“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.”

Smiley nodded. He was relieved about that as well. To hear Vanni say bad things about him on television would have been an ordeal he didn’t want to suffer. The female had gotten under his skin and he cared about her welfare. It mattered to him how she viewed him.

“Incoming message,” Bluebird called out. “From the helicopter.”

Everyone stopped talking when the speakers broadcast Justice’s voice. “Hello?” It sounded a little muffled.

“It’s not a clear transmission,” Fury informed him.

“Understood. I’ll text the info.”

“Communications ended,” Bluebird muttered.

“He’s texting me,” Fury announced while staring at his phone. For long minutes he read the screen and typed responses. He finally looked up and met Smiley’s anxious gaze.

“He has her and they are ten minutes out. She’s well. He wants a meeting in his office.”

“I’d like to be there when they land.” Smiley wanted to be one of the first faces Vanni saw.

Fury frowned. “Justice requested you stay away for now.”

That angered Smiley. “Why?”

“He doesn’t want her in a more stressful situation. Justice requested you keep your distance. You aren’t invited to the meeting.”

“No. I’m going. This involves me.”

“She’s not in any trouble, Smiley.” Fury shoved his phone into his pocket. “Justice believes she wasn’t the one who drugged you. We need to get more answers and you’ll be a distraction.”

“She’ll be frightened.”

“We’re not throwing her into an interrogation room. She’ll be taken by Justice to his office. I’ll be there as well. He wants to limit her interaction with Species right now. He said she’s a little stressed by the entire situation.”

“I really need to be there.”

“The last time you saw her was when she was drugged and you shared sex.” Fury lowered his voice. “It might not be a pleasant memory for her. We need her as stress-free as possible. Don’t you want to make certain she’d like to see you? We can’t be sure she does. We’ve offered her sanctuary from the Woods Church and all harm.”

“I’d never hurt Vanni,” Smiley burst out. It was insulting to be excluded. “I’m the one who knew she wasn’t a threat to the NSO.”

“It appears you were correct. We’re just asking for time to learn answers and then we’ll ask her if she’d like to see you. Is that too much to ask? You seem to care about this female. Aren’t her wishes more relevant than yours?”

“Of course.”

“We’d also like Medical to examine her. She might be more comfortable without you hovering nearby. I promise I’ll call you myself if she requests you be present.”

Smiley still wanted to protest but what if Vanni didn’t want to see him? It angered him and worse, it made his chest ache. “Fine. I want updates though.”

“You’ll have them. Why don’t you work? That will pass the time.”

Smiley spun away before he said something he’d regret and stormed out of Security. It was tempting to ignore orders and just show up at the helipad to greet Vanni. He refrained though, because Fury had made a good a point. He might be the last male she wished to see after what had happened between them.

He bypassed the vehicles and sprinted off toward the north wall. He knew the helicopter fly zones and at least wanted to watch it pass over to make certain she arrived safely at Homeland. A few miles later he was out of breath when he stopped at the wall. The male above shifted his hold on his weapon and removed his helmet.

“Is something wrong?” Slash peered down at him from above.

“I’m relieving you.”

The male arched his eyebrows. “No one told me.”

“Just do it.”

“Is this about the female?”

Smiley ground his teeth in frustration. “Yes.”

“We got word they are flying in. Aren’t you going to meet the female when they land? You’re far from her here.”

“I was told to stay away.”

The male set his weapon and helmet down. He leapt, landing in a crouch a few feet away. The feline straightened and stared at him with narrowed eyes. “You’re angry.”

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“She requested you not go near her?”

“Justice and Fury did.”

“Why?”

“They want to question her.”

“You’re going to allow it? You could do what True did and just refuse to allow them access to her. They had True ask Jeanie questions and interview her himself.”

“Why does everyone keep bringing that up?”

Slash hesitated and then smiled slowly. “It was brave and it worked for him. True got to keep the female. Perhaps that’s why you were asked to stay away. They suspect you could do that as well.”

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t considered just grabbing Vanni and keeping her away from other Species. They hadn’t taken Jeanie from True. Darkness had stood up for the male and threatened the task force team with violence if they tried to interfere. He’d also had support from other Species who’d known her from captivity. Vanni was an unknown to all but him.

“I don’t want to traumatize her if she doesn’t wish to see me. She might not want to.”

“But you want to see her.”

“I do but I won’t force the issue.”

“Smart.” Slash nodded. “Need help up the wall? I’ll let them know where you are and that you’ve taken my place.” He touched his radio.

Smiley pointed at the tree. “I’ve got it.”

“It’s been quiet.”

“Good.”

Slash turned and walked away, disappearing behind some large bushes. Smiley walked over to the tree next to the wall and started to climb. He had to jump from a branch to the top of the wall that surrounded the perimeter of Homeland. The four-foot-wide walkway ended in a waist-high barrier. He picked up the discarded assault weapon and helmet, putting the latter on. He fixed his attention on the out world. Nothing moved as far as he could see.

His gaze lifted to the sky. Vanni would be flying over soon with Justice. It seemed like forever passed before the sound of the approaching helicopter drew his attention. It flew overhead and he turned, watching it land near the center of Homeland.

Vanni had arrived. He turned his back and kept a close eye on the ground for movement. The last thing he wanted was an attack to go down while Vanni visited the NSO. He was angry enough at that moment to kill anyone who dared try to breach the wall in his section.

Chapter Eleven

Vanni hated the way her stomach grew queasier when they finally reached Homeland. It might have been caused by not having eaten all day but nervousness mixed with the helicopter ride seemed more logical. Justice North smiled encouragingly when she looked at him. The helicopter landed and the uniformed guards opened the door. He motioned her to follow him.