The vehicle pulled through the secure gates then drove around to the four car garage bay. The S560 Mercedes Coupe parked in the second bay. AnnieMarie sat behind the wheel willing herself to gather her nerves for the confrontation that was about to take place. The day began with gun fire. Would it end the same way, she wondered. She was so angry with Cainan and knew if she had a gun on her she would shoot him for doing this to them.
The door to the third bay of the garage opened. AnnieMarie did not move or worry. She knew Mike was right behind her and was anticipating his arrival. When he opened her door she closed her eyes, took a deep breath then looked up at him.
“Promise me.”
“I promise,” Mike said before she could continue. “I know how you feel about this man and I know how he feels about you. I promise not to kill him after this is all over with.”
AnnieMarie smiled at her brother. “You know that is not what I am asking.”
“I know, but it made you smile,” Mike held his hand out. “Come on. You have put this conversation off all day. You have questions you need to get answers to that only Cainan can give you. I promise you will feel better after you talk to him.”
AnnieMarie knew he was right. Taking his hand she stepped out of the vehicle. Squaring her shoulders, AnnieMarie took a deep breath, then exhaled. “It’s time to face the music. If you don’t like the melody simply change the song.” It was something her grandfather would always say to her whenever she got into trouble for her temper, which seemed like every day. Over time she had learned to control her outbursts. She knew keeping her temper in check was the ladylike thing to do. However, there were times when she had to let others know she was not a complete pushover. As much as she would like to dismiss the fact that Cainan had lied to her for two years, she could not. Call it pride or self-preservation, she wasn’t sure which, but something inside of her could not let it go.
“Is Jerome here?”
“Yes, we have a meeting in a few minutes. That should give you and Cainan privacy to talk.” Mike paused before opening the door. “AnnieMarie, I said talk, no payback or revenge…talk.”
AnnieMarie nodded. “Ask him to join me in the attic.”
“The attic?” Mike asked as he opened the door to the mud room.
“Yes, Mike. The attic.”
“Are you planning on throwing him out one of the windows?”
She glanced back over her shoulder, “Of course not, Mike. I would only do that to you.”
“Right. I’m not going to be an accessory to whatever you have planned for Cainan. He is in the housekeeper’s suite behind the kitchen. You can take him to the attic.”
“Chicken,” AnnieMarie said as she walked in.
“Damn right,” Mike laughed.
Cainan heard the heels before he could feel her presence. The cadence of her steps let him know she meant business. Her strides were solid, determined and ready for battle. He dropped his head and smiled. He was going to need body armor for sure. The encouraging news was that she came. This was his chance to tell her why he kept this from her and pray she would accept his explanation.
“What’s funny?” Sereena asked as she read the instructions to the communication device Jerome had distributed.
“My Michelle is in the house.”
“Your who?” Sereena glanced up from her document.
Cainan shook his head. “Private joke. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Oh…really?”
“Really, you would not,” AnnieMarie said from the doorway. She gave the woman in the room a good once over then extended her hand. “AnnieMarie Dunning. You must be Agent Chase.”
“Agent Sereena Chase, Ms. Dunning,” she stood to shake the woman’s hand.
“AnnieMarie is fine.”
“Annie.”
“No, AnnieMarie, is my name.”
“Oh.”
The woman attempted to pull her hand away, but AnnieMarie held it. “No,” she smiled. “It’s not what you think. My mother named me after her two best friends from high school who where killed in an automobile accident. I am a tribute to them. Splitting my name would be like giving honor to one and not the other. I know it sounds awkward, however there is a reason for the two names.”
“Understandable,” Sereena said. “I’ll step out so you two can talk.”
“No need,” AnnieMarie replied then turned to Cainan. For two years he had been dressed in suits. Seeing him in a sweater that outlined his upper body and slacks that accentuated his thighs, almost made her forget her mission for this meeting. Seeing his body in a suit was one thing, but seeing those biceps in a sweater had her considering forgiving him just so she could feel his good arm wrapped around her again. It was the sling on his arm that brought everything from the morning back to the forefront. He could have been killed. The thought of it all made it more important for her to get her point across. She put a smile on her face. “Hello Cainan.”
“Hello AnnieMarie.”
It was the voice. The way he said her name was always musical to her ears. It was that voice that caused her to damn near lose her mind. Gazing into those dark brown eyes of his felt as if he was looking right into her soul. This was what she was fighting for. The feeling as if she was the only woman in the world whenever his eyes washed over her. Those biceps called out to her, his eyes soothed her and those lips, well they simply made her long for a kiss, yet as tempting as all of that was she had to remember the long game. He had to learn now what she would and would not accept from her man. That’s right, Cainan Scott Wagner or whatever his real name was, is and would always be her man. He might as well get a taste of who she truly was. They must have been standing there saying nothing for a while. She heard Agent Chase clear her throat.
“Excuse me. We have a meeting in ten minutes.”
“We will not be attending,” AnnieMarie stated without breaking her eye contact with Cainan. “We need to talk.” She tilted her head to the side. “Wouldn’t you agree Cainan?’
“I agree,” Cainan replied.
“Umm, excuse me, but this meeting is about your safety,” Sereena stated. “I would think you would want to be there.”
AnnieMarie turned. “No excuse needed. Please give Jerome our apology. As to Cainan’s safety. You’ve managed to keep him alive this long without his input. I am certain a day will not diminish your ability to do so for another hour.” She smiled at the woman then turned back to Cainan. “Shall we?” AnnieMarie asked then walked out of the room.
“Yes.” Cainan replied as he followed her.
“Wait?” Sereena called out.
A hand came across the door frame blocking her way. “Give them time to talk.” Mike suggested. “We can attend the meeting. Anything he needs to know one of us will tell him. Agreed?”
“Do I have a choice?” She glared up at him.
“Not really,” Mike smiled then moved his arm allowing her to walk out. “The stairs to the basement are this way,” He placed a hand on the small of her back guiding her in the opposite direction of his sister. He glanced over his shoulder to see the elevator door closing on AnnieMarie.