“That would work,” Jason agreed, then smiled ruefully. “But your daughter would never agree to it. If Terry and the others are there, she will insist on being with them because she arranged it.”
Regina studied him intently. “That is what you believe, isn’t it? That she is honoring a commitment? You don’t truly think she is doing it solely for the publicity, as you accused last night?”
“No,” he admitted. “I was angry when I said that. That doesn’t mean I think she’s any less of a fool because she won’t withdraw.”
Mikel’s penetrating gaze settled on him. “Would you feel as you do about her,” he asked lightly, “if she were anything less than courageous?”
“What makes you think...” Jason began, then let the denial die on his lips when he saw the sympathetic, knowing look in the older man’s eyes. “No, her bravery is to be admired.”
“But you are scared for her,” Mikel said. “As any man would be, if the woman he loves were walking into danger.”
Jason sighed deeply. “Is it possible to survive loving these Gunderson women?” he inquired with a glance at Regina, whose hand was enfolded in Rolanski’s much larger one.
“They test a man’s patience,” the artist agreed, grinning unrepentantly at the indignant woman beside him. “But they are worth it. I have waited more than thirty years for my Gina.”
“If you two are finished blaming all your ills on me and Callie,” Regina said irritably, “could we concentrate on protecting my daughter from harm?”
“How many suspects do you have?” Mikel asked. “Are there so many that we could not each be assigned to watch one, while this security man you have hired keeps an eye on Callie?”
“There are only two that we know of,” Jason conceded. “A director from the show and a reporter.”
“There, then, that is simple,” Mikel said matter-of-factly. “You will watch one, and Regina and I, the other.”
“My gut is telling me that we’re missing someone,” Jason said. “The motives for these two exist, but...” He shook his head. “I can’t explain it.”
“Still, if we neutralize these two,” Mikel said, obviously relishing his new role as bodyguard, “and this Hank that Gina has told me about protects Callie, all should be well, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know what else we can do at this point,” Jason conceded. “I’ll have my assistant get a picture of the director for you before you leave so that you’ll recognize him tomorrow. He’s scheduled to play, I believe. Callie said something about right field.”
He met Regina’s anxious gaze. “And I think it would be best if Callie doesn’t learn of this discussion.”
“I agree,” Regina said. “It would only upset her that we’re interfering. In the meantime, I suggest we pray for a little help from above tomorrow.”
Jason nodded. He’d prayed for so little in his life, perhaps there was some small amount of goodwill left for him in heaven. He promised to ask for nothing ever again, if only God would keep Callie safe.
28
Those familiar butterflies were once again dancing a rumba in Callie’s stomach on Saturday morning.
The team was expected in Central Park by nine-thirty for a ten o’clock game, the day’s first. Hank had decreed that he would personally pick her and Terry up just after nine. He’d brushed aside all arguments. He’d also mentioned that several of his off-duty cop buddies would hang out at the ball field to help him keep an eye on things.
To Terry’s obvious astonishment, Neil had announced he was planning to ride with them. Normally Neil wouldn’t be caught within miles of an event like this, but clearly he knew what the stakes were today. His fierce expression dared Terry to tell him to stay home.
Callie’s mother slipped out at eight-thirty without mentioning her destination. If she was coming to Central Park, she hadn’t said a word to Callie about it.
Rather than pacing around the empty apartment until her nerves frayed completely, Callie went downstairs, where she could pace with Terry. Neil regarded them both with a disgruntled expression.
“You could both stay home,” he said. “That’s what anyone with half a brain would do.”
“But as we all know, no one in TV has half a brain,” Terry shot back irritably. “Give it a rest, Neil. You’ve made your opinion known. We made a commitment and we’re living up to it.”
Neil retreated to the bedroom in a huff. But the minute Hank buzzed, Neil emerged and followed them downstairs. His grim expression made it clear he wasn’t happy with any of them.
The ride to the meadow in Central Park passed in tense silence. When they parked illegally, Hank slapped a police vehicle ID on his windshield, then turned to Callie.
“You don’t move from that playing field without telling me where you’re going, okay? No quick solo trips to the restroom or a refreshment stand, nothing. Same for you, Terry.”
“Got it,” Callie promised. Terry nodded, his expression drawn. Callie could only guess the toll all of this was taking on him. Guilt and fear were lousy companions.
A crowd was already assembled on the grass. Callie spotted Jenny Harding walking among them, handing out photos and Within Our Reach buttons. Clearly Jason had thought better of firing her and had reinstated her. Photographers, a couple of TV newsmen and a handful of reporters were lined up behind the backstop, waiting for the soap stars to arrive. She recognized many of them from prior interviews and photo shoots.
Hank fell into step beside her. “Anyone in that gang you don’t know?” he asked, gesturing toward the media.
“Several,” she admitted. “Most of them are from the soap magazines, People, places like that, but I’m sure the others are here because it’s a slow news day in New York.”
“How does this work? Is it a free-for-all or does that Jenny person keep it under control? I see she’s already out there working
