The two officers questioning AJ and Nick were polite but firm as they kept the two men from escaping to the safety of their security team.
“Sir, just a few more questions.” Officer Jameson smiled gently to indicate that she understood his desire to leave.
“Fine.” AJ closed his eyes for a moment as he waited for the next question.
“Now, Mr. Carter, can you tell me what happened after the nine perps entered the room?” Officer Kennedy looked up at Nick, taking in the cuts and bruises on the handsome face.
Nick looked at the petite woman in front of him, but he was drifting back in his memories to the events of the afternoon.
Meredith finally caught AJ’s attention as he finished his interview with the officer. She used hand signals to get him to gather the troops as a butterfly bandage was applied to her eyebrow. The paramedic looked at her as she gestured.
“What are you doing?”
“Gathering the guys together.” She tried to sit still as the man finished dabbing antibiotic cream on her cheek. “Am I finished?”
“With me, yeah.” He stepped back and watched as she headed for the other side of the room.
As they finished their statements, each man wandered towards the farthest corner of the room. JC and Justin were there first, having only been witnesses. The older man hovered around the younger, and Meredith’s eyes widened slightly as she noticed their behavior while still answering questions. The bodyguards were next, keeping watchful eyes on the area, still alert and ready for action. Finally, the Backstreet Boys headed for the corner, and the bodyguards moved slightly to the front. Meredith was still being questioned, and they could only watch her body language since she was too far away for them to hear her conversation.
After several minutes, she moved towards them, her footsteps slowing as fatigue set in. She looked over the people in front of her, sighing heavily.
“I think it’s time to go home.”
They nodded in understanding, heading out of the building, the seven pop stars surrounded by security. As they headed for the Excursion, Meredith looked at the two members of ‘N Sync. “You guys want to join us?”
They looked at each other for a moment before nodding. She herded them into the vehicle, along with Kevin, Nick, and Marcus. The others rode in the second truck. It was an unspoken consensus that they would all go to AJ’s house.
A phone call to Serenity resulted in both her and Allyson waiting at the house when they arrived. Irene was still in New York, finishing up a sale before her trip back to Florida. The moment they stepped through the doors, Kevin was heading to the den to place a call to his fiancée.
Serenity took one look at Brian and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Are you okay?”
He held her close, burying his face in her neck. The words were mumbled against her neck. “Yeah, baby, I’m fine. I’m glad you’re here.”
She cupped his face and kissed him. They wandered off down the hall, and AJ watched as they headed upstairs. He heard a guest room door shut.
Allyson reached and gently brushed her fingers across Nick’s cheek. “Can I do anything?”
He closed his eyes for a moment, and she molded herself to his body and held him. He wrapped long arms around her, resting his cheek on her hair. “I need this.”
They stood together in silence for long moments. When Allyson looked up, she brushed her fingers across his lips. “I love you.”
He smiled softly, running his hands up and down her back. “Thank you for being here.”
“No place else I want to be.” She tugged on his hand, leading him outside to the pool.
And another couple down. AJ looked up to see Howie and Lumien standing in the middle of the foyer in a tight embrace. Meredith was speaking to the other bodyguards. When she finished, they headed to the kitchen as she walked towards Justin and JC.
“You guys hungry or do you just want to crash?” She smiled at them, touching them on their arms to reassure herself they were all right.
“Both, neither, I don’t know.” JC sighed and rolled his neck in an effort to relieve some tension.
“Well, how about we hit the kitchen and see what we can find, then I’ll find a bed for you two.”
Justin looked at her for a moment as he heard her, his mind rolling her words around. She smiled at him before turning towards the kitchen. As she moved in that direction, she reached out, grabbed AJ’s hand, and pulled him along.
The group in the kitchen was somber as they dug through cabinets and the refrigerator to put together a simple meal. Nick and Allyson reappeared, both looking mussed with tousled hair and swollen lips. Kevin walked into the kitchen, his body tired, but his mind relieved after speaking with Irene. Howie and Lumien walked into the room, their arms around each other. Brian and Serenity never came downstairs.
Conversation was kept to a minimum as they ate enough to stave off their hunger. Yawns followed quickly, and Meredith organized sleeping arrangements. Kevin claimed a sofa in the theater, saying he wasn’t ready to go to bed and wanted to fill his thoughts with mindless chatter until he felt he could sleep without nightmares overtaking him. Howie and Lumien took the room Lumien had used when she first stayed with the couple. Nick and Allyson were shown to a room. AJ headed for the master bedroom as Meredith opened the last guest room. She ushered Justin and JC inside, smiling at them before closing the door. The two men looked at each other and smiled their first smiles of the evening before pulling off jeans and tee shirts and falling into bed.
The remaining bodyguards decided on shifts, preferring to remain in the living room and den.
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Meredith’s eyes popped open, and she listened to the darkness. Sighing, she eased from the bed and pulled on a bathrobe. Heading downstairs, she walked into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. When it finished brewing, she fixed a cup and curled up in the bay window that looked out onto the backyard.
The creak of the stairs alerted her to someone’s presence, and she waited to find out who it was. She saw the tangle of curls and recognized Howie as he headed for the kitchen. Moments later, he joined her on the cushion, coffee cup cradled in his hands. They looked out of the window for a long time, lost in their thoughts from the afternoon as the moon glimmered on the water.
“You okay?” She didn’t look at him, her forehead pressed against the window pane.
A noncommittal grunt was her answer, and she turned her head to gaze at him. “Is that a yes or a no? I don’t have the Y gene, so I can’t translate.”
A small grin appeared on his face then disappeared. “I’m okay. In fact, I’m not sure why I’m feeling a little less…”
“Burdened?” Leaning back against the wall, Meredith took another sip of her coffee.
“Yeah. I woulda thought that going through this again would make the memories of Sierra Ramon that much worse. Instead, they’re a little easier. Why is that?” Howie turned dark eyes towards his friend.
She sighed, rubbing the rim of her cup. “I’m not sure. I know what you mean though. The memory of the camp seems to be a little dimmer, and I think it’s because I stopped. I chose not to follow through with that knife. I stopped myself.”
He looked out the window as he pondered the words. “I could have pulled the trigger. He could have forced me to do it so easily. If he had raised that rifle another few inches, I would have put a bullet in his head. But I didn’t.”
Laying a hand on his arm, Meredith smiled. “No, you didn’t. Do you think it’s the control? The fact that we could choose? Before, we had no options. We were forced into killing. I know I don’t like it when I have no say.”
Howie chewed on his lip for several moments. “I think I really resented the fact that those rebels made me do something that I wouldn’t have normally chosen. They did take away my control of the situation, but I kept it today.” He smiled again. “I think you might be right, Merry. I think you might be right.”
They watched the moonlight for several minutes. Howie finally stood up. “I’m going back to bed.”
Meredith stood up as well, and the two of them took their cups to the kitchen before walking back up the stairs. He smiled briefly before entering his room. She continued to her room, pulling off her robe and sliding beneath the covers.
AJ rolled over and pulled her close to his chest. “You okay?” His voice blurred with sleep.
“Mmm hmm.” She closed her eyes, breathing out in a slow rush as she relaxed against him.
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The next morning, AJ stumbled down to the kitchen and put on some coffee after cleaning out the coffee pot. He leaned against the counter, his eyes halfway closed, and waited for the machine to finish brewing.
Sighing as the arms wrapped around his waist, he leaned back against Meredith as they swayed together. When the coffee pot beeped, she reached up and grabbed two cups of coffee. He filled them, each fixing the coffee to their liking, and then they sat down at the table.
AJ looked at her face, brushing his fingers along the bruise on her jaw. “Does it hurt a lot?”
She smiled. “Not really. I’ve had worse.”
Kevin wandered into the kitchen, pushing long fingers through his hair. He poured a cup of coffee and joined them, resting his forehead on his clasped hands.
“Hey, Kev. How ya feelin’ this morning?” AJ studied his friend.
The older man lifted his head, and they each got a look at the dark bruise surrounding Kevin’s left eye. “Like I was run over by a herd of horses.”
Meredith nodded in sympathy. The others trickled in slowly as the morning wore on. Justin dropped into a chair beside her, rubbing his head. She reached out and smoothed her fingers over the soft bristles. When he grinned at her, she just chuckled.
“What made you decide to do this?”
He shrugged. “I felt like I needed something to mark the experience.”
JC stumbled into the kitchen, standing in the middle of the room looking confused. Justin grinned.
“Coffee’s to the left.”
“Right.” JC mumbled as he headed straight for the caffeine.
After filling a cup, he sat down at the table next to his friend and slowly looked around. “Does it hurt as bad as it looks?”
Kevin shook his head, as did Meredith. Brian and Serenity walked into the room hand in hand, smiling at each other. They grabbed juice and picked out spots at the table. Allyson and Nick wandered in a few minutes later, and Nick pulled Allyson into his lap as he sat on a chair. Lumien tugged on Howie’s fingers as he stumbled into the kitchen.
“Morning.” She smiled before pouring cups of coffee.
Howie just grunted a good morning as she handed him his coffee. Meredith looked around the table, studying the people in front of her. She knew that Leary and Sully were wandering around the house because she had seen Marcus and Ramos still asleep in the living room.
“Anyone want some eggs?” Brian stood up and headed for the stove.
Serenity joined him, and they fixed breakfast for the others. The mood was still quiet, but not as somber as the night before. Meredith continued to watch the others, taking their gentle smiles as indications that they knew she was concerned but that they were okay.
When the breakfast dishes were cleaned up, the group scattered. Meredith stopped at a bedroom door on her way to her room and knocked softly. JC smiled when he opened it, inviting her in.
“I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to you. Y’all okay?” She sat down on the bed and looked at the two men.
Justin sat down next to her and exhaled. “You know, I think that was scarier than San Ramon because it happened here.”
She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and squeezed him. “I’m sorry you guys ended up involved in this. It wasn’t about you.”
JC fell back on the bed behind them. “We gotta stop hanging out with these guys. We always end up in trouble.”
The three of them chuckled, and the two men gathered their stuff so they could go home. They were going to be escorted to their house by Ramos. Meredith hugged them and told them to call her if they needed anything. They nodded and thanked her again for being there. She simply grinned and waved as they walked out the door. Turning to face the hallway, she set out to find the next person on her list.
Coming around the corner of the living room, she saw Marcus sitting on the sofa and staring blankly at the television screen. Joining him, she looked at the Home Shopping Network channel for a moment before clicking off the television. He didn’t even blink until she rested a hand on his arm.
“You okay?”
He closed his eyes and sighed. “”It’s one thing to be trained for this. It’s another thing entirely to put it into use against people whose sole intention is hurting these boys. I mean, c’mon, most of our time is spent making sure children don’t yank out hair or rip off clothes. This was hard.”
Meredith tilted her head and studied the man in front of her. “Yeah, it is hard. I think the rest of the team can help, if you’ll let them. If you’d rather have someone outside, I’ll arrange it. You did well, though, and I’m proud of you. I want you at my back, and I trust you with AJ’s.”
Marcus grinned as he looked at his boss. “I trust you with all of theirs.”
Grinning, she stood and held out her hand to help him up. When they were both standing, Meredith wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug.
“You’re a good man, Marcus.”
He laughed, hugging her back. AJ walked into the room and stared at the two of them.
“Hey, man, no putting moves on my woman or I’ll have to take you down.”
The bodyguard laughed again. “No worries, man.” He looked down at her. “Thanks, Merry.”
“My pleasure.” She patted him on the back before he headed out of the room.
Meredith turned her attention to her lover, studying his face. Tugging on his hand, she pulled him down onto the sofa and wrapped herself around him.
“You okay, mine?”
He sighed as he snuggled against her. “Am now.”
They spent the next half hour just lying close, sharing comforting touches. Brushing the curls away from his forehead, Meredith looked into his eyes to see how he was really feeling.
“I’m okay. Really.” He kissed her fingertips as she brushed them across his lips.
“I know. I think this is for me, though.” She chuckled softly.
“I was worried about you for a while.” He whispered against her neck. “You scared me ‘cause I thought I was going to lose you.”
“I don’t think he would have killed me, mine.” Meredith brushed her hands across his back.
AJ rested his hands on her chest and dropped his chin on them to look at her. “I wasn’t talking about Samuel.”
She stopped and looked at him for a moment before nodding slowly. “For a moment there, I think I was lost, but having the power to choose my actions made it easier to find my way home.”
He studied her for a moment before smiling. “I’m glad.”
They spent another thirty minutes stretched out on the sofa before Meredith’s stomach rumbled. Laughing, they got up and headed for the kitchen. Serenity and Brian were sitting at the kitchen table eating soup. They joined the other couple, conversation light as they deliberately kept from mentioning the previous day’s events. When they finished, Meredith tilted her head at AJ, who turned to Serenity and smiled.
“Hey, girl, can I get your advice on a piece of jewelry I’m considering? It’s native American.”
Serenity smiled at him, more for his obvious attempt to get her out of the room than his interest in her opinion. “Sure.”
She brushed her lips against Brian’s head before they walked out of the room. Brian looked at Meredith and tilted his head.
“I was wondering when we would get around to this.”
Smiling, Meredith folded her hands on the table and stared at her friend. “So, how are you doing?”
“Better than Sierra Ramon, I think, but angrier at these guys because they were doing it for the money or whatever. For a few moments, I was wondering if I was going to make it.” He dropped his head onto his hands and sighed. “I’m thankful I knew how to take care of myself, but I really wish I didn’t have to keep doing this.”
Reaching out, she brushed her hand over his head. “Me, too. I’d like it if you guys could just sing for people and spread the love, but there will always be people who hate you for what you have or what you can do. I’m just glad I’m there I can help protect you.”
He looked up at that, grinning. “I’m very glad you’re here, Merry; and I know that when things get to be too much, I can come to you.”
Nodding, she smiled as he stood up. “If you need anything…”
“I know where to find you.” He smiled back before heading out of the room to find his girlfriend.
Two to go. Meredith stood up and began to look for the next person on her list. Stepping out onto the porch, she spotted Nick doing laps in the pool. Glad to find him alone, she sat down on the edge of the pool and waited until he finished. When he saw her, he swam over and rested his arms on the edge. Slicking his hair back, he squinted as he looked up at her. Reaching out, she trailed a finger down the slope of his nose before tapping the end of it with her fingers.
“Hey, Munchkin.”
“Hey, Mom.” He grinned. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”
She laughed before studying him. “You knew where I was, so I knew you wouldn’t be hard to find. How ya doin’?”
He shrugged then levered himself out of the pool. Reaching out, he grabbed his towel and began to dry off. “Okay. I didn’t get shot this time.”
“Thank God.” Meredith breathed the words out on a sigh.
Wrapping a somewhat dry arm around her shoulder, he squeezed. “I’m gonna be okay. That’s not to say I won’t have a few nightmares, but it’s not like Sierra Ramon. I got to make choices, ya know.”
She nodded, returning the hug. “Yeah I know. I think that’s been the consensus of most.” She turned her head and studied him for a moment. “You looked good in there. Whoever your teacher is would be proud.”
He pinkened a little. “I’ll tell Damon when I see him next. The lessons have helped a lot in redirecting my anger with Jane and stuff.”
Standing, he pulled Meredith off the concrete and walked her back to the house. “Let’s get some lunch. I’m starving.”
“I’ve eaten, so the kitchen’s all yours.” She patted his belly before heading towards the hall when they stepped inside.
“Good luck.” He called out as he started looking through the refrigerator.
She just chuckled in response.
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Meredith found Kevin stretched out in the theater, the Three Stooges playing on the screen as he stared at the large screen.
“Hey.” She sat down on the floor next to him, leaning against the sofa.
“Hey.” He turned his head to look at her.
She studied him for several moments. “Any flashbacks.”
He shook his head. “No. Just anger that they did this for nothing more than money. It really pisses me off when people think they can just take from others without having to earn it. I’ve worked hard to get here, and they just wanted to take it.”
Meredith sighed. “There are always gonna be people who feel that the world owes them things, and they’ll try to take it from anyone they can. I’m sorry that it happened to you guys. And I’m sorry I didn’t insist on staying.”
Kevin looked at her and then shook his head. “We thought we were okay in that building, and we insisted, so don’t feel bad. You can’t predict everything, and you did save the day. I’m glad you were there.”
He wrapped his arm around her, hugging her. She just patted his arm. They were silent for a few minutes before she turned her head. “When is Irene coming?”
“This afternoon. She’s worried about you.”
Meredith smiled. “I imagine she’s worried about both of us, but I feel less conflicted, for lack of a better word.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I don’t like that we have to go through this, but I’m glad you’re here to watch out for us.”
Patting his arm once more, she twisted her head to kiss his cheek. “For as long as I can.”
After a few moments, she stood. “I’m going to check on the rest of the guys and arrange for someone to pick up Reeny-beanie. Don’t forget to eat some lunch, okay? Your body needs the strength.”
Kevin nodded, turning his attention back to the television.
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The other four bodyguards were much easier to check on, having been through similar situations. Meredith made sure they each knew they could talk to her, but she realized that they already knew this and would take care any problems that arose—either with her or each other.
She sent Lumien to pick Irene up at the airport. The young woman stood at the terminal and waited for her friend to arrive. When she was practically bowled over in a hug, Lumien started laughing.
“Geez. I gotta breathe, Irene.”
“How are they?” The other woman looked intently at her friend.
“They’re all doing pretty good.”
“Merry? I imagine this brought back some memories.”
They started walking towards the baggage carousel. Pulling Irene’s suitcases off the conveyor belt, they wheeled the luggage out to the car.
“She’s good. She’s been doing her mother hen routine, but that’s to be expected. They’re quiet, but it’s not fearful or anything. From what Howie’s said, this has kind of helped him after South America, so that’s one good thing. You’ll have to ask them specifically for details.”
Irene nodded and settled back in her seat for the drive. When they walked into the house, she wrapped her arms around Kevin and held him tight for several minutes. Then she hugged Meredith and others before going back to Kevin. He smiled at her and led her into the theater so they could talk in private. When they came out and hour later, Irene was a little red around the eyes, but she was smiling.
Table of Contents
Chapter Forty-Five