Page 95 of Very Special Forces

"What'sup?" he asked.

"Seethat guy over there in the window?" I said. "That's Bryce Maynard.There were two calls into MPD about him in the last couple ofweeks."

"You hadme look into him," said Garrett.

"Hisex-fiancée, Julia, is too scared to prosecute but he leftfingerprints on her neck and fractured her nose, among otherinjuries. The hospital and the responding officers witnessed themtoo. Can you help her see through all the criminal proceedings? Hecan't get away with this." I eyed Kendra again; how happy sheappeared as he reached over and demonstrated what she would looklike with shorter hair. "She's in danger and she doesn't know ityet."

"I'd behappy to help. Let me get things rolling," said Garrett.

"Do youwant to skip the dinner? We can get takeout if you prefer?" askedSolomon.

"No, Iwant to be here, with you."

"Thenlet's go celebrate. There's nothing more you can dohere."

I tookhis hand as we turned away and I didn't look back.

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Oh,Alexandra." My mother stepped back, her hands cupping her cheeks asshe sighed. "You look beautiful. You look just like a young me.Doesn't she, Lily? Just like me!"

"Liketwins," said Lily diplomatically. She stepped to one side so thephotographer could snap a series of shots.

I turnedback to the full-length oval mirror the hotel supplied and checkedmy reflection. The dress was as perfect as the last time I tried iton in the bridal salon. The alterations to the skirt meant it sweptthe floor perfectly, allowing my blue heels to peek out as Iwalked. The bodice was beautifully fitted and the jeweled sash wasthe perfect finishing touch. My hair was swept up and my makeup theperfect blend of natural but not my normal natural; just a reallygood version of natural. My eyelids were dusky and my cheeksglowing while my lips had the faintest hint of pink. I adjusted mybirdcage veil and Lily fussed with it to make sure it was just sobefore she handed me the colorful bouquet.

"Did Imention my dress has pockets?" I said, demonstrating again. "I cancarry lip gloss and all kinds of important things."

"Fabulous," agreed Lily.

"I thinkwe're ready," said Mom. "Take my arm and I will walk youdownstairs."

Thebridesmaids waited in the lobby under my Dad's and Anastasia'swatchful eyes and everyone clapped when I stepped off the laststair. I couldn't help smiling and blushing.

Momrushed outside and then back again like a blue whirlwind. "The carsare waiting," said Mom. "Anastasia, Lily, and I will take thelittle girls and we'll see you there." She squeezed my hand and herface crumpled. "I'm so glad someone is marrying you," she said,squeaking with pleasure before rushing outside.

Dadrolled his eyes. "If you think that was bad, you should hear whatGrandma O'Shaughnessy said to your mother before ourwedding."

"I'msure she'll tell us later," I said.

"Doubtit. Your brothers are under strict instructions to get her drunk,and then swiftly cart her away to her room as soon as her eyelidsbegin to droop."

"Smartplan."

"It'seither that or she'll start putting curses on people."

"Ah,just like Garrett's wedding," I said.

Dadoffered me his arm and I wrapped my arm around his. "It's not toolate to run," he said softly, leaning in so only I couldhear.

"I'm notrunning."

"We candrive."

"No!"

Dadbeamed. "I didn't think so but I had to check."

The carcarrying my mother, bridesmaids, and flower girls departed and thechauffeur waited by the door for us. I slid onto the back seat ofthe car, careful to tuck my skirt around me so it didn't catch inthe door. Dad hurried around the other side and hopped in. "I couldget used to this," he said as we moved off. "It's nothing like yourmother driving."

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