The minute she was finished, Parker took over.
"Parker's going to line them up for the introductions. We'll go around this way."
"Let me carry the bag for you."
"No, I'm used to it." She led him around, through doorways, through the kitchen bustling with catering, and out into the Grand Hall. "I'll get some shots as they come in. B and G have the sweetheart table there. It's a plated meal, numbered tables. Once everyone's down, it's just a matter of keeping an eye out for an op. How are you holding up?"
"Fine. You're doing all the work."
"We're still on red alert. We need to keep an eye on the CBBM. If he leaves the hall, one of us has to go after him, make sure he's just going to pee or catch a smoke. When we're done in here and move up to the Ballroom for the dancing, that's when it's going to get crazy. Less structured, and harder to keep a bead on him."
SHE WAS RIGHT. HE STUCK WITH HER WHEN HE COULD ONCE the party began in earnest. Guests took advantage of the band and danced, or gathered in groups to chat. Some wandered in, some wandered out. Since he knew what to look for, he noted various staff members by the exits. It was oddly exciting.
"I think we might be clear." Laurel joined them. "I'm bringing the cake out after this next set, and he hasn't made a move. No sign of the target either. The B and G don't look worried about it."
"Couldn't look happier," Mac agreed. "Another ninety and we're clear."
"I'm going to check the dessert table."
"Wait till you get a load of it," Mac told Carter. "The cake. It's amazing."
"Carter? Carter!" A pretty blonde in a red dress dashed over to grab his arms and beam up at him. "I thought that was you. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Ah . . ."
"Steph. Stephanie Gorden. Corrine's friend. How quickly they forget." She laughed and tipped up to her toes to kiss his cheek. "I didn't realize you were friends of Naomi and Brent."
"Actually, I'm-"
"Brent's my cousin. What a beautiful wedding. This place is just fabulous. Really, imagine having an actual ballroom in your own house. Of course I suppose the Browns lease it out for events so they can maintain it. I'm going to have to find Greg-you remember my husband, Greg, don't you? He'll be so surprised to see you. What's it been? It's been a year at least. We haven't seen you since you and Corrine-"
She broke off, gave him a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry that didn't work out. We thought you were perfect for each other."
"Uh, well. No. This is Mackensie Elliot. The wedding photographer."
"Hello, how are you? You must be exhausted! I've seen you running around, snapping pictures. Naomi must be making it easy for you. She's such a beautiful bride."
"It's been . . . a snap."
"I've gotten some really nice pictures myself. Those digital cameras practically work themselves, don't they?"
"Hardly need me at all. You'll have to excuse me. I have to go pretend to work."
When Carter caught up with her, Mac was taking candids on the dance floor.
"I'm sorry. I don't think she meant to be insulting, but she's an idiot and can't help it."
"No problem." She switched cameras, handed him the other. "Fresh memory card. Remember how to do it?"
"Yes."
"They're decorating the limo. I want to go get a few shots out there before they bring in the cake." She started out with Carter in her wake. "So a year ago-the breakup?"
"The . . . right. More or less. We were together almost that long, and lived together for about eight months. Maybe it was nine. Then she decided she wanted to live with someone else. So she did."
Mac paused. "She hurt you."
"Not as much as she should've been able to, given the situation. Which means we weren't perfect for each other. Far from it."
"If you lived with her you must've been in love with her."
"No. I wanted to be in love with her. It's not the same thing at all. Mackensie," he began as they moved outside.
"Shit, damn, fuck!"
"Excuse me?"
"SBP. Red alert!" she said into her headset. "SBP sighted south side of main entrance. CBBM's with her. Come on, Carter, we've got to head them off until reinforcements get here."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
HE WASN'T SURE WHAT HE INTENDED TO DO, AND WAS LESS sure of what she intended to do. But when Mac cut across the snowy lawn, Carter instinctively picked her up.