Page 96 of Protecting his Heart

“Okay.” He hung up and exhaled. Then frowned and stared at the phone in his hand. “How did he know we were engaged?” he muttered. “We only sent that photo to a few people, and all of them we trust implicitly.”

“Maybe he’s watching us? I hate the idea, but it’s possible.”

Owen shook his head. “I’m too tired for this shit.” He dropped onto the bed. “The flowers were nice before they became tainted. A pink and white bouquet. Very pretty.”

Evan chuckled. “You and your flowers.” He snuggled against Owen’s side. “Think we’ll get any sleep?”

A rumble of a truck sounded, followed by shouting, and Owen sighed. “I doubt it.”

They received a call from Brett an hour later. The bomb squad had cleared the bin, finding no explosives, which was a good thing. The flowers were toast, though.

“Bring that note in so we can check it for fingerprints, though I’m sure we know who’ll they’ll belong to,” Brett said. “Or rather, wewon’tknow who they belong to.”

Owen and Evan gave up on having a lovely relaxing last day of their brief holiday and got dressed before walking to the castle. Surprisingly, when they got there, they found Jessica chatting with Randall.

Evan leaned down and hugged her, not letting her get up from the wheelchair. “Hey, I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”

She grinned, though Owen could see the strain in her actions. “I was just talking through some more details for the king. It gets me out of the house.”

Evan squeezed her hand. “That’s great.”

She tugged on him. “Let me see it, then.” Evan chuckled and held out his hand, showing off the engagement ring. “Ooh, excellent choice, Owen. You definitely have good taste.”

Owen slid an arm around Evan’s waist. “I know I do.”

Evan flushed, and they laughed. “Are you heading home now?” Evan asked.

Jessica nodded. “Yes, I need a sleep, and I have an appointment this afternoon.”

Sadness flowed over Evan’s face, but his smile didn’t dip. “Okay. Let me know how it goes. I’ll call you before work tomorrow to chat, though call me before if you need me.”

“I will.” She waved and Randall pushed her towards the exit. Evan watched them go, his smile finally failing.

“She’s not got long,” he murmured, and Owen tightened his hold, knowing there was nothing to make things easier on any of them.

When she disappeared, they continued towards Sec HQ. “I’m sure I’ve been in this place more than I would if I was working,” Owen muttered as they entered.

The place was heaving, not only because guards were working as normal, but they had increased presence in the run up to the prince’s wedding. Prince Douglas, that was. They were getting married in less than three weeks, and plans were coming together. It was a lot easier now they’d already been through three royal weddings in the last year. They kind of knew what to expect. Owen would be working that day, but Evan had been invited as a guest. He was hesitant to go on his own, but Owen was sure he’d still go to show his support.

“The note, as requested, boss,” Owen said, holding it out.

“Thanks.” The man sounded more stressed than usual.

“Anything I can help with?” He hadn’t planned to stay, but if Brett needed him, he would.

Brett started to shake his head but then paused. “Actually, do you want to get Dr Wallis out of jail?”

Owen raised his eyebrows. “How?”

“The police officers are trying everything they can to pin something on him, but we all know he’s as much a victim as you and Anika were. Someone needs to go to bat for him, and who better than the ones who got hurt?”

Owen glanced at Evan to see how he had reacted to the news, but Evan was already nodding his head. “Yeah, we’ll go. Anything in particular we need to say or not say?”

Brett sighed. “The usual. Don’t mention that this is in any way related to Dominic’s case. That’s more hassle we don’t need. Just sweet talk your way through it.”

“All right,” Owen said. “Anything else?”

“Yeah.” Brett met his gaze. “After that, relax because this is what you’re coming back to tomorrow.” He waved his hand around the room, and Owen groaned.

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