Allyn made it home safe and sound late Thursday night, feeling as if he'd done well while he was gone. I only got shot at twice. Ran will be glad to know that—not.
Miranda waylaid him in the parlor, moments after he came downstairs at close to noon Friday morning. "What are we going to wear tomorrow night?"
"Since it's not clothing-optional, I, for one, will be wearing a tux."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Bo-oring. At least tell me it won't be black. You looked so great in the blue one last weekend."
"Thanks. Hmm. How about I accessorize with red?"
"Yes!" Miranda grinned. "That works perfectly because I bought a new red dress and, umm, I got John a red vest and bow tie. Before you ask, he does own a tux."
"Good. But why is he coming with us?"
"Well…" Miranda actually blushed before holding out her hand.
"Told you so." Allyn hugged her tightly. "Congratulations."
"Thank you. He proposed on the boat Wednesday night. I couldn't say no."
"No kidding. So when is the wedding?"
"Good grief, Allyn, we haven't gotten nearly that far yet. As a matter of fact, you're the only one who knows, other than his family. I'm trying to convince him we should have a party to make the official announcement."
"I just want to shout it from the rooftops," John said, coming into the parlor. He strode over to Miranda, kissing her heartily. "But she says that's so gauche."
Allyn laughed. "It is."
"I'm going to be escorted by the two handsomest men in town tomorrow night," Miranda said, linking arms with Allyn and John.
"Actually," Allyn replied, "I might have a date of my own, depending on how we decide to do things."
Miranda sobered. "You think that bastard might show up tomorrow night? And before you start blustering, I've told John all about him."
"We're hoping he does," Allyn replied. He wasn't worried that she'd told John. He would have been surprised if she hadn't, actually. After all, she trusted him enough to tell him what she was.
"Will you recognize him?" John asked.
"If it's the man we think it is, I will. He was at the masked ball a couple of weeks ago and I got a good look at him. You might remember him, Mandi. He was dressed all in black."
Miranda frowned. "Sort of? He came over when you and Liam and I were eating. He gave me the shivers."
"Yeah, me too."
"I bet Liam would remember. He has a good eye for faces."
Taking a deep breath, realizing he hadn't told her, Allyn said, "Liam's missing."
"Oh my God. Do you think…? You do, don't you? I'm so sorry, Allyn." She hugged him in commiseration. "You and Ransom had better catch that son-of-a-bitch." She stepped back, staring at him. "No. No you're not!"
John seemed puzzled. "He's not what, Mandi?"
She glared at Allyn, telling John, "Setting himself up as bait. That's what you're planning, isn't it, Allyn?"
"Can you think of anyone better to do it? He grabs me, takes me wherever. I teleport away and let Ransom know. He brings in the troops and bam, one less predator out there."
"That plan has more holes in it than Swiss cheese," John said. "All he has to do is drug you, for starters."
"Yeah, well, Ransom and I haven't worked out the finer details yet." Allyn smiled wryly. "He's on your side, Mandi. He doesn't want me to do this either. But I'm going to, no matter what."
"Maybe he can lock you up and…" John shook his head. "Okay, that wouldn't work."
"As I pointed out to Ransom when he suggested it. Speaking of which, I'd better call him to let him know I'm back."
"Might be a good idea," Miranda said.
Allyn did, and agreed to meet Ransom at the station house at two that afternoon.
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