Bhisti

Chapter 1

A classic Valentino gown caressed Virginia’s breasts then skirted over her taut waist, hesitating only a moment at her hips. Piers Wheaton ran his tongue over his lips, arms crossed, as he nodded approval. Virginia pulled up one leg, the split in the classic silk skirt reaching to the top of her thigh. She rested her foot on the chair of the dressing table, slipped her manicured toes into a Manolo Blahnik, did up the strap around her ankle then repeated the process with the other foot.

This is more fun when you’re taking them off.

One eye squinted as Virginia Louise Darnell turned to her husband. Play your cards right… She crooked her finger at him, urging him closer.

Are you sure we have time for…

She grabbed his tie then adjusted the knot. You would think by now you would know how to dress yourself. She pulled down, simultaneously kissing Piers’ nose.

His hand slipped into his pocket. You’re forgetting something.

Virginia laughed. Give me a minute. Patience isn’t your long suit today, is it? She reached into the drawer, pulled out a Glock, checked the chamber then slipped the pistol into the holster on her thigh. Better?

Damn. Gaston gets all the choice jobs.

She pouted at her husband, lifting her leg higher to show more of what the slit had to offer, running her finger around the gun. You really shouldn’t be jealous of this.

It was Piers’ turn to crook his finger. When she was almost touching him, he twirled his finger. She complied, spinning on her toe. In the mirror, he watched her face as he pulled a Harry Winston cluster, one hundred and twenty-two brilliant and marquise diamonds in one long platinum-set string, from his Armani pocket. I meant you were missing this. He held the diamond necklace against her throat. My God, I love her smile.

She responded by lifting up her long auburn hair. They’re beautiful!

Only on your neck; anywhere else, they would be nothing more than rocks. He kissed behind her ear, allowing his lips to travel down to her shoulder. You can walk with kings, my love… the quintessential blend of Loren breathtaking beauty with the Kelly grace and style, the strength and determination of the Iron Lady yet the compassion and understanding of Mother Teresa.

She laughed. Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you, darling? You know, when this is over, I’ll have one glass of champagne then will be putty in your hands.

He smiled. Yes, that’s sort of the plan. He adjusted the hang of his suit jacket, watching in the mirror to make sure his own weapon wasn’t visible in its shoulder holster. Are we ready?

That’s a loaded question. She looked at her watch. Shouldn’t you be there already? You don’t want to leave the Prime Minister waiting.

He’s not waiting. He is already there, safely tucked away where the press won’t harass him. My finest men are surrounding him.

She arched her brow. You want to hope that they’re up to the task.

Piers chuckled. They will be. Darling, they know you. They fear you. You tantalize and intimidate at the same time, all while being completely polite and perfectly coiffed. There’s that smile again!

They should fear me, especially where my family’s concerned. Virginia grabbed her clutch then led the way to the carved oak doors.

Piers pulled them open, allowing her to pass. He offered his arm as they went down the stone steps then opened the passenger door to her 1964 Ferrari Spyder. His gaze lingered on her legs as she pulled them into the vehicle. He closed the door gently as she melted into the supple leather seat. He then walked casually to the driver’s door, his eyes scanning every detail of their surroundings.

Do I intimidate you? Her voice was surprisingly quiet.

Piers slipped the car into gear and purred down the driveway to the iron gates of the family compound. We’ve been married too long for you to have to ask that. I admire you, respect you, love you… but if push came to shove…

She chuckled. It was a momentary respite.

What’s wrong?

She forced the left corner of her mouth to rise. I’m just thinking about Lizzy, wondering if she is doing the right thing, with the right person.

Piers remained quiet. He knew how this went.

Virginia turned in her seat to look at him. You say I’m strong, formidable… that’s not what others say. I know how hard it is, yet I want Lizzy to be strong and formidable as well. She needs to be. They all need to be. Her head turned the other way, to look out the window. I had to be like this. I was raised right in the middle of four brothers and three male cousins. From the time I was thirteen, when Mom then Auntie Yvette died, I was the only one with boobs in the bunch.

But very fine boobs they were… and still are.

She frowned at his flippancy.

Ginny, you have been an amazing role model for all your nieces. The Darnell men have an incredible skill for finding strong, smart women.

Virginia grunted. Jimmy will break that pattern.

Piers laughed. Cut the man some slack. He’ll be fine.

The man is a catastrophe from the word go… typical baby of the family syndrome. She sat quietly for a moment. Prince Phillip, for decades, has had to stay two steps behind his wife. We’ve met him. We know that’s not the sort of man he is… yet he has accepted it and just does it. Sometimes you can see on his face that he doesn’t like it, but normally… She trailed off, seemingly lost in her own thoughts again. Not many men can control their egos enough to allow themselves to walk two steps behind a woman in the spotlight, not for any length of time. When the time comes, Graham will turn Bhisti over to Lizzy. How will Steve handle that?

Neither one will walk two steps behind the other. Hopefully by that time, they will have learned to be like us, walking beside each other instead of engaging in physical, mental or emotional shoving matches to get a nose ahead.

No one in the other’s shadow; Steve wants to remember that, or I will make a point of reminding him.

He chuckled at the visual she provided. A lull allowed Piers to take another mental inventory. He considered where his men were, what challenges they would face, what unforeseeables he had missed in their preparations.

You ran everyone through your system?

He nodded. Yes, dear, everyone attending and participating has been cleared through security. We have several ‘unplanned’ changes to the schedule as well, just to catch up anyone who might be playing us, and to help identify anyone who might have been vulnerable enough to allow playing. Piers turned into the parking lot and slipped into one of the reserved spaces by the door. You ready?

She leaned toward him, kissing him playfully. You know it. It’s time to get to work.

He held her for a moment longer. For what it’s worth, you will be the sexiest person with a gun in the whole building.

An eyebrow arched in reply.

Okay, the sexiest person, with or without a gun, in the whole place. His hand caressed her thigh then did a quick exploratory up the length of the slit.

Virginia’s head tipped to one side. Seriously? We’re going into a church. You need to behave, and to focus. You also need to get it right.

He laughed. Fine, you are the sexiest person in the entire city of Ottawa, and beyond.

She smiled. Don’t forget it. Now, let’s go see if there are any bad guys to shoot.

Chapter 2

Piers opened the door for Virginia then held out his hand to help her from the car. She gave a nod to one of her men standing beside the church door before leaning closer to her husband. You have the roof?

His eyes shifted up to the top of the neighboring building. This isn’t my first gig, sweetheart. By the way, you do realize it’s in bad taste to be more stunning than the bride, right?

Are you going to try that old ‘there’s a security issue in the confessional you need to check out’ thing again?

Will it work to get your panties off again?

She winked at him. I’m not wearing any.

Piers chuckled as she led him up the stairs.

As they walked through the main doors to the church, Virginia’s hand was guided onto a young tuxedoed arm. You look amazing, Aunty Ginny.

She smiled at her nephew. You clean up wonderfully, too, Ward.

He ushered her to the second pew from the front. Almost the best seat in the house.

Piers sat beside her then spoke in a quiet, conversational voice. Have there been any more threats?

She didn’t turn to look at him, answering in kind. If I asked you that question, how would you answer?

I need to know, Ginny. You have an obligation…

No, I don’t. It’s company before country.

Only in the dictionary. You can’t make that distinction anymore anyway, now that one of your family members is also the leader of the country.

I work for Bhisti; you work for the Prime Minister.

Today our interests collide, dear heart. If I fail, or am not told something, it impacts both of us and our charges.

There’s been nothing new received by the company, but that doesn’t mean…

Piers squeezed her hand. Your team is ready, my team is ready… everything will be fine. He nudged her. Look at them. He dipped his head toward the pew in front of them. Do they spend time planning that shit, or does it just happen?

Virginia scanned the row then covered her mouth to hold back a giggle. What a bunch of morons. Only my brothers would line up in order in the damned pew.

Aiden has his news anchor face on.

She shrugged. He always does when he knows Mickey will be in the room. He probably has his favorite microphone shoved in his pocket too, just in case. I think the CBC programs that into them. The sacristy door opened. Speak of the devil…

She sensed her husband tense, his eyes darting around the room. The Right Honorable Angus Michael Darnell stood in the center aisle while his wife, Gemma, and son Kevin, slipped into the pew. He then sat at the end of the bench.

The groom and ushers walked out to take their place in front of the altar, followed by the altar boys. Father Wayne brought up the rear, taking his position front and center.

Steven looks very handsome.

Piers grunted. He looks like he’s about to throw up.

Virginia waved off the comment, distracted by something that caught her eye. What’s wrong? Something’s not right here. She searched the faces at the front of the church. Get someone to Mickey, she whispered sharply. We need to delay this thing. Without waiting for a response, she slipped from the pew and quickly covered the ground to the main entrance where the bridal party was now assembled. Sorry, Lizzy. She grabbed the bride’s arm and turned her back. You need to wait a minute. She turned to an usher who had appeared. Take her and her parents – you know where. Wait there for word from me and no one else. Have them ready to slip out if need be.

The usher started to speak towards his shoulder. Get the car ready. He nodded to Virginia.

She turned to her brother, knowing he was struggling with fear for his daughter’s safety and rage at the audacity of someone to disrupt her day. Sorry, Graham. There’s a glitch that I need to check out. I’m probably just being the over-protective aunt, but it’s not worth taking the chance. She quickly gave the bride a peck on the cheek then watched as they were escorted toward a back passageway.

Turning on her heel, she strode up the main aisle, smiling encouragement at the groom before slipping into the sacristy. Michael and Gemma were already there with Piers. I’m sorry, Mister Prime Minister, but we need to take care of a little development. The fact that she addressed her brother formally was her indication to them that she was acting in her professional persona as opposed to her familial one. She nodded to her youngest sibling, Nolan, to take a position beside their brother. She then led Piers away.

Did you get a name change for a security check?

No.

"I didn’t either, so it’s time to circle the wagons.

Chapter 3

The movement of men in dark suits throughout the church was unnoticed by the rest of the guests. Virginia watched them take positions around the building. No one in the family, other than Graham, knows about the threats. We told no one... other than you.

Everyone in the family knew that was a possibility. Piers nodded to Nolan, who quietly guided Michael, Gemma, and Kevin through a side door that led up a flight of stairs. Michael’s daughter, Beverly, was at the back of the church with the rest of the bridal party. At the departure of the Prime Minister, heads in the congregation started to turn, meerkats looking for some sign of trouble. Piers gave Virginia a sheepish look. Getting the head of the government out of the room was the easy part.

Now the fun begins. The family will stay put, as will anyone with Bhisti; they’ve all been thoroughly drilled on this. The rest are the wild cards. She squeezed his hand. Country first; your concern just went up those stairs. I’ve got this.

I’ll send Nolan back down to help. He nodded to his wife then slipped out behind his charges.

Virginia motioned for Father Wayne, indicating with a wave of her hand that there was no need for anyone else to join them. As a precaution the photographer and the organist, both of whom were in her employ, calmly moved into position.

Where’s the regular altar server? She didn’t mince words or soften her tone.

He looked both confused and hurt as she towered over him, her stilettos increasing her height advantage to a full six inches. She looked down on his ever-increasing patch of shiny flesh surrounded by a ruffle of graying curls. Joe Laddly apparently took ill. The new boy is Joe’s cousin.

I need Joe’s address… now. She watched as the squat priest pulled out a book and started thumbing through it, adjusting the narrow reading glasses that perched precariously on the tip of his tiny nose. He wrote the address on a scrap of paper he tore from last weekend’s bulletin then passed it to her. She didn’t bother to look at it, giving it to the young man who was instantly at her side. Check this out, quickly, and let me know the situation.

The priest watched as the security officer left. I hope I did nothing wrong. It was a last minute change and I did make sure that you were advised about it.

Virginia’s pose softened slightly. Father Wayne, I didn’t mean to imply that you did anything wrong at all. I’m sorry. She reached out and gently rubbed the cleric’s arm. Perhaps you could tell me how this all came about and who you told about it?

He shrugged. The young man appeared here in Joe’s place. He explained that he was a cousin and that Joe had taken sick. He offered to fill in because it was so late in the day. James was sitting here when it all happened. He said there was no problem at all. I distinctly asked him to make you aware of the change.

Inside, she seethed at the mention of her cousin’s name. Outwardly she smiled at the priest. Don’t worry about it. We’ll be back on track in a few minutes. Perhaps you could help out there with the delay? She indicated the church with her head then smiled her thanks to the priest. Her eyes worked the room to see where her youngest cousin was.

Another of her agents, her hand-selected right hand man, appeared at her side. The altar boy received a call that the wedding had been cancelled and he was no longer needed. They’re all okay… no one showed up or strong-armed anyone. They had no idea what was happening or who called. He was fully aware of the details of the wedding, so the kid didn’t question it. Sean showed no emotion as he spoke. He was an expert at delivering the facts without any editorializing. A behemoth of a man, no one would have denied him his opinion, but his face always remained set in the same stone that molded the rest of his body.

Virginia didn’t hesitate. Let’s take him down.

Together she and Sean walked out of the sacristy and toward the altar. As she walked, her hand discretely disappeared through an open seam in her emerald skirt, reappearing only seconds later with the Glock tightly in her palm. Her hand again disappeared in the folds of her skirt to conceal the weapon.

Already nervous, their approach was enough to let their target know that he had been discovered. He had been standing behind the groom while Father Wayne did his best to entertain the wedding guests. A quick nod from Virginia brought both the organist and the photographer to their feet. She felt like a cat stalking a mouse, suppressing an evil smile. She meant business, always, but she enjoyed the game.

He was at least eighteen although short for his age. He correctly read his situation and pulled a .38 Special from inside his white robes. In the same movement, he threw his free arm around the groom’s neck, almost knocking Steve off his feet. The revolver was leveled firmly at Steve’s temple.

Virginia’s expression didn’t change. Don’t be foolish. We’re not interested in you, just in who sent you here. Let him go. Her voice was calm and steady.

Eyes wide with fear and hatred, the altar boy moved back a few steps, dragging Steve with him. I will shoot him, and then I will shoot you.

Virginia calmly turned to Sean. Have all the exits secured. The last thing we want is for this to spill out onto the streets. She was acutely aware of the television cameras and reporters who would swoop down to turn the wedding into a production by Barnum and Bailey. Sean mumbled something then nodded to her as the large doors were firmly closed, ushers armed with Berettas posting themselves in front of each one. The look of panic intensified on the boy’s face. His expression was mirrored and magnified in Steve’s eyes.

You need to put the gun down now. There is no way you can get out of here, and the bride is not going to be showing up. For that matter, neither are the bride’s parents or the Prime Minister. You have no targets left and only six bullets. You do the math. Now, what’s your name and who sent you here?

My instructions were to stop the wedding by harming the bride. He tightened his grip on Steve’s neck. Killing this asshole would do that as well. Make your men put their guns on the floor. I want to see them all.

Virginia smiled. How did you intend to get out of here after killing the bride? Did you think that you would just pull your gun, shoot her then wander down the center aisle? Surely you can’t be that stupid. It might work that way in the movies, but unless you have enough speed and ammunition to kill everyone in this room, you have a problem. For the record, I can guarantee that you will not even finish pulling that trigger before there will be twenty bullets ripping through your body.

He looked at the collection of guns that were trained on various parts of his anatomy then took four more steps backward toward a door off the altar. "I said put all the guns on the floor, or my present to the bride will be the groom’s brains splattered all over