“The media was giving his dad grief because Carl and I never attend his church or go to social events with him. That was a good thing in my mind since Gregory and I never got along. I guess Gregory figured it would make them stop if we were his guests. Carl was fixated on the money and kept telling me we could have a better wedding if I’d just keep my mouth shut and smile for pictures. It’s been a constant argument with us since we started planning our wedding. It’s traditional for the bride and her family to pay and the groom springs for the reception. He wanted four hundred guests but the chapel I could afford only seats a hundred. I absolutely refused to get married at his father’s church. He offered that but it was a deal breaker for me.”

Justice opened his mouth as if he intended to speak but then closed it.

“Carl said his dad was going to pay us fifty grand to be at the hotel to take pictures with him. Carl started guilt-tripping me into just staying for a few days. I should have left. Let’s just say I got to see a whole new side of my ex and I didn’t like it one bit. I’m glad the engagement is off.”

He grimly regarded her. “Do you know why they drugged you too? It would have been more effective if they’d just heavily dosed one of our males. He would have attacked any female near him. That would have been horrific. You experienced a milder version of the drug but full dosage of even that drug would have made Smiley deadly.”

“Gregory said he wanted a victim to parade around in the media to keep the story active. He was afraid the NSO would sweep it under the rug otherwise by blaming Mercile Industries.”

“That male is deranged.”

“Tell me about it. I just got an up-close-and-personal experience with how nuts he truly is. His church members think he’s some kind of messiah who can predict the future. I’m still confused whether they just think New Species are going to take over the world or believe they plan to slaughter everyone. I don’t even think they can decide.”

“Why would we kill others? We lock ourselves behind secured gates to protect our people from the out world. They come after us, not the other way around.”

“I know. I follow the news.”

He grew quiet and she lowered her gaze to her lap. Mr. North seemed really nice and she hated to repeat any of the garbage Gregory or his members had shared.

“They plan to send us a vial with your fingerprints then?”

She looked up. “Yes. I swear I didn’t drug myself or Smiley. It was the bartender.”

“It makes sense. You were the only female to go near our male but the bartender was the one to mix the drinks. He had no criminal record and showed no hatred for us during his interactions with our group.”

“There’s always a first time, right?”

He cocked an eyebrow.

“You know, every bad guy was once good until he crossed a line. I don’t think they come out of the womb being ass**les.”

His expression cleared and he smiled. “I like you, Vanni. I see why Smiley was so adamant about defending your innocence.”

That news surprised her. “He was?”

“Yes. He’s protested our assumption that you dosed him but you have to admit the circumstances made you appear guilty. You had no form of identification on you that night and you weren’t registered at the hotel. Then you escaped the SUV taking you for medical treatment at Homeland.”

“I was afraid I was going to be arrested for something I didn’t do. That’s why I ran away.”

“I understand. We’ll be at Homeland soon. I need to contact them so I’m switching broadcast signals to a secure one with the NSO. Just tap me if you need to speak and I’ll switch to the short-range one we use to communicate in the helicopter so our signals don’t travel.”

“Thank you.”

She made the mistake of turning in her seat and staring out the window. The helicopter flew high and fast, the ground far enough away to assure her they’d die if it crashed. It made the swaying sensation worse.

I hope we get there soon or I’m going to throw up. Good thing I haven’t eaten anything today.

* * * * *

Smiley paced the floor. The pilot had radioed in that they’d picked up Vanni and she seemed unharmed. Justice had not contacted Security though, and it drove him insane.

“Relax,” Fury ordered. “We knew he planned to speak to her.”

“He should have broadcast it.”

Jericho shook his head. “What if our channels are breached? It could happen. It’s safer if any of the details Justice learns from her are secure.”

At the moment, Smiley hated logic. They didn’t want anyone to know Vanni was on her way to Homeland or the news hounds would swarm the gates. The Woods Church press conference should have started already but they didn’t have Vanni anymore. He glanced at the clock.

“It was delayed.” Fury seemed to guess where his thoughts had turned. He lifted his cell phone and flashed the screen to show the text messages. “We have someone from the task force team there working as a cameraman. Preacher Woods said their star witness is stuck in traffic.” He smirked. “They are probably still searching for her.”

“As if they could find her.” Flame chuckled.

“It’s not amusing,” Smiley snapped, his temper flaring. “She could have been harmed.”

“You’re right.” Flame schooled his expression. “But she is fine. The pilot didn’t request medical assistance to be waiting at the helipad. I apologize. We’ve all been stressed about this situation. It’s just a relief that she’s on her way here instead of talking to the reporters.”