruby,” he said, shaking his head.

“Just show her,” she smiled. Alistair turned, showing Clark the ring. It was a stunning three-carat ruby surrounded by diamonds.

“Now, I know rubies ain’t for everyone,” said Ruby. “I just thought it could be something special for the two of you.”

“It’s perfect,” whispered Clark. “It’s absolutely perfect.”

Alistair slid it onto her finger, grateful that her left hand wasn’t the one broken. She stared at the massive gemstones, shaking her head.

“It’s so beautiful,” she cried, hugging Ruby.

“Now, now. Don’t cry. We’re family, and family takes care of one another. I was a lucky woman who made a lot of money in my day. Still make good money. I can do this for my family.”

“I’d like to wait until all of this is settled before we get married,” said Clark. “My parents should be able to come if I give them enough time.”

“Whenever you say, baby. I’m just grateful you said yes.”

“I’m not sure I had a choice,” she laughed, winking at him in a whisper. “I believe you were withholding my pleasure until I said yes.”

“I would never do such a thing,” he smiled. “Come on. Let’s eat and do a repeat of that event. I’m feeling energized all of a sudden. I’m going to be a married man soon and, hopefully, a father in the next few years.”

“You’re going to be a great dad,” said Clark.

“And you’re going to be an amazing mom,” he said, kissing her again. “Let’s eat and call your folks. I want to set a date so we can get working on this wedding.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

AJ, Hiro, and Tanner stared at the screens, looking at the list of names who were on the op. All were experienced agents, stellar records, no marks. If there was someone there that shouldn’t have been there, then this was going to be difficult.

“I don’t get it,” said AJ. “I can’t see any of these men doing this.”

“What about their financials?” asked Tanner. “Is anyone in trouble?”

“That was the first thing we checked,” said Hiro. “Nothing more than the usual. Mortgage, car, some credit card debt but nothing that would make someone turn against their own people.”

Tanner grabbed the stack of paper that had all the communications regarding the op. The first notification had gone out three weeks prior, stating that they were getting close to finding the location. There were multiple back-and-forth messages discussing teams, timing, and then one setting the date and time.

“Wait a minute,” frowned Tanner. “Clark said they arrived at 2005.”

“That’s right. Just a little after eight,” said Hiro.

“This message reads that the op was to begin at 2100. An hour later,” frowned Tanner. “Someone moved it up, and they were panicked. Whoever was there wasn’t supposed to be there.”

“I’ll be damned,” said AJ. “He’s right.”

He shot a quick text to Alistair, Clark, Cam, Luke, Hex, and Eric. When they arrived, they reviewed what they’d found and questioned Clark.

“Did you know that it was originally at 2100?” asked Luke.

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