Page 56 of Convincing Him
“It will,” Parker was annoyed. “I’m going to see what’s keeping them all. Dinner is due to start soon.”
“I’ll join you,” Marshall smiled in satisfaction as he followed his brother to find the photographer and the rest of the wedding party.
Gabe leaned on a column, looking out the window to a perfectly manicured topiary arrangement in the tiny interior courtyard. There was a small dusting of snow on the ground. A green Christmas was predicted. The kids in the family were sure to be disappointed.
“It’s a beautiful view,” a cold voice said beside him. “Even if it is all covered in snow.”
Gabe turned to look at Agent Kepler who was gazing out the window. “What do you want?”
“What a way to greet me,” Kepler turned icy eyes to Gabe. “You skipped right over all the formalities. I’m fine, thank you, how are you?”
“You don’t strike me as the formalities type,” Gabe narrowed his eyes. “I think you’d much rather get to the point.”
“True,” Kepler had a small smile. “Passports.”
“Excuse me?” asked Gabe, a little confused by the sudden change in direction of the conversation.
“Tomorrow morning, I want the grooms’ passports,” stated Kepler, idly picking a piece of non-existent lint from his sleeve.
“You are kidding,” frowned Gabe. “They are about to go on their honeymoons. This is harassment.”
“No,” Kepler had a satisfied smile, his eyes still hard. “It’s a court order. One that will be issued early tomorrow morning. In fact, I would like everyone in the entire Ramesly family to have their passports ready and in hand so I can obtain them. This way no one gets any ideas about fleeing the country before my investigation is concluded. I figure if you give them a heads up, it will be easier to collect them in the morning. If anyone has any ideas to make a break for it, they should think twice. The resort is being watched by some of the Bureau’s finest.”
“This is ridiculous,” Gabe shook his head in disbelief. “Why now? Why at the wedding? You could have done this at any time, but you chose tomorrow morning. You are not going to intimidate us this way Kepler.”
“Says the man who recently resigned from his position,” shrugged Kepler, unconcerned. “Finding it a little difficult in the hotseat of the family business lately?”
“I resigned for personal reasons,” scowled Gabe.
“Whatever you say,” Kepler looked Gabe over, seeing far more than Gabe would have liked. “Just get all the passports available tomorrow morning. I would hate to embarrass the family on the wedding weekend by having this leak out into the press if anyone decides not to cooperate.”
“I’m going to find out who your supervisor is and inform him you are harassing us.,” Gabe advised him.
“By all means Mr. Ramesly,” Kepler didn’t even blink. “Have a nice day.”
Gabe watched as Kepler walked away. He ran a hand over his face, wondering just what Kepler’s deal was. The man was like a cat and they were all mice being toyed with. Gabe didn’t like it, but he wasn’t certain what could be done about it.
Irritated, Gabe went to join the others at the rehearsal dinner. Finding his seat, Gabe listened to the conversation around him. This was his family. This was supposed to be one of the happiest moments in his life.
Yet it still wasn’t. Britney was missing from the chair at his side. An empty seat stood as a reminder of what he had lost. Not that he was giving up. Gabe was about to make Britney’s overtures at getting his attention all these years look like child’s play.
He had plans to do whatever it took, all sorts of grand gestures to get her back and convince her to love him. He could admit it, if only to himself, Gabe wanted Britney to love him. He wanted her back in his life forever.
Gabe had even made a list. He might even have it laminated just to prove something.
Not like he would go as far as Brit had at prom. No one should go that far, giving food poisoning to all the attendees except Gabe so only he and she had been left feeling well. Perhaps he should add a prom-like event minus the tampered punch to his list.
Dragging his thoughts away from Brit, Gabe surveyed his family who seemed to be having a good time.
There was an empty chair beside Marshall as well, but his brother didn’t seem to be worried at all.
“Hey Marshall? Where is your bride?” asked Everett with some amusement. “She hiding from you?”
“She’s getting ready with her family,” Marshall responded patiently. “If you would all enjoy your supper, you’ll enjoy the second wedding with her traditions.”
“Two weddings?” asked aunt Mary in surprise. “The first wasn’t enough?”
“We are honoring her traditions as well,” smiled Marshall.
