Page 87 of Ancient Obsession

Dave smiled and took his hand. “I love you, too.”

An alarm beeped on Dave’s phone, and he tapped the screen to silence it. Pushing up from his chair, Dave leaned in across the table. Oliver did the same, meeting him over their empty plates and coffee cups for a sweet, lingering kiss.

“Ready to go get married?” Dave said.

“So ready.”

When they entered the botanical gardens, Oliver paused to inspect the setup. Tables with chairs were distributed throughout the wide patio space, with enough room for the best men and grooms to get through on either side. A low platform waited by the wall of greenery and blossoms for them to stand on, a subtle trellis decorated with a variegated vine at the back.

“Wow,” Dave said. “It looks great.”

“It does.” The room tilted slightly, and he closed his eyes and let out a breath. Was this actually happening? Despite all the challenges and obstacles, were they really going to be married today? He tightened his hold on the hanger for the suit bag holding his tuxedo, the metal damp from his sweaty hand.

“Mr. Berridge.”

Oliver turned. “Oh.”

Detective Carter stood just behind him. A different suit and white shirt, but now with a tie.

“Hey, I’ve been with him all night and all day, he’s done nothing wrong.” Dave situated himself between Oliver and the detective.

Carter raised his hands. “I’m not here to cause trouble or put him through the wringer. I simply wanted to let you know I will be close by with several officers and members of campus security. We all hope you both get to enjoy your event. And that we have no more violence.”

“This feels like a trap,” Oliver said. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch.”

“The catch,” Dave said, “is that he gets to keep an eye on you but make it look like protection.”

“You have the right to feel that way.”

Oliver asked, “Any word on Dylan or Samira?”

“No.”

“Samira’s been missing three days now?” Oliver asked.

“That’s right.”

“And Dylan two?”

“Correct.”

“I wish I knew something that could be of use to you. But I don’t know anything more than what I’ve already told you.”

“What the hell?” Cody and Demetrius came up the path behind the detective, Cody’s cheeks red with anger. “What’s he doing here?”

“It’s all right,” Oliver said, raising his voice to get everyone’s attention. From the quiet behind him, it appeared to work on the event staff doing last minute setup as well. He lowered his voice a bit before continuing. “He’s letting us know he’s here with some officers and campus security as a means of protection.”

“And to keep an eye on him,” Dave added.

“Will you be maintaining a low profile?” Demetrius asked.

“As low as possible.”

“No.” Dave’s voice was firm. “You will remain out of sight and allow us to enjoy the day with our family and friends without interruption.”

The detective ducked his chin briefly in acknowledgment. With one more look at Oliver, he said, “We won’t be far.”