Page 36 of Some Like It Scandalous (Going Royal #2)
“Roger that, we’re taking Miss Novak back to the tower right now.” Kyle gave her a small smile. “They have the shooter in custody.”
Heart squeezing in her chest, she nodded. “Charlie?”
“His Highness will be fine. They are securing the location, Kate will continue to take donations, but for now we need to get you back to the tower.” The guard turned around in the seat and faced forward.
Anna exhaled a low breath. Charlie did it all to lure out the person or persons issuing the threats.
He put himself in danger to protect his family.
Rubbing a hand against her face, she stared out at the passing night. She didn’t think her heart would slow until she had her arms around him—hell, she didn’t even know if she would kiss him or throttle him for being so careless with his own life.
Please don’t be hurt…
ARMAND
“It’s him, Your Highness.” The FBI’s arrival on-site so close on the heels of Markov’s attempt couldn’t be coincidence. They didn’t care for Armand’s choice to play bait, but they’d definitely taken advantage of it.
Armand nodded slowly. “Peterson said no one was hurt, can you confirm that?”
Thomason nodded. “Your man is correct. Markov waited until Miss Novak was on stage and the attention focused on her. He’s apparently been here most of the evening just waiting for you.
” The agent gestured to the area cordoned off by crime-scene tape.
“He stationed himself behind those planters, dressed like one of the staff.”
“How did he get a gun past our security scanners?” Peterson and a circle of seven of his private security arrayed around Armand—with Anna off-site, they’d closed ranks on the prince.
“Plastic—high-tensile and quality plastic. It wasn’t good for more than three shots. But he walked right through the metal detector with it.” Thomason shook his head. “We have more than enough to hold him, but hopefully—hopefully that resolves all of this.”
Armand doubted it. It ended the Markov threat, but not the family behind it.
No, the family behind that threat stood inside.
He hadn’t missed the colonel staring at him during the speech or his lingering after the shots were fired.
Only a few guests heard the pops, but security took the shooter down as soon as he lifted the gun.
The agent excused himself and Armand watched the cleanup. The grand ballroom doors were closed now, and if they managed to sweep this up swiftly, it would be a great mystery for the press to titillate the masses.
“Shall we get you back to the tower, Your Highness?” Peterson motioned toward the side exit, but Armand shook his head.
“No. We still have a purpose here.” The Kachusov colonel still attended. If he disappeared on the heels of Anna, it gave her more import to them. Besides, what man in his right mind lingered at an event where someone tried to kill him?
“Sir, if you don’t mind some candor?” Peterson waited.
“I never mind candor from you.”
“Good. Please end this foolish gesture and go back to the tower with Miss Novak. She’s probably scared and worried about you. Staying here doesn’t send her a message you would want her to receive.”
No. It sent exactly the right message. It encouraged her to go, far away from him where she could be safe. “Let me know when she arrives at the tower.”
“And if she asks about you?”
He died a little inside. “Tell her I am dancing.”
Peterson shook his head, but Armand returned to the dining room as the video presentation about the scholarship ended.
The applause was rich and enthusiastic. A live band set up and soon the wine flowed and the music played.
He lost count of the number of women he danced with, paying each one courteous attention.
He stayed for the entire event, leaving only when the caterers shooed the stragglers out the door so they could clean up.
Exhaustion wore on him on the ride back to the tower. He checked in with the hospital. Richard continued to improve. Peterson informed him that no new threats came in and the chatter with regard to Anna seemed to have muted.
He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the seat.
“You know, Amy, tonight has been one filled with surprises. Sources inside the royal circle are now suggesting that the relationship between Anna Novak and Prince Armand was entirely fabricated. The couple did not spend any time together tonight, and aside from thanking him in her speech, they didn’t discuss each other.
Miss Novak left the event early due to a mild illness.
A source on her staff mentioned she was extremely anxious about speaking in front of such a large crowd and may have been overwhelmed.
Hardly princess material when you think about it.
Fortunately for the ladies, the playboy prince continued in fine form long into the night after Novak left the gala, dancing with every eligible lady in the house.
Poor Nikole, though, a tantrum earned her an early exit from the event—I would hazard a guess that the prince didn’t make any lady happy tonight. This is Jill Roberts, Celebrity News.”