Royal Target (15 page)

Chapter 24

Queen Marta moved down the hall to her husband’s office on Monday night. She had already put in a sixteen-hour day, many of those hours spent dealing with correspondence and various charities she was involved in. But for now, she wasn’t thinking about her own busy schedule but rather her husband’s overburdened workload.

She knocked on his door once before pushing it open and was not surprised to find her husband and eldest son still hard at work. They sat elbow to elbow at the worktable in the corner of the room poring over the latest intelligence reports.

She laid a hand on Stefano’s shoulder and looked at her husband. “You both need to get some rest.”

“We’re almost finished,” Eduard told her, tapping a finger on the report in front of him. He looked up at Stefano and nodded. “I think Garrett and Janessa are onto something here. If the CIA can trace those deposits, security might be able to solve this whole problem before the gala.”

“We only have three more weeks,” Marta reminded her husband. “Do you think they can figure it out by then?”

“I hope so,” Eduard told her.

Another knock came at the door. This time Garrett stepped through, leading Janessa. “I thought I would find you here.”

“What are you doing here?” Marta asked, moving to embrace her youngest son. She looked closer, noting the combination of excitement and concern in his eyes. “I thought you were staying at the chateau through next weekend.”

“I have a groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow morning,” Garrett told her. “Besides, I wanted to talk to you both.”

“Has the CIA traced the money?” Eduard asked.

“No.” Garrett shook his head, reaching for Janessa’s hand. “Actually, this is personal.”

Marta noticed Janessa give Garrett’s hand an encouraging squeeze and fought back a smile. It seemed the engagement really had gone beyond a publicity stunt. Prepared to act adequately surprised at the announcement, she shifted to her husband’s side and waited for him to continue.

“I wondered if you all could clear your schedules tomorrow afternoon,” Garrett began, glancing down at Janessa for a moment before continuing. “I would like you to attend my baptism into the Mormon Church.”

“What?” King Eduard’s voice boomed as he stood.

Stefano stood as well and gaped at Garrett. Marta struggled to keep her jaw from dropping.

“I know this comes as a shock, but I’ve been thinking about this for some time,” Garrett continued before his father could cut him off.

“You are a Fortier. Joining another church is not an option. You can’t throw out centuries of tradition.”

Still stunned, Marta laid a hand on Eduard’s arm. “Let him speak.”

Garrett took a deep breath. “Mother, you mentioned something when I first returned home from the United States. You said you hadn’t ever seen me more content.” He looked from his mother to his father and continued. “This church gave me that. I found a truth I had been searching for without even knowing it.”

“Never since the Church of Meridia was founded has a Fortier belonged to another,” Eduard stated.

“I realize I am the first, and I feel the burden of that decision.” Garrett nodded solemnly. “But my religious choices have nothing to do with my duty to this country or this family. I can have both if you will let me. I’m only asking for the same religious freedom you give the rest of our citizens.”

Marta considered the historic implications her son’s actions could cause for this family and their country. Undermining her resolve against his request was her desire for him to find happiness. “Why must you be baptized? Surely you can attend this church on occasion without going to such extremes.”

Janessa spoke now, her voice calm. “Without baptism, Garrett would not be able to receive the fullness of the blessings offered by our church—”

Before she could continue, Eduard interrupted. “This is your doing. He never mentioned this church before you arrived.”

“Father,” Garrett started before Janessa could defend herself. “I made this decision long before I met Janessa. Knowing her just gave me the courage to act on my decision.”

Stefano interrupted his father’s tirade as he muttered, “The press is going to have a field day with this.”

“This is a private matter. I have no intention of informing the press.”

“How can you avoid it?” Eduard asked, his voice still several decibels above normal.

“Janessa and I are attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mormon temple tomorrow morning. Afterward, there is a luncheon at a local meetinghouse. Since I have every reason to be there, the press won’t suspect that I am also getting baptized.” Garrett handed a paper to his mother. “The baptism is at three o’clock. Here are the directions.”

Janessa looked at King Eduard and spoke directly to him. “Your Majesty, this is an important day for your son, one he has looked forward to for some time. It would mean a lot if you could be present.”

“Even if we could get to the church without the press noticing, your association with the church will eventually get out,” Queen Marta said even as her fingers closed around the paper her son had handed her.

“That’s true,” Garrett agreed. “But right now the press has enough stories to keep them busy. With the fire and our engagement, I should be able to keep this private for a while. If I’m lucky, this story will be old news by the time it leaks out.”

“I can’t condone this.” King Eduard spoke now, his face stern. “You are second in line for the throne. What if you were to someday ascend to the throne? How could you possibly oversee church affairs while belonging to another?”

“Church and state have been separate for generations.” Garrett struggled to keep his voice even. “Besides, whether I get baptized or not, I will always be Mormon in my heart.”

Aware that her husband had already dug his heels in, Queen Marta turned to her youngest son. “Garrett, why don’t you and Janessa go get some sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.” She turned to Stefano.

“I think I’ll turn in also.” Stefano stood and moved to the door. “Good night.”

As soon as the room cleared, Marta took the seat Stefano had vacated. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Eduard leaned back in his chair. “I can’t approve of this.”

“I don’t think he expects you to.”

“That American spy is creating havoc in our family.”

“That American spy is going to be your daughter-in-law,” Marta pointed out. “Are you really prepared to disown Garrett over this?”

Eduard opened his mouth and then quickly shut it again. He rubbed a hand over his face before looking at her once more. “Daughter-in-law? It was supposed to be a fictional engagement. I don’t know what Garrett is thinking—joining another church, falling for an American spy. He has lost all touch with reality.” Eduard shook his head in frustration. “Do you realize that this will change the very fabric of the royal family?”

“I know.” Marta reached for his hand and continued. “I’m not any happier about this than you are, but I don’t think he’s going to change his mind. With or without our approval, he’s going to be Mormon tomorrow afternoon.”

Eduard pushed out of his chair and stalked to the window. He stared blankly into the darkness before turning back to his wife. “You really think he would choose this church over his own family?”

“He doesn’t want to make that choice, but yes, I think he would.” Marta sighed. “Especially now that Janessa is tied to his decision.”

“How long do you think Janessa will stick around if we cut him off?” Eduard considered. “Once she sees Garrett lose his wealth and position, surely her interest will fade. Perhaps that’s what Garrett needs to make him come to his senses.”

“Eduard, we both know better.” Marta stood and closed the distance between them. “Even with her foreign upbringing, I thoroughly approve of her for our son. I’ve taken note of her tastes and her personality, and I believe she is just the sort of woman Garrett needs, the perfect princess. She’s not the sort to be interested in him for his money or his title. If she were, she would never encourage him in this.”

His eyes narrowed. “Maybe it’s time we find out for sure.”

* * *

King Eduard didn’t believe in wasting time. He was also accustomed to getting what he wanted. Though it was barely seven o’clock in the morning, he instructed his secretary to send for Janessa. He settled into his chair and glanced at his schedule. As usual, it was full from eight in the morning until well past business hours.

Expecting that Janessa would take her time in answering such an early morning summons, he flipped open the file containing her most recent security reports. He had already read the report about the bomb that had been intended for his son, and he was fully aware that Janessa had nearly died helping disarm it. That last tidbit of information had not come from Janessa’s report but rather from the injured security guard.

The knock at the door surprised him. He glanced at his watch to see that less than five minutes had passed since his secretary had called Janessa. “Come in.”

She pushed the door open and stepped inside. “Good morning, Your Majesty.” Janessa dipped into a curtsey before continuing. “You asked to see me?”

“Yes.” Eduard motioned for her to sit down as he studied the petite woman in front of him. This woman had saved his son’s life, but now her mere presence threatened to unravel generations of tradition and heritage. “I wanted to speak to you privately before I discuss my decision with my son.”

Janessa took the seat he indicated and fiddled with a ring on her right pinkie. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, I have nothing to do with Garrett’s baptism.”

“I disagree.” Eduard kept his voice mild, his expression bland. “He said himself that your presence gave him the courage to go through with this baptism.”

Janessa’s chin tilted up a fraction. “And he told me that he was planning on discussing this decision with you the day of the embassy bombing.”

Eduard considered her answer and decided to push a different button. “I have it from reputable sources that you and he are pursuing a relationship beyond the requirements of your assignment.”

Heat stung Janessa’s cheeks. “My relationship with Garrett has nothing to do with his decision.”

“You have been here long enough to appreciate the lifestyle my son has been born into.” He waved his hand to encompass the palace. “I can’t believe he won’t at some point regret his decision and resent your part in it. And if I disown him today—strip him of his wealth and title—what will be your response?” Eduard pushed on.

Janessa took a sharp intake of breath and remained speechless for several moments. Then she cleared her throat and spoke calmly and professionally, surprising them both. “First, I would urge you to provide him with adequate security to ensure his protection if he is not permitted to stay at the chateau until the gala. Second, I would ask that you allow me to complete my assignment here. I have no interest in seeing any of you hurt, regardless of any decision you make.”

Eduard considered her words, tapping his fingers on the report in front of him. “You surprise me.”

“You may not know me well or feel particularly fond of me right now, but I hope you love Garrett enough to make sure he is safe regardless of whatever decision you make. He wants to remain an active member of this family, but if you force him to choose, ultimately the choice is his and his alone.” Janessa stood. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have some work to attend to.”

Eduard nodded his assent and watched her leave the room. His wife had been right, as usual. Not only was this woman in love with his son, but she would be a wonderful addition to the royal family—if only he could ignore the issue of religion. With a sigh, he picked up his phone and dialed the number for his private quarters. He and his wife had some major decisions to make.

Chapter 25

Janessa sat beside Garrett in the back seat of the limousine as they headed for the groundbreaking. Garrett’s parents had yet to speak to him today, and Janessa’s heart ached as she thought of her conversation with his father that morning, a conversation Garrett still knew nothing about.

“You’re awfully quiet this morning.” Garrett pressed the button to raise the window between them and the driver. As it slid into place, he asked, “Is everything okay?”

Janessa let out a sigh. She couldn’t keep this from him. After all, he had a right to know where his father stood before it was too late. “I spoke with your father.”

“What?” Garrett shifted so he could see her more clearly. “When?”

“He sent for me first thing this morning.” Janessa laid her hand on his. “Garrett, he asked what I would do if he disowned you.”

“What?” Garrett’s hand fisted beneath hers, and his eyes darkened.

“He basically wanted to know if I would stick around if you lost your money and your title.”

Garrett let out a sigh of frustration, but his eyes stayed locked on hers. “What did you say?”

“I told him that my biggest concern is for your safety and the safety of your family.” Janessa’s voice softened as she added, “I’ll understand if you want to put off your decision. You don’t have to get baptized today.”

Garrett drew his hand away. “Is that what you think I should do?”

“Garrett, it’s your decision to make, not mine,” Janessa insisted, her voice taking on an edge. “Which is something I pointed out to your father.” In a rare show of impatience, Janessa dragged her hand through her hair. “I love you, Garrett. I just don’t want you to resent me a year or two down the road when you realize how much you gave up to be a member of the Church.” She let out a sigh. “You have to make this decision for you, not for me.”

His eyes softened, and he reached for her hand once more. “I’m making this decision for both of us, but if you weren’t here, I would still make it for myself.”

“Even if it meant losing your family, maybe even your country?”

Garrett nodded somberly. “Even then.”

* * *

The site for the new temple was twenty miles inland. It would
sit up on a hill, overlooking the main road leading to it as well as
the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. When Garrett and Janessa arrived, a crowd of Church members was already gathering around the groundbreaking site. Several photographers and reporters were also in attendance.

Though a security sweep had already taken place, Garrett’s bodyguards checked the area a second time before one of them opened the door. Garrett’s automatic smile widened when he saw Tim standing outside of the vehicle.

“It’s about time you got here.” Tim grinned as he accepted Garrett’s outstretched hand.

“I’m here now.” Garrett returned his smile and turned to Janessa. “This is Tim O’Donnell, the friend I told you about from law school.”

Janessa’s smile was warm and welcoming. She reached out and shook his hand. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

“Me too,” Tim said, his eyes shifting back to Garrett. “So how did things go with your parents?”

Garrett understood his meaning perfectly and shook his head. “As expected.”

“Garrett, I’m sorry.” Tim laid a hand on his shoulder. “I really hoped they would understand.”

“The jury’s still out as to the consequences. But let’s not worry about that right now.” Garrett motioned up the hill. “You said you wanted to meet your prophet. There’s no time like the present.”

“You didn’t tell me the prophet was going to be here.” Janessa’s eyes widened as Garrett took her hand.

Garrett leaned closer and spoke softly. “You didn’t ask.”

“What was I thinking?” she said wryly and fell into step with him.

Flanked by two bodyguards, Garrett expertly led them through the crowd and past the reporters for the brief ceremony. The prophet addressed those gathered, inspiring the members in this tiny country to appreciate the new opportunities the temple would bring them.

As Garrett listened to the words spoken and considered his family’s reaction to his impending baptism, he could only wonder how much worse last night’s conversation would have gone if he had also disclosed his plans to marry Janessa in the temple, a building his family would not be permitted to enter.

* * *

“They might still show up,” Tim commented as Garrett glanced at the door for the fifth time in as many minutes.

“I don’t think so.” Garrett took his seat on the cushioned chair in the front row.

A minor act of deception had helped clear most of the guests from the building. To make it appear that they were leaving, Garrett and Janessa had moved to the back of the church building, and a few minutes later their limousine drove away as though they were inside. In reality, they had hidden in a classroom for a few minutes while they waited for the guests to leave.

Only a handful of people still remained in the building, and all of them were now gathered in the small font room. To Garrett’s delight, the branch president had informed the prophet of Garrett’s impending baptism, and he had been able to stay to witness the event. Janessa sat on one side of Garrett and reached over to give his hand a comforting squeeze as the branch president stood up to conduct the meeting.

The branch president offered a short talk about baptism and confirmation, after which Tim entered the baptismal font with Garrett. As he stepped into the water, Garrett’s mind raced with all of the possibilities and the many outcomes of this step he was seconds from taking. Then he glanced up and saw the prophet’s calm smile. His eyes then darted to Janessa and the tears glistening in her eyes.

He closed his own eyes as Tim began the baptismal prayer. The moment he was submerged beneath the water, he felt a peace unlike any he had ever experienced. When he stood once again, he looked up to see Janessa smiling down at him.

When it came time for Garrett to be confirmed a member of the Church, the Spirit filled the room as Tim laid his hands on Garrett’s head. The prayer he offered spoke of many things, including how Garrett would come to rely on the Holy Ghost as he helped lead his country in difficult times as well as in prosperity.

Hope leapt in Garrett’s heart, and he prayed his father would allow him the opportunity. When the prayer concluded, Garrett looked up to see his mother and brother. Stefano’s eyes met his briefly before he reached for the doorknob and escorted their mother into the hall.

A mixture of emotions rushed through him—disappointment that his father wasn’t present, surprise that the rest of the family had come, and, as he glanced at Janessa, hope for the future.