Page 36 of A Colby Christmas Rescue

No. She wasn’t going there.

“Let me know when you’re ready to move.” Jamie needed a few minutes to herself. Some time to decompress and get her head on straight. Tonight, was far too important to go into it rattled like this. Psyching herself up for a mission was always a smart step.

Abi touched her arm to slow her departure. “I’m counting on you, Jamie. I can’t do this without you.”

“Yeah.”

Jamie had never felt so torn. This was not like her usual missions. It was wrong. More wrong than anything she’d ever been asked to do. But it was also the only way to save her brother.

She couldn’t say no...couldn’t walk away.

And because of that she had no choice but to do all within her power to ensure that Dr. Case and his daughter cooperated—but also that they survived this thing unscathed.

For the first time since she was a little girl, she wished her grandmother were here beside her to give her an assist. She could use some of Victoria’s wisdom and strength right now.

Lionheart Court,

7:30 p.m.

JAMIEEMERGEDFROMthe limo that had picked up her and Abi. He waited for her outside the car, looking too handsome in his black suit and black bow tie against the white shirt. His dark skin and black hair gave him the sophisticated look of a foreign diplomat. In his jacket pocket was a red handkerchief.

Her floor length sheath was the exact shade of red as the handkerchief. So were her very sleek high heeled shoes. None of which was made for running or for tackling an enemy.

After seeing the formfitting dress, she’d decided to wear her hair up in a French twist. Seemed appropriate. Whatever others thought of them being at this party, they certainly made a handsome couple. Jamie felt as if she’d arrived at senior prom with the most popular boy in school, but couldn’t remember why she’d decided to come when none of her friends would be here. Only this boy who was so handsome and far too charming.

There were always strangers involved with her missions, but these were not simply strangers. These were civilians who had no idea that this party had been targeted by someone who had so much money at his disposal that he could choose to disrupt this gala and the life of the man hosting it to get what he wanted.

Jamie took a breath and cleared her head. She knew what she had to do. Fretting over the details wouldn’t get the job done.

Abi took her hand and draped it over his arm. “In case I haven’t already told you, you look amazing.”

She smiled at the man who held the door open as they entered the home of their target. “You look quite fetching yourself, Mr. Amar.”

He flashed her a smile.

Once they were deep into the entry hall, he leaned close and whispered, “Do you think we look so nice that they’ll never suspect we’re here for nefarious purposes?”

“As long as they don’t look too closely.”

He smiled. “Touché.”

Apparently, the doctor had many friends. The crowd was larger than Jamie had expected for a family holiday gathering.

They entered the grand hall, and it was like entering a Christmas wonderland. Beautifully decorated trees...garlands and ribbons...so tastefully done. The scent of cedar hung in the air. Holiday music played softly from speakers hidden somehow in the architecture. The ceiling towered two stories above, looking exactly like something from a European castle. The floor was marble and the furnishings were museum quality. Servers strolled about with their trays. But Jamie wasn’t the slightest bit hungry or even thirsty.

“Recognize anyone?”

She had seen photos of Case and his family on the internet and on Abi’s phone. Jamie spotted Dr. Case near the massive stone fireplace almost immediately. He was surrounded by what she presumed were colleagues. Maybe close friends. This didn’t feel like a family holiday gathering. This was almost certainly a business function accented with holiday decor.

“Several other surgeons,” he said, leaning close enough for her to feel his lips brush her forehead. “A number of local politicians.”

Interesting. Abi had certainly familiarized himself with those in the doctor’s orbit. Not surprising really, she decided. This was exactly what she did when prepping for a mission.

She spotted Case’s wife. She too wore a red dress. Jamie glanced at Abi. “Am I wearing red because she is?”

He smiled. “It’s a very good color on you. Far better than on her. And your blond hair is natural, unlike hers.”

Hovering near Mrs. Case was her daughter. Ten-year-old Lillian Case. And of course, she wore a red dress to match her mommy. Oh, dear God. Jamie felt sick at what could go wrong.

---