Page 40 of Dangerous Mission

Axel turned to Terri. “We’re leaving.”

She stomped her ruby-red shoe and placed her hands on her hips. “First of all, in the future, I want one of the ear things. Being left out of the conversation sucks. Secondly, I’m not going to run. The Secret Service has the exits covered. I have you by my side. Gumby is in the crowd.”

“They let the media in.”

She shrugged. “Then more people can hear my speech. Maybe my words can get to the people who need to hear them. I’m not leaving before the speech. If it makes you feel better, I can stay here until I have to go up, and we’ll leave right afterward but not before.”

He was tempted to throw her over his shoulder and carry her out of the building but instead said, “Fine.”

The door to the hallway swung open, and a tall, blond woman in a white dress entered. Her hair was in a bun, and she pressed her black glasses up her nose. In one hand, she had a radio, and on the other, she held a folder. On instinct, Axel stood in front of Terri.

The woman’s dark-brown eyes widened, and she held up her hands. “I won’t hurt Terri.”

Terri shoved him aside. “Don’t mind him. He has an alpha male complex. He feels like I can’t protect myself.”

He wanted to point out that he’d been called in because she was in danger but figured the comment would piss her off.

“Axel, this is my assistant, Renee.”

“I’m so sorry I’m late, and I’ve looked everywhere for you. I was detained at the airport because they said my bag was suspicious. For hours, they wouldn’t let me call or talk to anyone. They still have my stuff, and I don’t know why. Luckily, my sister lives in town and let me borrow this. I know it’s not to the standard I should be in, but I’m sorry.”

Terri wrapped the woman, who was nearly in tears, in a hug. “Don’t worry, and you look really nice.”

“Thank you.” Renee sighed. “The charity organizer gave me a new schedule when I finally got here. This thing is a mess. They didn’t listen to me about the approved guest list, and they changed the time of your speech. You go on in five minutes.”

“We should leave,” Axel said again.

That got him a glare from Terri and Renee, and they both said no at the same time.

“I’m going to do my speech, then we can leave.” Terri turned to Renee. “After this, we’re heading to the beach for a few days. Can you stay in California with your sister, or do you want a hotel? If you need a room, charge it to the card. I’m not sure how long I’m staying out here.”

Renee bobbed her head. “No problem. I’ll stay and get the final tally for the donations before I leave. I have my sister's car, so if you need anything while you’re gone, let me know.”

Terri hugged her one more time, then Renee’s phone dinged.

She pulled it out. “They're ready.”

Axel squeezed Terri’s hand while they walked down the hall back to the main area. When they opened the door, the flash photography blinded him for a second. Terri held his hand tighter. The media would have a field day in the morning with the pictures of them holding hands on top of the video already leaked.

His eyes stayed glued to Terri as she took the stage, and he sat down at the front table one seat away from the senator. The man tapped his arm, but he didn’t look over. His job was to protect Terri and not make a politician happy.

Terri took a large sip of water from the glass on the lectern before she started. Axel had listened to her rehearse her speech, and each word was filled with emotion as she talked about the cause and the number of women taken each year. She vowed to make it her mission in life to continue her work.

For a second, Terri swayed, but she gripped the wooden stand with both hands.

“Something’s not right,” Gumby said in Axel’s ear, but he didn’t need his long-time friend to tell him what he already knew.

When Terri slurred her words, Axel knew something was bad. He jumped up from his seat and took a couple of steps toward the stage. A Secret Service agent stepped in front of him. “Move.”

The man didn’t, so he shoved him aside. Axel barely made it to the stage before Terri collapsed into his arms.

Terri

Terri’s eyesfelt like someone had glued them shut as she tried to figure out where she was. The last thing she remembered was her speech at the charity event. Her sip of water had tasted off, so she didn’t have anymore. When she reached the middle of the speech, the room swayed, but she wanted to finish. She had no clue if she had.

Axel's deep voice settled her nerves. He wasn’t talking to her, but another voice she recognized was her dad’s voice as well. Terri pried her eyes open and looked around. She was on the couch in Axel’s game room. His team, her father, and Gumby were hovering over the pool table. Terri’s mom, Angel, and Siena were near her.

“Looks like I missed all the fun.” Her words came out as a whisper.

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