July 4th – 5:02 PM – Washington, DC
Sloan couldn’t believe how much time they were wasting. Almost three hours had gone by since Hammond had started going through the chain of command, one level at a time, in his quest to reach the director of the FBI. At this rate, they’d be too late. He was all for security but it shouldn’t be this hard to reach one man.
He was half tempted to go straight to the president. Not that he had any chance of succeeding. But at this point, it was worth a try.
Anything was worth a try.
Hammond entered his room. “We found both bodies you mentioned earlier in Rock Creek Park. The woman, Anya, and the other one is definitely Jerome Bentley.”
“I’m trying to figure out how Saunders managed to get all the information from Bentley. Was he part of the task force?” Sloan asked.
“Yeah, unfortunately he was. Yates was worried about an inside leak especially after Cummings’ name was blasted out by the media.” Hammond shook his head. “I guess Yates’ plan backfired.”
Sloan scowled. “It’s going to backfire in a disaster worse than 9/11 if he doesn’t get back to us and soon. What’s taking so long?”
Hammond actually looked embarrassed. “I’m doing my best. With Saunders and Bentley out of the picture I had to find upper brass that would actually listen to your side of the story. I finally got through. Yates is willing to meet with us down at headquarters.”
They’d gotten through to Yates. Then Hammond’s words registered. He frowned. “Meet with us?”
The agent nodded. “Yeah. We’re lucky he agreed to that much.”
Sloan couldn’t believe it. What was wrong with everyone? “Didn’t you explain what was going to happen? The risk of the fireworks?”
“I started to explain, but he cut me off,” Hammond’s tone was defensive. “Yates only wants to talk to you.”
“Fine.” Sloan threw back the covers on the bed. “Then call my doctor and get me medically released so I can get out of here.”
July 4th – 6:30 PM – Washington, DC
“Natalia?”
She opened her eyes, surprised to find Jordan in a wheelchair next to her bed. “Jordan. What are you doing up? Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, but I’ve come to see you because I have some news.”
“Sloan?” she struggled upright, panic gripping her throat. “Is he okay? What happened?”
“Not Sloan,” he quickly reassured her. “And nothing bad. Your step-mother and her sons are safe in Canada.”
She stared at Jordan for a long moment, relief hitting like a tsunami. “They’re alive? Daryl and Daniel are alive?”
“Yes.” Jordan offered a lopsided smile. “She’s been notified about your father’s death, and may need some help planning the funeral.”
She nodded. “Hopefully she’ll allow me to help.”
“I hope so, too.”
She forced a smile. “I’ve learned it’s better to let go of the past hurts to focus on the future. I only wish I could have mended my relationship with my father before…”
He died.
Now it was too late.
“Have you heard from Sloan?” he asked, changing the subject.
Her smile faded. “Not yet. But he’ll get through to the director, I’m sure of it.”
“I hope you’re right,” Jordan muttered.
She watched him wheel away, hoping she was right, too.
July 4th – 7:02 PM – Washington, DC
It took them an inexcusably long time to negotiate the traffic through the holiday crowd in DC. Sloan stared at the throngs of people milling about the city, imagining what might happen if Yates didn’t believe him. He didn’t want to even think about the hideous fate that awaited if they didn’t get to the shore of the Potomac River in time before the crews set off the fireworks.
He felt sick to his stomach from the disaster about to strike or being released from the hospital too early, he didn’t know. When they finally reached the building, he followed agents Hammond and Jefferson upstairs to the top office where Clarence Yates was waiting. He steeled himself against puking and faced the director across the massive desk.
“Mr. Sloan Dreyer.” Yates glared at him. “I understand you used to be one of ours.”
By ours, he meant a member of the bureau. Sloan slowly nodded. “Yes sir.”
Yates stared for a long moment, before sitting back in his chair. “Start at the beginning and don’t leave one pertinent detail out.”
Sloan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
He started at the beginning, when he and Jordan’s company, Security Specialists, Inc., had been hired by Bentley to assist in providing protection for Deputy Prime Minister Korolev. He didn’t try to gloss over the details, but kept a wary eye on the clock.
Somehow, he had to convince Yates to call a halt to all fireworks across the country. The only thing working in their favor was that DC happened to be located in the eastern time zone. If they could stop the fireworks here, they could save the entire country.
He couldn’t afford to fail. Not this time.
July 4th – 8:32 PM – Washington, DC
Natalia hated nothing more than to be stuck on the wrong side of a hospital bed. Especially now, when there was so much at stake. Patience had never been one of her strengths, and as she stared at the clock, she couldn’t help wondering what was taking so long. Hadn’t the director believed Sloan’s story? There should have already been an announcement canceling the fireworks.
She clicked on the TV remote, turning up the volume so she could hear the NBC broadcast of the local fireworks display.
“There’s a great crowd gathered here tonight, isn’t there Ed?” Tonya Jacobs, the female newscaster turned to her co-host, Edward Colton.
“Absolutely,” Ed readily agreed. “And to think, the president himself is here to watch the main event.”
“Yes, he’s truly showing his support and commitment to a great American tradition,” Tonya added.
The cameraman panned to the restricted area where the president and his wife were seated to watch the event. Natalia stared as the president leaned forward to catch something his wife said.
“How many people do you think are here for the great fireworks display?” Ed asked, changing the subject. The camera angle moved back to the show’s co-hosts.
“I don’t know.” Tonya gave an exaggerated glance over her shoulder to the crowd milling about in front of the Washington Monument. “But I’m guessing at least a few thousand or so.”
“Give or take a hundred,” Ed agreed with a laugh. “Dusk is beginning to fall. We hope you’ll stay with us to watch the fireworks display after we take a quick break to hear from our local sponsors.”
Natalia stared at the television commercials flashing across the screen without seeing them.
Come on, Sloan. Where are you? What’s taking so long?
July 4th – 8:45 PM – Washington, DC
Sloan followed Clarence Yates as they pushed through the mob of people, gaining access to the protected area cordoned off for the president of the United States to watch the firework show.
The sky was growing darker by the minute. Sloan stared at the area behind the monument, almost expecting the fireworks to start ahead of schedule.
He couldn’t believe it when the Secret Service stopped Yates at the entrance.
The director flashed his badge and his Federal ID. “I need to speak with the president personally. Now.”
Sloan clenched his hands into fists as the Secret Service agents took their time clearing the way for them to get up to the president.
The orchestra playing before the president and his wife ended their song on a loud crescendo. As he and Yates approached the stage, the president and his wife stood, anticipating the first of the fireworks to be going off momentarily.
“Mr. President?” Clarence Yates called, lengthening his stride. “Sir? We need to talk to you about a matter regarding national security.”
July 4th – 8:56 PM – Washington, DC
Natalia couldn’t tear her eyes from the TV screen.
“The sky is getting dark,” Ed claimed as the commercial break ended. “And the orchestra has just completed its final song. I’d say the fireworks display will be starting in a few minutes.”
“Isn’t it exciting?” Tonya asked, as both announcers turned to gaze expectantly at the sky above the monument. “I just love the Fourth of July holiday.”
“Me too. Wait a minute, the president is standing up, waving his hand for silence,” Ed exclaimed. “Someone is handing him a microphone.”
“I didn’t know he was giving a speech tonight,” Tonya said with a frown.
“Let’s listen to what the president of the United States has to say.” Ed turned and the camera honed in on the president.
Natalia held her breath.
“My fellow Americans. It is with regret that I must declare a moratorium against all fireworks displays taking place tonight, intended to celebrate the birth of our fine nation.” The president and his wife both wore grave expressions on their faces as he made the announcement. “Thanks to the hard work and diligence of the FBI, we have learned of a potential terrorist attack through the use of fireworks. As of this moment, all fireworks displays are banned until further notice. I repeat, all fireworks are banned until further notice.”
Natalia let out a sigh of relief. Sloan did it. He stopped the fireworks and the terrorist attack.
Thank you, God. Thank you!
Natalia closed her eyes, allowing the tears to fall.
Sloan had saved the entire country.
July 4th – 9:25 PM – Washington, DC
Sloan sank down and dropped his head into his hands. It was over. The Secret Service had radioed into the area beside the Potomac River where the fireworks were going to be set off. A team of chemical experts had been sent in, to make sure none of the staff setting up the display had been contaminated by the tampered fireworks.
They’d managed to convince the president of the danger, who then made the announcement on national television. As he was giving his brief speech, Sloan knew FBI agents were being notified throughout the country to confiscate any and all evidence. The rippling effect of this would go through the nation for a long time. There would be dozens of questions, the media would be in a feeding frenzy.
But for now, the threat was truly over.
With God’s support, he hadn’t failed in the biggest mission of his life.
July 4th – 10:54 PM – Washington, DC
Natalia glanced up when Sloan walked into her room. His eyes widened when he saw she was awake and waiting for him.
“Hey. I thought you’d be asleep by now.” Deep furrows of exhaustion lined his face. Obviously, he’d been discharged from the hospital too soon.
“No.” She didn’t like the awkwardness that hovered between them. She knew he must not be feeling well, but why wasn’t he happy? Relieved? They’d done it.
Unless, there was more going on than the thwarted terrorist attack. Was their relationship over now that the danger had passed? Her heart squeezed painfully and she forced a smile. “Of course not. I’ve been waiting for you, hoping you’d come here. I’m so glad you got through to him, Sloan.”
“Yeah, I had my doubts for a few minutes there,” he admitted dryly. He dragged a hand over his face. “I just wanted to come by to let you know, in case you hadn’t heard the news.”
“In case I hadn’t heard the news?” she echoed incredulously. “Are you serious? Don’t you realize I’ve been glued to the television the whole time?”
He glanced back at the muted television set. “I guess you didn’t need me to stop by then.”
What was wrong with him? Why was he acting like such a goofball? She frowned, trying to read his mood. “Sloan, I do need you. Far more than you realize.”
He stared at her for a long minute. Then cleared his throat. “Ah, have you seen Jordan, Alek or Lara?”
She stifled a sigh. Gathering every ounce of patience, she allowed him to change the subject. “Yes. They’re fine. I owe you a sincere debt of gratitude. Without you, the rest of my family would have died.”
“You almost died.”
His stark statement caught her off guard. “But I didn’t.”
“What were you thinking to jump in front of the gun like that?” Sloan scowled at her from his position at the foot of her bed. “You lost half your lung with that stunt.”
“Don’t remind me.” Natalia couldn’t bear to think about that split second when she knew her mother was going to shoot Sloan. “I saw my life pass before my eyes when my mother turned her gun toward you.”
“Don’t call her that,” Sloan protested, stepping closer. She took it as an encouraging sign. “She wasn’t your mother. She didn’t raise you and you’re nothing like her. You’re beautiful, Natalia. Inside and out.”
Hope bloomed in her chest. Maybe there was something between them after all. “She almost killed us both.” Natalia swallowed hard. “At least I know my adopted mother was really my aunt. Katya was a wonderful woman.”
“So are you.”
She wanted to throw herself at him, but he was still too far away. Reaching out, she snagged his hand. “Come here. I need a hug.”
As if against his will, Sloan sat on the edge of her bed. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he protested.
“You won’t hurt me.” She wrapped her arms around him and breathed in his musky male scent. She relaxed even more when he cuddled her close. This was what she’d wanted. What she needed. “Sloan?”
“Hmm?” He buried his face in her hair.
“I love you.”
His chest beneath her cheek went still, as if he’d stopped breathing. “What?”
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she lifted her head to look at him. “I love you,” she repeated calmly. Then she repeated the words in Ukrainian.
His expression couldn’t have looked more surprised. “You’re on pain meds, I understand you might be a little confused. You’ve been through a lot.”
Her smile dimmed. “I’m not confused. Not anymore. For years I’ve obsessed over the past without really thinking about the future. But now, I realize I was only running away, rather than moving forward. God has provided me this chance for a future. I’m not about to let you go.”
He was quiet for a long moment. “I’ve been obsessed with the past, too,” he finally admitted. Sloan lifted a hand to stroke her cheek. “I lost my sister to the Solntsevskaya. I failed to protect her. I’m not sure if I can put that aside long enough to have a future.”
No wonder he was so preoccupied with protecting her. Guilt was a powerful emotion. But he needed to learn the power of forgiveness. “Did you know they were going to attack your sister?” she asked.
“No. But she was my responsibility. The FBI sent Jordan on a trip overseas and he asked me to watch over her.”
“I don’t get the feeling that Jordan holds you responsible,” she pointed out.
Sloan frowned. “No, but he should. I failed them both.”
“Is that what I am to you, Sloan? A responsibility?”
“Yes. No. Wait.” She wanted to laugh at how he agonized over his answer. “Natalia, I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t looking to get involved. But the moment I met you, I couldn’t seem to let you go. Please don’t ask me to walk away from you, because I can’t.”
“I don’t want you to walk away.” Couldn’t he try to accept her feelings for what they were? “I love you, but I don’t expect you to feel the same way.” Although that was what she’d hoped for.
Prayed for.
“Ah, Natashen’ ka. I love you, too.” He leaned down and captured her mouth in a sweet kiss.
She smiled, then frowned. “Are you sure? You just kissed me like a friend, not as someone you love.”
“Hey, I’m trying to restrain myself, here.” The teasing glint was back in his eye. “The woman I love is lying in a hospital bed because she’d lost a portion of her lung.”
“I’m not going to break, Sloan. Kiss me like you mean it.”
He obliged her, kissing with an urgency that belied his earlier restraint. His mouth possessed hers, exactly the way she wanted.
“Natalia,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers and struggling to breathe. “I really do love you. I can’t live without you.”
Much better. “I love you, too.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake.” A male voice interrupted them. “I get it, you love her, she loves you. Enough already.”
Natalia blushed, and then glanced over to see Jordan sitting in a wheelchair next to her bed. “Hi Jordan.”
Sloan sat back and stared at his partner. “Glad to see you managed to convince your nurse to get you out of bed. How are you?”
Jordan shrugged. “I’ll live. I heard the news on television. CNN is going nuts with their coverage of the historic event of canceling the fireworks and there’s already a leak about the potential biochemical attack.”
“I guess Security Specialists, Inc. will survive another year after all,” Sloan said.
“I wasn’t worried.” Jordan tilted his head quizzically. “How did you figure it out?”
“With Natalia’s help we realized the fireworks were transported from China. At this point, we don’t know exactly what Anya planned. Clearly she was into some sort of power game.”
Jordan whistled through his teeth and gave Natalia an admiring look. “You made the connection? Guess I’ll have to offer you a job.”
“Me?” She didn’t understand.
“Of course. We could use your Russian expertise. Sloan here is pretty useless; he can only speak Ukrainian.”
“I don’t think so,” Sloan spoke up before Natalia could say a word. “There’s a company policy against married couples working together.”
“Married?” Jordan echoed in surprise.
“Married?” Her voice came out a high squeak.
“Yeah.” Sloan glared at him as if daring his partner to argue. “Married. So back off.”
Jordan didn’t look upset. In fact he flashed a weak grin. “Glad to hear it. About time you let go of the past.”
Sloan nodded. “I have, with Natalia’s help. And maybe a little guidance from God.”
Natalia smiled and rested her head on Sloan’s shoulder feeling content. At least for now. Somehow, she didn’t think this newfound peace would last for long. Living with Sloan would be anything but dull and boring.
But she wasn’t afraid. No more looking back. Instead, she was ready to live the life God had provided for them to the fullest.
Starting right now.
I hope you enjoyed Sloan and Natalia’s story! Are you ready for Jordan and Diana’s story in Target For Ransom? Click here!