Page 145 of Fatal Intent

“Yes, sir.”

“Donovan Vance and Gino’s team were friends?”

“According to the text messages and emails, that was the case. They were using Vance to kill the members of Red Dawn so Gino and his crew wouldn’t have to worry about being turned in to the authorities any more. Apparently, when Vance finished the task, they planned to kill him, too.”

“Of all the convoluted plans.” Maddox shook his head. “Anything could have gone wrong at several points along the way. Vance wasn’t thinking straight after years of plotting revenge, and don’t get me started on Savage and his cronies. Talk about snakes in the grass, waiting to strike. All those people Vance killed in the name of vengeance.”

He growled and ran a hand over his short hair. “I’ve had all the bad news I can stomach at the moment. Tell me something good.”

“My father is in a regular room. If things go well, he should be home by the end of the week.”

“That’s great news. How is your relationship with your family?”

“No change.” They still blamed him for everything. The only good thing to come out of this situation was his family loved Rayne.

“I’m sorry. I was hoping that might change. Any other good news?” The boss’s eyes twinkled.

He knows. Of course he did. Maddox always had his ear to the ground. “Rayne and I are getting married this morning.”

“Congratulations. I’m assuming you want a leave of absence.”

“Yes, sir. Four weeks. I’ll need that much time to recover from the gunshot wound according to the surgeon.”

“Need one of the jets?”

“No, sir. We’re using Rod Kelter’s cabin in Christiana for the next four weeks.”

“Good plan. If you need anything, let us know. Otherwise, I expect both of you to report four weeks from today. Bring your medical clearance from one of our doctors. I better get an invitation to the celebration cookout I heard you’re hosting. My wife will be disappointed to have missed the wedding.”

“You will. I promise, sir.”

“Good. Maddox out.” His boss ended the video call.

A tap sounded on the hospital door, and Rayne peered into the room. “I was going to ask if you needed help getting dressed but you’re already finished. Are you ready to go?”

“You bet.”

“I asked Eli and Jon to be our witnesses. Do you mind?”

“Of course not.” He captured her mouth with his and indulged in a long, deep kiss. “Let’s get out of here. We have a judge to find.”

Two hours later, Grant and Rayne stood in front of the judge with Eli and Jon close by and said their vows to each other.

Judge Waller smiled. “Congratulations, you two. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Grant, you may now kiss your bride.”

He gently took the woman he adored into his arms and kissed her. A long minute later, he raised his head and smiled down at Rayne. “Ready, Mrs. Bowen?”

She grinned. “So ready. I love you, Grant.”

“I love you, too.” He held out his hand to her. When she took it, he said, “Let’s go build a life together.”