Epilogue
Raven moved through the crowd as she kept a vigil on not only the CEO of Guardian and his family, but also most of the higher echelon of Guardian Security.
While others partied, she, Rook, Phantom, Demon, Specter, and Viper skirted the festivities and ensured there were no threats.
Taking out the venue would take out the majority of the company’s executives.
She walked past a crowd of women and was almost beaned with a bouquet of flowers.
She caught it. A simple reflex. But after looking at the bouquet, then at the throng of women who turned to look at her, she immediately understood what happened and shook her head.
“Nope.” She tossed the bouquet back into the melee of single women and walked on.
“Aww … Raven caught the bouquet. That means she’s going to get married next.” Demon’s deep voice came over the comms.
“That’ll be the day hell freezes over and Satan’s balls fall off from frostbite,” Raven said as she moved through the reception area. She picked up a glass of champagne from a tray and slid from the hall out to the tents.
“Dang, woman, that was a bit too descriptive.” Rook laughed.
“Only if you’re Satan,” Phantom said.
“Well, we kind of are …” Viper chuckled that evil laugh of his.
“Has anyone got eyes on the tents?” Ring’s voice came through their banter.
“Yes, I do,” Raven acknowledged. “Everything is fine. Don’t be a worrywart.”
“Jinx, how are things from your position?”
“Boring.” He said in such a deadpan voice that Raven chuckled. Jinx had overwatch and was on top of the bank next door to City Hall with a marksman rifle.
“The primary will leave ten minutes after the bridal party. All Guardian executives will converge at the airport.” Ring told them the game plan. Raven rolled her eyes. Like they didn’t already know every detail about the primaries movements tonight.
“What’s stuck up your ass, Ring? You’ve been kind of a dick tonight,” Specter asked.
Ring chuffed, “Thanks. Remind me why we’re here tonight?”
“Protection,” Phantom said. “Do I get a gold star?”
“Of damn near everyone important to Guardian. So, let’s keep it professional, shall we?” Ring reprimanded them.
“Touchy, touchy. How do you deal with him all the time, Raven?”
“I ignore him mostly.” Which was true. They had a hate-hate relationship, but when it mattered, they worked well together.
An alert went off over her comms. Raven froze, and her eyes snapped to the perimeter. “Raven and Viper, you’re relieved of duty. The rest of you cover their positions.” That voice was Con’s. “You’re both tapped for an assignment.”
Raven acknowledged the command and then glanced back at the reception hall. For just a moment, a tiny moment, she felt the pang of regret and of loss. Viper appeared through the doorway and made his way to her. “Are you ready?”
“I’m always ready,” Raven said as they turned to leave the event. She glanced back once. That was a happiness she’d never know. The hole inside her where her heart should have been grew just a little darker and heavier with the thought.