Page 36 of No Vow Broken

The shock of the attack was beginning to wear off when we received word that our transport to DC had been arranged. We were told that until we were debriefed, the Secret Service would protect us, as they remained concerned for our security. They believed that whatever knowledge we had of the night’s events would be vital to determining who was responsible for the attack.

They weren’t wrong.

But they might not be right, either.

I wasn’t sure we’d have a lot to offer on that front. There had been so much chaos that it was going to take time to sort it all out. Lexi and I had a lot to figure out, too, regarding the wedding, our guests, and the impending arrival of the pope. But for now, I remained thankful we were unharmed and together.

That was more than enough for me.

TWENTY

Lexi

I’d never been so happy to see people…my people. Slash’s family, my family, all our friends, and even Amanda was safe. I openly cried when hugging my parents and brothers. The catering crew and Bluff House staff were also unharmed and accounted for.

A miracle and the best wedding gift ever.

Once Slash had been questioned and uncuffed, we cleaned ourselves up the best we could with the wet wipes provided by the medics. We then sat on the floor with our backs against the wall. Slash had draped a blanket over us, and I rested my head against his shoulder. Several agents stopped to ask various questions, but I left all the talking to Slash. I was completely wiped out.

Slash had just finished talking with one Secret Service agent when a policeman approached us.

“Ms. Carmichael?”

I was surprised that he’d addressed me instead of Slash, so I lifted my head off his shoulder. “Yes.”

“Your transport is ready.” He looked at Slash as we started to stand together. “I’m sorry, sir, you’ll be traveling in a separate vehicle. Ms. Carmichael is in the first car.”

“Why can’t I be in the car with him?” I protested. “Why do we have to be in separate vehicles?”

“I don’t know, it’s just what we were instructed. Secret Service orders and all.”

I wanted to protest, but Slash shook his head slightly, so I agreed. What else could we do?

I gave Slash a quick kiss and followed the policeman out the front door of Bluff House. We walked into complete chaos. A helicopter hovered over the area, sweeping a large spotlight at the house and nearby woods in search of what I supposed were other potential attackers. I counted at least six ambulances and a dozen police cars, some unmarked, all with lights flashing red and blue. Dozens of people in uniforms, camouflage, and suits ran around, holding out guns and yelling into phones and communication devices.

The policeman led me to a big black sedan that was first in a long line of police cars and SUVs. It had the engine running. He motioned for me to get in, but as I turned to get in the car, I saw Slash and Tito being loaded into the SUV behind me. I didn’t want to be separated, but at least there was comfort in knowing they were right behind me.

I climbed into the car, surprised to see Hands was already seated, his large legs crammed behind the driver’s seat.

“Hey, Keys, is this your ride, too?”

“I guess so.”

The car door shut behind me, indicating we were to be the only two passengers. The officer who’d led me to the car climbed into the passenger seat. I had no idea why they chose to take the two of us first, but maybe it was because we had taken down the only attacker who had made it to the second floor.

Hands must have been thinking the same thing, because he said, “They made you leave Slash behind? They did the same with me and Gray.”

“I’m sorry you’re separated again. It sucks.” I’d fought with Hands in several life-and-death situations, and he had never wavered once, whether he was commanding or protecting. He had to be one of the toughest men I’d ever known. But the expression on his face when he was reunited with Gray in the dining room took me totally by surprise. I couldn’t swear it, but I thought I saw tears glittering in his eyes as he crushed her in his embrace. It spoke volumes as to how deeply he cared for her.

“Please don’t discuss the details of the evening until the police have had a chance to take your statements,” the officer in the front said, turning in his seat. “You’ll each be able to to tell your story to each other shortly.”

I leaned forward in my seat. “Fine. But can you tell me the status of Agent Glass or Agent Troy? Are they going to make it?”

“I don’t know at this time,” he responded. “I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

Frustrated, I sat back and buckled myself in. We pulled away from the house and the driver drove past several police checkpoints, winding through town before we got to the highway. At one point during the ride, Hands patted my hand, and I gave him a grateful smile. We could have talked, but I wasn’t sure what to say.

I finally decided simple was best. “Thanks, Hands.” I tried to impart as much gratitude as I could into those two words. “I mean it.”

---