BUTCH PUT ON AN AWFUL, melodramatic fit about being left alone. He was a smart little dog who understood everything whenever the mood suited him, and right now he understood that two dressed humans heading for the door meant he’d be alone.
He didn’t like it, and he didn’t hold back in letting them know his deepest feelings. Not only did he howl pitifully, but he laid flat on his belly and did an army crawl, as if his little legs wouldn’t work.
They tried stepping out and waiting to see if he’d calm down. He didn’t. He made such a racket that he sounded like a pack of wolves. Riley feared complaints from his neighbors if they left Butch carrying on so enthusiastically.
In the end, since the ceremony would mostly be outdoors, Regina gave in and tucked him away in her satchel. She hooked his leash to his collar as a precaution in case he attempted to escape. She kept the leash wrapped around her hand and the strap of the big bag over her shoulder with Butch close to her side.
He seemed to like that just fine. He curled up and went to sleep like a baby in a knapsack.
“And you said I’d spoil him?”
Regina scowled at that accusation. “He’s still getting used to us. There’s been no stability in his life yet, what with me bringing him home, then bringing him here....”
Riley drew her close without mussing her hair, and pressed a warm kiss to her forehead. “I do understand. Even cantankerous little dogs need reassuring.” Then he grinned. “Just remember that us old dogs need it, too.”
Regina intended to reassure him in a big way as soon as they returned. She was going to tell him how she felt. Love was love and it should never be denied. To get it, you had to give it. That was the argument she’d used when choosing Butch, and now she’d apply it to Riley. She’d give him her heart and hope he gave his in return.
It had worked with Butch.
Riley drove his truck to the ceremony. Regina felt the difference now in just being with him. There was a new comfort, a new ease that existed between them. She thought of everything he’d told her, everything he’d gone through. No wonder he hadn’t wanted to get involved again. He had not only the emotional turmoil of an unfaithful spouse, but he also had a battle with his professional conscience for being untruthful.
Regina considered his thoughtfulness for Phil’s wife one of the most commendable things she’d ever heard. Riley had put his own hurt aside to protect someone else—and that, more than anything, defined the type of man he was.
Milling crowds filled the lawn in front of the museum center where the Historical Society had planned the ceremony. Keeping Regina tucked close to his side with a precautionary, proprietary air, Riley repeatedly flashed his badge to dispatch a path to the quiet chambers inside the museum where Senator Welling passed the time until his introduction. In the end though, it was Regina who got them beyond the final barrier of guards.
She gave her name and politely asked them to inform Senator Welling that she would greatly appreciate a moment of his time. One unconvinced guard did as she asked, then returned with a smile, saying Senator Welling would love to see her again.
The guards wouldn’t let Riley in, though, and Riley wouldn’t let Regina in without him. He was most firm on that issue, so Regina stuck her head in the heavy carved wooden door of the museum’s inner sanctum and requested that her escort be given entrance as well.
Senator Welling, smiling and as jovial as the last time she’d seen him, rose from behind a large desk and bid them both inside. “Ms. Foxworth—Regina—how wonderful to see you again.”
It was enough of a surprise that he remembered her, but he also sounded sincerely happy to see her. Regina smiled with true pleasure. By rights, the senator should have looked exhausted from his recent travels. The commendation from the Historical Society came at the tail end of a two-week tour. Instead, he looked vital and energetic. “Senator Welling. I hope we’re not imposing.”
“Of course not. And please, no formality here. Call me Xavier. After all, we’re old friends now.”
“Why, thank you. I’d be honored.”
Another guard came forward to frisk both her and Riley.
“I’m sorry,” Xavier said with a wry, philosophical shrug. “They’re quite insistent on doing their jobs.”
“Oh, I understand. You’re a very important man. Of course they have to protect you.” Regina held her arms out to her sides and submitted to being patted down. Butch didn’t take it well, snapping at the guard and startling him when he peeked inside the bag. The senator, a lover of animals, was merely amused when Butch peeked out at him and growled.
Unlike the others who’d called her dog a rat and worse, Xavier said, “Such distinctive coloring. A pure-bred Chihuahua?”
“Yes, thank you. I think he’s beautiful, too.” Regina beamed at Xavier for his exquisite taste in animals.
Riley didn’t take the invasion of privacy much better than Butch had, but at least he didn’t try to bite anyone. He introduced himself, showed his badge, and still got roughly checked for hidden weapons. Regina watched him warily, unsure what he might do.
When the security check had been completed, he merely nodded. “Senator Welling—”
“Xavier, please,” he reminded Riley.
Riley conceded with a nod. “Xavier. Thank you for seeing us.”
“It’s my pleasure.” After sharing a hearty handshake with Riley, he took Regina’s hand and winked at her. “We have plenty of time to spare before the ceremony and I’ve only been sitting here hoping I won’t trip over my words.”
His charming, self-deprecating grin could win over the worst skeptics, Regina decided. “I’m sure you’ll keep them all enthralled.”
Laughing, still holding her hand, Xavier turned to Riley. “My biggest fan, or so she tells me.”
Riley’s mouth flattened. “Yeah, she tells me that, too.”
Regina frowned at Riley’s tone—and noticed he was staring at Xavier’s hand clasping hers. Could he be jealous? He’d made that comment about old dogs needing reassurance, too. Trying to be inconspicuous, she pulled away from Xavier. “Senator, how is your intern? That lovely young lady I met at the park with you.”
His gray brows rose in confusion. “My intern?”
Regina forged on. “I recall she was very quiet, but you told me she worked hard and was very dedicated to you.”
Xavier cleared his throat. “Yes, a hard worker. I’m sorry, but you know, I can’t keep up with all the interns. They come and go, and...” Suddenly he stopped. He turned to his guards and said, “Wait outside.”
The guards shared a look, hesitant to obey.
Xavier frowned and rounded his desk to shoo them away. “Really, I’m quite safe here with the young lady and her friend. Go. I’d like some privacy.”
Regina was stunned at the sudden turn of events. Both men were forced out a door at the back of the office, behind where Xavier had been sitting. In a heartbeat, Riley was there, standing mostly in front of her, blocking her with his body. She tried to nudge him aside, but he wouldn’t move.
“Riley, really,” she whispered.
Glancing over his shoulder, he gave her one brief, hard look that stopped all other protests in her throat.
When Xavier turned back to them, his expression had become strained. “There. Much better, don’t you think?” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Please, take a seat and tell me what you’ve been up to.” Xavier returned to his chair.
Regina started to take the nearest chair opposite the desk, but Riley stopped her by backing further into her.
“With your permission, Senator, I’d like to ask you a few questions about that day in the park.”
Xavier’s complexion paled. He looked down at his desk a moment, then faced Riley squarely. “Is there a problem?”
Regina could feel the tension in Riley, but she didn’t understand it. He seemed braced for an attack, ready to charge. But why?
“Since that day, Regina has been repeatedly threatened by someone. I believe it started with the car that ran her off the road.”
Xavier swallowed, and in a murmur said, “Thank God she wasn’t injured that day. Terrible, terrible thing to happen to a young woman. She could have been killed.”
Riley’s arms hung loose at his sides. It was a negligent pose, but Regina had taken enough lessons from him to know he was readying himself, keeping limber, poised.
“Yes, she could have. And that wasn’t the only incident. She’s been accosted several times. The worst, however, was the fire.”
Xavier’s head shot up. “A fire?”
“Yes. A deliberate fire, in my opinion. It burned a building to the ground and almost took Regina and her friend with it.”
Xavier squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. “This is dreadful. Just dreadful.”
By small degrees, Riley started backing up, forcing Regina toward the door where they’d entered.
The sense of foreboding was so thick in the air, Regina thought she might choke on it. “Senator?”
He shook his head. “I’m only a man, flawed, damn it.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Riley demanded.
The senator looked up, then beyond Riley. His face went ashen.
Someone had stepped in the room behind them.
Startled, more than a little frightened, Regina jerked around—and let out a relieved breath. Mrs. Welling stood there, elegantly dressed in a turquoise suit with pearl jewelry.
Riley started to move Regina to his side, but Mrs. Welling reached out and took her hand. “Hello. I heard Xavier had guests.”
Flustered, Regina all but gushed. “Mrs. Welling! It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. I didn’t know you were here, too, but then you always accompany Xavier, don’t you?”
“‘Xavier’?” She slanted a sardonic look at her husband. “I see you’re a close friend, to call him by his first name.”
“Oh.” Regina felt the heat pulsing in her face. “No, not at all. He just—”
“It’s all right. My husband has mentioned you, Ms. Foxworth.” Mrs. Welling was tall, softened with age, but still striking in appearance. Her brown hair was stylishly laced with gray, her eyes a stunning, clear blue. She held Regina’s hand overlong.
Regina was aware of Xavier slowly standing behind his desk, of Riley stepping aside so that he stood between husband and wife. Regina prayed Riley wouldn’t lose his temper and do something outlandish.
She was trying to send him a warning look to behave when the door behind Xavier opened. Regina’s view was blocked by Riley, but she heard him curse. With Mrs. Welling still clasping her hand, she stepped to the side to better see.
A tall man, probably a guard, stood there. He wasn’t smiling, and he kept his narrowed, alert gaze on Riley. Slowly he lifted his right arm and pointed a gun.
Regina gasped. Instinctively, she tried to move toward Riley, but Mrs. Welling kept her immobile. “Meet Earl Rochelle, Ms. Foxworth. I believe he’s made himself something of a nuisance to you.”
Confusion warred with fear. “You...you’re the one who broke into my apartment?” Regina had a hard time taking it in. Mrs. Welling seemed so cold, Xavier was rocking back and forth on his heels, muttering to himself and shaking his head. Riley just stood there, as sturdy and unshakable as a stone wall.
Earl nodded at Riley. “Your lover boy roughed me up. But now it’s time for payback.”
Riley shifted the tiniest bit. “You son of a bitch.” His voice was calm, without inflection. “So you’re working for the senator?”
Xavier violently shook his head. “No. No, I’d never hurt anyone....”
Mrs. Welling laughed. “Xavier, be truthful. You hurt me all the time.” Her lovely face contorted—with pain, with anger. “Every single time you crawl into bed with another woman. But no more, you bloated, pompous ass. I’ve stuck with you this long, and I’ll be damned if I let you ruin our family now.”
Regina turned to face her, her brain blank with shock, with disbelief. “Mrs. Welling... I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Of course you didn’t. Along with a good portion of the constituents, you think Xavier is an honorable man, a family man. In truth, my dear, he’s a lying, cheating pig.”
Xavier shook his head, his face now bright pink, his eyes pleading. “No, dear. It was only those few times....”
“I’m not a fool, Xavier. I’ve known of every single affair. Your intern—who by the way, Ms. Foxworth, is no more than a well-paid prostitute—was only one in a long line of young women. You preach family values, all the while you’re paying for sex with a common whore.”
Her voice had risen with her ire, and Earl moved closer. “Mrs. Welling, please. Discretion is necessary.”
She released Regina to wave away his concerns. “I dismissed the guards for now. I told them to return when it’s time for Xavier’s introduction. We’ve at least fifteen more minutes.”
Regina suddenly understood. “The photograph.” She stared at Mrs. Welling. “It has the intern... I mean, the prostitute, in the picture with the senator. They were...” Aghast, she turned to stare at Xavier. “They were having an affair in the park?”
“You begin to understand. The stupid park wasn’t due to be open. Xavier knew I was watching him, and he thought he could lose my spies in the woods. But Earl kept a tail on him.” She glanced at her husband with loathing. “Earl saw everything, including the damn picture you took. Xavier, the idiot, didn’t think it was anything to worry about. He didn’t think anyone would put two and two together. I know better. If that picture got out, the whole family would be ruined. I had Earl run you off the road, but you kept the camera around your neck and Xavier came to your aid.”
Sadly, his shoulders slumped, Xavier said, “I couldn’t let you hurt her.”
“The way you hurt me?” Mrs. Welling turned away from him. “At the fire we finally got the camera, but it was filled with new film. Since then, we’ve been unable to find either the undeveloped film or the photograph.”
Riley laughed. “She has it framed and keeps it in her bedside drawer.”
Regina gaped at him even as she felt herself enveloped in mortified heat. “Riley.”
Riley ignored her, moving closer to the desk, casually leaning a hip on the edge. Earl stiffened, but kept quiet.
The senator stared at her in astonishment.
Mrs. Welling’s face contorted. “So you’ve slept with him, too?” she wrongly concluded. Outraged, she shook her head and addressed Riley. “Thank you for letting us know.” Her lip curled, destroying her image of a respected and elegant politician’s wife. “Retrieving the vile thing will be so much easier now, especially with you two out of the picture.”
“And how exactly do you plan to accomplish that?”
At Riley’s question, she pulled another gun out of her purse, but this one was odd-shaped, unlike any gun Regina had ever seen. “Why don’t you let me worry about that, Mr. Moore?”
Riley shifted again. Regina felt sure he planned to do something, but what, she couldn’t guess. She only wished he’d hurry up. She was starting to sweat nervously. Things did not look good. She realized that she should have been worried about him, but she somehow knew he’d handle things.
Then Mrs. Welling made the bad decision to grab Regina by the hair. She had the odd gun raised when suddenly Butch exploded from the bag with such a feral, wild snarl it sounded like a pack of demon dogs had been unleashed.
He bit Mrs. Welling’s hand, her arm, and ran right up to her face where he sank his small sharp teeth into her nose. The woman screamed in reaction and swatted at the dog.
Regina saw red. She hadn’t realized she’d learned anything substantial from Riley, but without any real thought she caught her small dog in one arm, grabbed the arm holding the gun in the other and deftly tripped Mrs. Welling to her back. The woman hit her head on the hardwood floor and stayed there, dazed.
Regina jerked the gun from her hand.
Almost at the same time, Riley moved with blinding speed. His leg came up and over the desk, landing his foot squarely in the senator’s face. He went down with a grunt. Earl moved, but Riley already had the advantage. He grabbed Earl’s gun arm, pulled him forward and delivered his elbow into his throat.
Gagging and gasping, Earl collapsed to his knees. The gun fell from his hand and Riley kicked it aside. Hesitating only a moment to make certain Earl was sufficiently incapacitated, Riley turned and reached for the fallen gun. Both doors exploded open as guards filed in. Riley groaned, his hands lifted in a nonthreatening pose. He started to explain, and finally saw that Dermot and Lanny headed up the cavalry. He actually laughed.
Dermot grinned. “We followed him. You seemed so sure he was up to something more than a break-in.”
Lanny nodded. “And you being sure made us sure, so when the judge returned and we had to release him, we decided it might be smart to keep a close watch.”
“Good job,” Riley told them and they both puffed up like proud peacocks.
“Explaining to these guys wasn’t easy though.” Dermot nodded to the hired guards with a scowl.
They ignored him.
One stepped forward and picked up the strange gun by Mrs. Welling. “A tranquilizer gun?”
Regina’s knees felt suddenly weak. She trembled from her head to her toes. “She was going to use it on us.” Her voice was little more than a breathy squeak. “Then he—” she pointed to Earl “—was going to kill us.”
The guards looked at her like she was nuts. Earl shouted denials. Senator Welling stirred just in time for a small bespectacled woman in a black suit to duck her head into the room and say, “Senator, it’s time for...your...introduction.” Her eyes rounded, looking huge behind her glasses.
One of the guards caught her arm and pulled her completely into the room, then shut and locked the door.
The senator moaned. Mrs. Welling, now sitting on the floor holding her head, said, “Forget it. There’ll be no more honors for him.”
Regina looked around at the chaos and wanted to cry. It was more than just the scandal that was sure to ensue, the political ramifications, the threat to her and Riley. Something she’d cherished, something she’d believed was real, had just been defiled in the worst possible way.
Her stomach actually cramped. She’d been such an utter fool.
Then Riley was there, his hand closing gently on her upper arm. “Babe, you’re crushing Butch. Loosen up.”
Regina glanced at Butch, at his bulgy little eyes, and saw it was true. She relinquished her hold on him.
“That’s it. Here, let me hold him.” Riley balanced the dog in one arm, up close to his chest because Butch seemed more than a little rattled by all that had happened. He was curled in on himself, his eyes still wild, and low growls continually emitted from deep in his throat as he watched everyone and everything. Once Riley held him, he looked less threatened.
With his other arm, Riley gathered Regina protectively into his side. Regina knew everyone was looking at her with varying degrees of expression—virulence from Mrs. Welling, disgrace from Xavier, concern from Lanny and Dermot.
She felt like a spectacle, something she detested, a feeling left over from her childhood. Ashamed, she turned into Riley to hide. “You told them where I kept the picture.”
At her agonized whisper, he tightened his hold and his voice became hard. “Only to distract them, to keep them talking until I could best situate myself to react.”
“Oh.” She supposed that made sense. She’d put them into a situation and he’d had to rescue them because of it.
“Damn it, Red, I would never deliberately do anything to hurt you.”
He sounded so outraged, Regina tried to soothe him. “Okay, Riley.” The last thing she wanted was another spectacle.
To her surprise, Riley murmured near her ear, “Red, you’ve made me so proud.”
“Proud?” She wasn’t expecting that and her laugh was bitter and hurt. “I was a gullible idiot.”
“No. You handled yourself well, disarming Mrs. Welling, protecting Butch, helping me.”
Had she done all that? She had struck out at the crazy woman, but... “I got us in this situation in the first place by being an idiot.”
“No.” He turned her to face him, his expression volatile. “You’re you, sweet and trusting and sincere, and I happen to love you an awful lot.”
She jerked back. The suffocating crowd and her own embarrassment seemed to fade away. Her entire focus was on Riley and those awesome words he’d just uttered. “You what?”
With exasperation, he took her arm and towed her into the farthest corner of the room. It wasn’t really far enough, merely a few feet away. The guards were watching them while another phoned a supervisor on his cell phone. The situation was sticky and could explode into an ugly scandal if it wasn’t handled quickly and efficiently.
Riley cupped the back of her neck and put his forehead to hers. “Listen to me, Regina. I know the human garbage that exists in our world. Hell, I’ve dealt with them more times than I care to remember. Rapists, murderers, sadists... They’re out there and we all have to be careful. But there are a lot of good people in the world, too, the kind of people you believe in.”
“Like you.”
“Like you.” He looked pained. “I’m not perfect, Red. I’m as flawed as your senator. But I would never cheat on you or deliberately hurt you and I’ll always try to make you happy. You have my word on that.”
She stared at him.
“I love you for who you are. I don’t want you to change, to be jaded by this. I like the things you believe in. Hell, I believe in them, too.” He bent to see her face. “You still do, don’t you? You won’t let one creep distort things for you?”
Her smile came slowly, along with sudden insight. The senator wasn’t the man she’d believed him to be—but Riley was. True, he wasn’t perfect, so he’d likely make mistakes in his life, just as she would. But he was steadfast, solid, a man you could rely on.
A man she could trust with her love.
“No, I won’t let him disillusion me.” She touched Riley’s chest. She knew Riley, so she knew how incredible a person could be. No one could ever change that. “I love you, too, Riley. I fought it, but I knew last night that I’d lost the battle.”
He didn’t smile, but new warmth darkened his blue eyes. “I’ve known how I feel for a long while now.”
“Buck and Harris and Ethan knew how you felt, too.”
“They what?”
Nodding, Regina said, “They told me, but I didn’t
really believe them.” Then in a barely there whisper, she confessed, “I thought you only wanted sex.”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course I want sex,” he answered in the same low whisper, and then added with gentle awe, “Look at you.”
At his very private words, she glanced around the room. She knew no one could hear him, but when Lanny winked at her, she blushed. They really should have found some privacy for this chat.
“I was giving you time, Red, and trying to get this mess sorted out so we wouldn’t be distracted.” He looked up at the sound of the door opening and two more men—very official in appearance—stepped in. “I think the mess just got messier, but at least you’re out of it now. I can concentrate on you.”
“On us?” she specified.
He pressed a firm kiss to her mouth. “Yes.”
“I do love you, Riley, but now that this is over, I have no reason to stay with you. I’m not the type of woman who shacks up.”
He went stiff as a board, and Regina said, “Will you marry me?”
He slumped against her, half in relief, half in amusement. Butch complained until he could squirrel up between their bodies and poke his face out.
“Riley?” Regina prayed he’d said yes.
“Yeah, I’ll marry you.” He grinned. “It’s nice having a very proper woman around. Takes the guesswork out of things.”
With that settled, Regina turned back to face the room. “What do you think will happen now?”
“I dunno. I don’t really care as long as none of them can ever again threaten you.”
A sort of wistful melancholy crept up on her. “It’s strange, but I still think he’s a good senator—he’s just not a good husband.”
“Maybe. I promise I’ll be a good husband.” When she smiled in agreement, Riley hugged her tight. “One thing, Red.”
“What?”
“You remember what I said about babies?”
Regina softened all the way to her toes. Her knees felt like butter, her heart full and ripe. “Yes.”
“I’m a homebody at heart. I want a house—”
“I have the house,” she rushed to remind him, just in case he was getting cold feet.
“—and a dog.”
“Got the dog, too. A perfect dog. A dog others will envy.” She rubbed Butch’s oversize ears.
Laughing, Riley hefted Butch up closer to his face and the dog playfully nipped his chin, appearing very pleased with the situation. “I’d really like a few kids without tails if you think we can manage that sometime in the misty future.”
Tears filled her eyes. All around them was chaos, but the government could work itself out. This was important. “Since we love each other and we’re getting married, and we intend to stay married forever, I’d say it would only be right and proper.”
* * *
RILEY STEPPED through the door, took one look at Regina, and backed out. With the music she had playing on the stereo, she hadn’t heard him. He turned to his friends and said, “Wait out here a second.”
Buck crossed his arms over his massive chest. “If you’re going to leave me hanging in the street just so you can grab a nooner, forget it.”
Harris laughed. “Men in love are so predictable.”
Rosie shoved him for that inelegant remark. “You’ll get yours someday, Harris. Just wait and see.”
His horrified expression had both Riley and Ethan chuckling.
Shaking his head, Riley said, “No, it’s not that. She’s just not ready for you. Two minutes, I swear. That’s all I need.”
“Two minutes? Talk about a quickie,” Harris muttered, then ducked behind Buck before Rosie could reach him.
Riley slipped through the door and locked it behind him. He loved the house that Regina had chosen. It wasn’t all that large but it had a real family feel to it, a coziness that she enhanced by her mere presence.
Since she’d already taken care of a sizeable down payment, he’d splurged on most of the furnishings. Between their combined efforts, things were really coming together.
The music continued to play, and Regina still had her delectable rump in the air as she rummaged beneath the couch for Butch’s bone. The dog sat beside her, his expression anxious and watchful.
“Can I help?”
She screeched, whipped around to sit on her butt, and stared at him. “You’re home early!”
“It ended quicker than I thought.” He’d had to testify in court on a burglary, then had stopped by to see his friends. They’d invited themselves over, but obviously Regina wasn’t ready for company.
Before he could explain that he had them all with him, she was on her feet and racing Butch to the door to greet him. Both woman and dog appeared thrilled with his arrival.
Dressed in one of his shirts—something she knew he loved seeing—and with her rich hair wound into enormous curlers around her head, Regina launched herself into his arms. Since that day at the Historical Society, she’d grown completely at ease with him. Around others, she remained immeasurably polite and proper, but with Riley she shared every facet of herself, including her less polished moments. Like now.
When the delicious kiss ended, Butch demanded his attention with a yodeling bark. He stretched up to stand on his hind legs, dancing around in what Riley called his circus dog impersonation.
Riley picked him up and treated him to a full body rub before saying to Regina, “Sorry to break it to you, but everyone is with me.”
Her hands went to her cheeks and her green eyes widened. “Everyone?”
He nodded toward the door. “Harris and Buck, Rosie and Ethan. They invited themselves over. They’re waiting on the porch.”
The words no sooner left his mouth than she whipped around and dashed down the hallway to their bedroom. Riley enjoyed the back view of her, watching her long legs and the way his shirttails bounced over her bottom. “I’ll keep them entertained while you finish getting ready.”
The slamming of the door was her only reply.
Fifteen minutes later Regina emerged dressed in pressed slacks, a beige cotton sweater and a huge smile. “Sorry I kept you all waiting. Usually I’m dressed and ready by this time of the day, but I got behind this morning after Barbara Walters’s people called.”
Rosie’s mouth fell open. Ethan jerked around to face her. Buck, who’d been on the floor playing with Butch, froze. Harris snorted in disbelief.
Riley, the only one with his wits still about him, raised a brow. “Barbara Walters?” He wasn’t all that surprised. It seemed everyone in the media wanted the scoop on Senator Welling’s sudden withdrawal. With his influence, the senator had put a gag order on the entire event. The guards present that day would never speak a word. Lanny and Dermot had been warned that they could lose their jobs if they released any information to the press.
Riley had assured the senator’s people up front that they couldn’t use his job to threaten him. All he cared about was that Regina be kept safe. Beyond that stipulation, they could handle the situation as quietly and secretively as they wished. But they would have to handle it because he wouldn’t tolerate any more threats to Regina. So far, they had things in hand.
Regina was the only one left that could talk—and she wasn’t about to.
“What did she want?” Buck asked.
“The same thing the others wanted.”
Agog with fascination, Rosie asked, “To hear firsthand what happened with the senator?”
“Right.” Regina sat down on Riley’s lap, which was the only seat available in the small living room. She leaned back against his chest and smiled. “I told them that they’d just have to find out the nitty-gritty details like everyone else, after the federal investigation ended.”
Rosie flopped back against her husband’s arm. “Wow. Barbara Walters and you turned her down.”
Buck rolled to his back and propped up on his elbows. “I can’t believe you don’t want revenge after the hell Welling’s wife put you through.”
Regina shrugged. “What good would revenge do? The senator has lost a lot of credibility with his constituents. They apparently don’t like secrets, but with his wife under indictment and his own blame in the whole thing, what else can he do but keep quiet?”
“He could have not cheated in the first place,” Harris grouched with feeling, then looked blank when everyone stared at him. “What? I have morals, too, ya know.”
Regina sighed. “They have two children, and I think the kids have been through enough. Even with his wife blaming everything on Earl, her involvement is bound to make headlines eventually. The whole family is going to suffer. I won’t take part in that.”
Harris nodded, giving her a look full of admiration. “You’re something else, Regina, you know that?”
Riley scowled at his tender tone, but Harris blew it by saying, “And here I thought you were a nosy reporter.”
“I am.” Regina gave them all an evil grin. “But I still like the more personal and upbeat human-interest stories.” She hesitated just long enough to add impact, then announced, “That’s why I told Walters’s retinue that if they wanted a real scoop they should bring their TV crew to Chester and check out the local heroes.”
Riley choked on his own breath.
Ethan groaned as if in mortal pain.
“You’d never get them here for something like that,” Rosie said. “They like stories of worldwide appeal.”
“Oh, I dunno. What could be more appealing to the world than the local heroes who keep us safe?” She slanted Rosie a look. “I specifically mentioned Harris and Buck.”
Buck bolted upright. “I’m no hero! Hell, I just own a lumberyard.”
“You were right there by Riley the day he caught Earl. You may not have a hero’s occupation, but you have the soul of a hero.”
“I don’t!”
“Yes, you do,” she insisted. “Think of the interview as free advertising for your business.”
Harris said, “Oh gawd,” with great disgust. “That’s weak, Regina. Very weak.”
She didn’t seem the least upset by the criticism. “When I told them two of the men were still single, they sounded pretty interested. They told me they’re doing this whole segment on singles in America, and heroes would naturally be prime fodder for the piece. They want me to call them back with more information.”
Buck and Harris stared at each other, their Adam’s apples bopping in panic.
“You wouldn’t.”
“You didn’t.”
Riley started to laugh. “I can tell you unequivocally that she would. For some insane reason, she thinks the two of you epitomize all that is good in mankind.”
“They’re your and Ethan’s friends,” Regina said with prim regard. “And you two are definitely heroic.”
“Hear, hear,” Rosie agreed.
“So of course they’re good men. And since they won’t let me interview them...” She left the sentence dangling with loaded suggestion.
“Hey, I put up with it,” Ethan pointed out.
“Me, too,” Riley added. His own interview had been carefully edited by Regina. Anything that might have been too personal or hurtful had been omitted.
It was still embarrassing, especially because the love she felt for him had shone through and Harris and Buck had harassed him for days afterward, pretending to swoon, blowing him kisses and asking for his autograph. But the public had gobbled it up, his chief was thrilled with the positive P.R. for the department and Regina had thanked him oh so sweetly, so he was glad he’d given in.
Buck finally said, “Regina, be reasonable. You have to call off Walters.”
Her nose lifted. “I could do that—if you agree to give me a story.” Her gaze slanted to Harris. “Both of you.”
With hardy groans and a lot of grumbling, they surrendered to the inevitable. “Deal.”
Regina relaxed. “I’ll return their call after dinner. But I need the interviews before our wedding next week.”
“Why the rush?” Harris asked, looking somewhat stricken by the whole idea of being in the limelight.
“After the wedding, I plan to be busy for a while—with my own personal hero.”
Riley hugged her close. He knew the truth: Regina was the heroic one. With her big heart and unwavering faith in human nature, she had filled his soul. He intended to keep her safe for the rest of their lives. If that made him a hero, too, at least in her eyes, then he’d gladly live with the label.
* * * * *