Page 50 of Kidnapping of a Myth

“Okay.” John shrugged.

“Just okay?” She tilted back so she could look into his eyes.

“I don’t know. I guess.”

Bel paused to study his face and then pulled him back into the hug. These boys didn’t know her very well, but they understood she was a kindred spirit. Bel and Eamon had been checking in with the Darlings over the past weeks, and hearing the detective had endured something similar helped the brothers confront their fear. If she’d survived a kidnapping and was still brave enough to save them, they too would be all right.

“It gets better,” Bel said, finally letting go of them. “And talking to people helps.”

“Do you talk to anyone?” John asked.

“Every week. I see a therapist. I talk to my dad all the time too, and my sisters, my friends, and Eamon.”

“Wendy wants us to see a doctor,” Michael said. “But I just want a dog.”

“Dogs are the best, but the doctor will help.”

“Well, if you go, I guess I can go,” Michael said with a shrug. “When I get my dog, will you come visit her? Can we have a playdate with Cerberus?”

“Are you bothering Bel about a dog?” Wendy interrupted, and Bel smiled as the bride threw her arms around her.

“She doesn’t mind. She likes dogs, right Bel?” Michael asked.

“That is very true.” Bel rubbed Wendy’s back as the younger woman sagged against her. “You look lovely, and the ceremony was beautiful.”

“Thank you, but this is too much. Can you see why we eloped?”

“I don’t blame you.”

“Oh well.” Wendy shrugged as she finally pulled free of Bel’s embrace. “It has been a fun night, though. Less stressful since we’re already married, but I can’t wait to get onto the yacht.”

“Michael told me the whole family is going.”

“Oh, absolutely.” Wendy captured her brothers in her arms. “There is no way in hell I’m going anywhere without them.”

“Wendy is bringing our homework with us. I don’t like school, but I think it’ll be cool to have school on a boat,” Michael said.

“Sounds very cool,” Bel agreed.

“Their teachers sent me their lesson plans so they can keep up with their classes during our extended honeymoon,” Wendy said. “One day I’ll let them out of my sight, but I can’t right now. It’s bad enough being here with all the board members. The FBI never discovered who Hook was, and honestly, all these people have my head spinning. Am I in the same room as the person who tried to ruin our lives? Will they try again? I want to enjoy today, but you were always right. You figured everything out.The FBI thinks Hook is one of Pann’s alter egos, but what do you think? Is that true? And before you agree with them because it’s my wedding, might I remind you that you and Eamon are now close personal friends, and I have your number. I will bother you every day until you tell me the truth.”

Bel laughed, reaching out to capture Wendy’s hand. “We didn’t find any connection between the board members and Pann. Nor did we find any financial dealings between him and your company, your competitors, or your personal relationships, so it’s possible Hook is another persona. But it’s the way he said the name. I think Hook is another person. I’m just not sure who. Pann won’t talk, and he didn’t leave so much as a stray hair in his apartment of two years. Bizarre behavior aside, he was a professional.”

“That’s what freaks me out,” Wendy whispered. “Someone that good doesn’t leave evidence or paper trails for the FBI, so Hook could be here as a guest. Did I invite our murderer to my own wedding?”

“The FBI assumed control of the investigation, but you know I’m here for you, right?” Bel asked. “If you need anything, please call. Eamon and I will do what we can to protect your family, but for tonight, enjoy the reception. I understand it’s hard not to worry, but you deserve this happiness.”

“I know, and if it was a board member, maybe they won’t try anything now that we’re married.”

“What do you mean?”

“The board only gets the money and company if my siblings and I die unmarried. Since Henry and I are officially wed, they get nothing unless we all pass, spouses included.”

“You never said that at the house,” Bel said. “You were legally married then.”

“For like twenty-four hours before the boys were kidnapped, but those traps had been constructed months ago,” Wendy said.“I didn’t mention it because no one knew we were eloping. I didn’t even know until a few days before, so whoever planned this couldn’t have known we were tying the knot. They assumed they had another month before this wedding to deal with us. Besides, with all those IEDs, Henry wasn’t safe either. If not for you, our elopement wouldn’t have mattered. They would’ve killed all four of us.”

“But we were there,” Eamon said, and both women twisted to see him and Henry walking toward them. “And you’re safe.” He captured Wendy in a hug before releasing her to her husband. “But Isobel is right. This is your big day. Let’s celebrate.”

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