Page 66 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
Good thing there were no lights on. He was sure he was as red as the proverbial beet. Alex backed away. “Do you need anything?”
“Turn on the light as you leave?”
Alex crossed the room.
“And thank you.”
“Anytime.” He would have said, “As you wish,” but she would probably understand too well what he was feeling. Everyone knew what those three little words really meant.
24
Pastor Baxter proclaimeda benediction once the last notes of the organ had faded. Unlike Jeremy’s funeral, there were no pallbearers and no dutiful following of the casket to a cemetery. Kimberly wasn’t sure what to do. Quiet greetings filled the sanctuary as people filed out. Pastor Baxter came to stand in front of her and extended his hand. Kimberly shook it, Alex at her side. She glanced at the number of people between her and the door. More than hugs, she needed a bathroom, now. According to the maternity website, it was because her body was replacing amniotic fluid. It felt like the baby was using her bladder as a trampoline.
“Pastor, is there a secret passage to the restroom?” she whispered.
He smiled. “Not really, but if you use the side exit, you can go around the building.”
Alex and Elle followed her dash for freedom.
Unfortunately, Agents Danes and Garcia did too. “Mrs. Thompson, please wait.”
Kimberly sped up. Whatever they had to say could wait. She cut across the lawn, hurrying toward the next door.
Agent Danes ran to catch up, grabbing her arm. “Mrs. Thompson, we need to talk.”
Kimberly shook her arm, but he didn’t let go. “And I’ve been sitting in a pew for an hour, and I need to find the ladies room.”
“This will only take a moment.”‘
“So will going to the bathroom. Let me go.” Kimberly used her free hand to loosen his grip.
“You heard her. Let her go.” Alex glared down at the agent.
“Whose side are you on?”
“The pregnant lady’s.”
“Fine.” Agent Danes dropped his hand. “Garcia, go with her.”
Kimberly rushed into the building’s rear entrance, closely followed by Agent Garcia and Elle. This felt like junior high, running into the bathroom with your two besties to get away from the boys so you could tell secrets. Only she had nothing to tell.
They had decided to not tell the FBI about the letter until they could talk to Deputy Assistant Director Hastings. The last thing they wanted to do was share their knowledge of a potential double agent with the wrong person.
Kimberly ignored her entourage and entered the bathroom, claiming the only empty stall.
Several women entered the restroom. She breathed a sigh of relief. The agents couldn’t question her if she was talking to friends.
Gladys met her at the sink. “There you are. I told Maria you wouldn’t have left and probably ran in here, being pregnant and all.’’
Kimberly washed her hands before Mrs. Scott enveloped her in a hug. “How are you doing, dear? That is quite the hunk you have with you. Do you young kids still usehunk?”
“I am well.” Kimberly patted her stomach. “So is this one.”
“And the guy?”
The mirror caught Kimberly’s blush. “He is very fit.”
Mrs. Scott laughed. “Glad you’ve kept your humor. If you don’t want him, I’ll take him. He is the perfect age.”
