Hours elapsed before Russ rushed up to Oscar’s office with the information on Barney Hiller’s whereabouts. No sooner had he stepped inside that Oscar and Steve leapt on him with eager stares.

“Russ, what have you got?”

“I obtained passenger manifests on planes flying from Charleston International to Dulles in the last seventy-two-hours. There are no Barney Hiller registered; however, we have a Carla Hiller booked on the 5:35PM flight two days ago. She stayed at the Richmond Hotel in Georgetown. She checked out late last night and took a flight back to Charleston.”

Oscar gave Steve a knowing look. “Be serious Oscar! Carla? What motive does she have?”

“She was in love with you Steve or don’t you remember?”

“The operative word is WAS. She married Barney, not me. And as I recall they were very much in love.”

“How long since you’ve seen them?” Steve glowered at Oscar’s implying tone. “Things change, Pal.”

“Carla, attacking Cassie? Come on Oscar!” Steve ridiculed, rolling his eyes in exasperation. “While you’re at it why not suspect Jenny Fraser.”

“Jenny Fraser? She’s in jail.”

“Wrong. She got out last month and has been in touch with me. In fact she’s be hounding me. She would have a more credible motive for wanting Cassie dead.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“I don’t have her address but I suppose she’s living nearby to keep an eye on me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Oscar chided.

“Because she’s harmless,” Steve countered.

“Harmless!!!! May I remind you that she tried to have you killed?”

“All right, all right, so it was an oversight on my part. Don’t make a case out of it,” Steve exasperated, heaving out of his frustration in a loud exhale.

“I’m sorry Steve,” Oscar repented of his outburst. “Understand that I’m concerned about your safety as well as Cassandra’s. You know me, I need to be on top of a situation. I’d hate for something to happen to you because I might have missed a crucial inkling.”

“I know,” Steve sighed his apology. “So, where do we go from here?”

“We run a check on both Carla Hiller’s and Jenny Fraser’s exact whereabouts in the last forty-eight hours, regardless of how inconsequential they may be.”

“All right. You keep me posted?” Oscar nodded. “I’ll be at the hospital and thereafter you can reach me at the hotel.”

“Will do. And Steve…” Oscar waited for Steve to acknowledge before continuing, “watch your back, Pal.”

Steve and Cassie settled in their temporary shelter. They asked for two adjoining rooms to ward off any temptation before their wedding.

“Come in,” Cassie shouted from her bed.

Steve entered her room with a tray of milk chocolates. “You all settled?” he asked, putting the box on the table.

“My head is still pounding but as for the rest I’m fine. Nice comfy bed.”

“Is that an invitation?” Steve teased with a come-hither wink.

“Not tonight, Mister. I have a headache,” she said suppressing the urge to break into a guffaw at the irony of the joke.

Steve crawled next to her on the bed to give her a lingering kiss. “You have four more days to nurse that headache.”

“It’s beyond me how you could have ever convinced me to marry you,” she wondered.

He brushed his lips against hers once more “That’s how.”

“I admit you have persuasive arguments Blue Eyes.” Their lips met in another tender kiss that Cassie reluctantly broke. “Let’s stop this before it goes any further.”

“You’re right,” Steve smacked his lips in resignation. He fluffed up Cassie pillow and eased her head down. “What are you thinking about?”

“My assailant. I’m trying to recall a crucial detail that can help us identify him.”

“Or her.”

“Steve, you don’t really think a woman could have done this?”

“I’m not dismissing the possibility.”

“Maybe we should postpone the weeding until we find out who did this.”

“No dice. That’s exactly what he or she wants.”

“Steve if we don’t nail this nutcase do you realize we could be putting our guests in jeopardy?”

“Look we still have four days. If we don’t have our man in custody by then, we’ll take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our guests.”

Cassie’s eyes suddenly bulged out in terror. “Steve, I just thought of something. What if he or she is one of the people we invited to the wedding?”

On Thursday, Jaime and her friend Sandra boarded a plane bound for Washington. As hours wound down to the fateful day Jaime became increasingly restless, a sign that Steve’s wedding was troubling her.

“You can’t get him out of your mind, can you?” Sandra observed, returning to her seat with two glasses of wine. She handed one to Jaime who smiled her thanks.

“I admit it’s hard to think of your former fiancé marrying another woman,” Jaime sighed wistfully, but with no bitterness whatsoever.

“Perhaps if you told him how you feel. He probably still thinks you don’t remember much about what you two had and that you’re not interested in him anymore.”

Jaime pursed her lips and shook her head. “As I told you before that would only complicated matters. Steve and Cassie have been close friends for over three years. He’s crazy about her.” She paused to ponder Sandra’s suggestion once more. A fleeting yearning to profess her love to Steve filled her with such elation that for a moment she seriously considered backing him into a quiet corner and convey her longing through a soulful kiss. Her lip curled up in a crooked smile as she pictured the scene, but her better judgment advised her against opening this dangerous Pandora box.

“Maybe if I did tell him?” Sandra’s offer received the evil eye from Jaime.

“No. You’ll do no such thing. We are guests at a wedding that I imagine will number a few many dozens of friends, relatives and acquaintances. It’s Steve’s day. We’re not going to ruin it, you got that?” she warned sternly, though her facial expression reflected a certain sympathy for Sandra’s feelings, for they matched her own. “I’m sorry,” she repented. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m a bit on edge. I’ll have to bear and grin it this Saturday and …well let’s just say it won’t be easy.”

“I hate to see you suffering like this.”

Jaime tapped Sandra’s leg reassuringly. “Don’t worry kiddoh. I’ll survive. Thereafter I’ll make arrangements to move to Europe to nurse my wounds, so to speak.” She gave one last comforting smile before closing her eyes to catch a short nap.

Sandra sank deeper into her seat and sipped her wine with a contented grin plastered on her face. Her mind was already in motion, whirling with dozens of tantalizing schemes to get Steve Austin to switch brides at the last minute. “Jaime is your one and only, Mister Austin and I aim to make you see that, one way or the other,” she crowed inwardly, taking one last glance at Jaime before closing her eyes.

“So Russ, what have you got?” Oscar asked the second his young assistant walked through his office door.

“Steve is right. Jenny Fraser has been stalking him. Jim Phillips has been watching her for the last forty-eight hours. She’s spying on Steve’s every move, but she has yet to assault him in any way. Therefore we can’t arrest her.”

Oscar heaved out a frustrated sigh and stood from his chair. “So we just wait until she does sink her fangs into Steve to nail her,” he remarked snidely, the spite-dripping voice not lost on Russ.

“We’ll continue to watch her closely in the next twenty-four hours. If she so much comes near Steve or Cassie, we’ll be on her like a hawk on a mouse.”

“You do that. The wedding is a day after tomorrow. I assured Steve and Cassie that everything would go smoothly, security wise. I have commissioned a dozen more men to watch over the ceremony and I aim to honor my word.”

“Yes sir. I’m sure that Fraser woman isn’t foolish enough to try anything during the ceremony knowing that they’ll be guards and agents posted at every entrance and exit.”

“We can only hope so. Say have you checked Carla Hiller’s whereabouts?”

“Yes I did. She was indeed in Washington on the day of Cassie’s assault. The clerk at the hotel can vouch for her on several occasions, save for the time of the attack. He couldn’t say where she was during that time.”

“I see. And the note?”

It doesn’t match Carla Hiller’s nor Jenny Fraser’s handwriting. But the expert agrees that it was likely written with the left hand to throw us off the track.”

“All right,” Oscar huffed out. “Our only option to catch whoever did this is to wait him out. He’ll probably try to make a move at the wedding and when he does, we’ll nab him.”

“Or her, sir. It’s most likely a she.”

“What makes you so sure of that?”

“Just what Dr. Wells said about Cassie’s concussion. That it was very mild. If a man had knocked her out, odds are he would have bashed her head in good.”

“He or she didn’t want her dead. It was obviously a warning. But I do agree that had it been a man he would have attacked Steve and not Cassie. Why hurt the woman he loves? Wouldn’t he want the man out of the way?”

“That’s a fair assumption. Again we’re combing among friends. It could as easily have been a stranger; a secret admirer.”

Oscar shook his head in utter disbelief. “I like to think it’s someone close to the couple. Otherwise it’ll be impossible to determine his or her identity.”

“We’ll keep on it, boss. We won’t let either one out of our sight.”

“I’m counting on you, Russ.”

The big day was finally at hand. On Jim and Helen’s recommendation, Steve had begrudgingly agreed to rent a room a level below Cassie’s so he wouldn’t be tempted to sneak a kiss from his bride before the ceremony. They were however allowed one phone call to share their pre-wedding jitters and profess their undying love once more before sprucing themselves up for the I do’s.

Oscar was on high alert; observing everyone walking in and out of the church, including his uncover agents stationed in every corner of the hall.

“I see everyone’s in place,” Oscar told Russ.

“All ready boss. You can go get the bridegroom now. I’m sure he’s anxious to receive an all clearance.”

“You’re my eyes and ears now. You so much suspect anyone of concealing a weapon, you make your move and you call me.”

“Don’t worry, boss. I will.”

Oscar’s eyes gave the church hall one last sweep before he slipped out the back and on to his awaiting limo ready to drive him to the hotel.

“Aw crap!” Steve cursed from the bathroom.

“Son, something wrong?” Jim asked from behind the door.

Steve practically yanked the door off its hinges as he came out seething. “I spilled toothpaste all over my shirt. Look at this!” Jim chuckled at Steve’s expense. “Dad, it’s not funny. I don’t have anything to clean it off.”

“Just water will do, Steve. Don’t panic. Let me do it.” Jim proceeded to douse the tip of a towel with water when a knock at the door interrupted his job. “Give me your shirt. It’ll be easier for me. You go answer the door.”

Steve removed his shirt and quickly slipped on a T-shirt to go answer the door. “Rudy! Oscar! Come on in.”

“How are the nerves?” Oscar queried in a light teasing tone.

“Don’t ask! I hardly slept a wink last night.”

“Tired?” Rudy added.

“Not at all. I’m running on adrenalin. Would you believe that in less than an hour I’ll be Mister Steve Austin,” he jested with a wink at Rudy.

Oscar rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Steve, pal, stick to nerves, not to jokes.”

“Not funny, heh?” Oscar shook his head in negation. “By the way, is there any new development on the identity of our mysterious assailant?”

“Nothing substantial so far. We’ve investigated all likely suspects’ whereabouts. They all check.”

“So,” Steve sighed, “that means we can expect she or he to strike at the wedding. That’ll be the last chance to prevent the marriage.”

“I have my team of agents stationed in every corner of the church.”

“Oscar, what if the culprit is one of your agents?” Steve surmised, his question gripping the two men in an icy clutch of dread.

In a small alcove in the back of the church, Helen and Cassie’s mother were putting the finishing touches on the bride’s appearance. Cassie looked positively radiant in her ankle-high white satin dress and saffron veil.

“Well? How do I look?”

“Do you need to ask, Honey?” her mother replied with a bright beam. She leaned in to brush a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “Are you happy?”

“So much I could burst, mom.”

“That’s all it matters. You are marrying a fine man.”

“Steve’s the best,” Cassie confessed, looking at Helen who nodded in agreement. “Where’s dad?”

“He’s out front, waiting for the bridegroom. I think he wants to wish to have a few last words with him before he chooses to give his baby girl away.”

“I hope he’s not planning on scaring Steve away?”

“I don’t think that’s possible. Steve is madly in love with you, Cassandra,” Helen explained. “Nothing or no one could dissuade him from marrying you.”

A knock at the door brought the conversation to a temporary halt. Cassie’s mother went to answer.

“Hello, I’m Jaime Sommers. I’m with a few girl friends of Cassie’s. We would like to wish her luck. May we come in?” Mrs. Miller glanced at her daughter to seek her approval before widening the door to allow Jaime, Sandra, Karen and Carla in.

“Jaime, Karen, Carla, I’m so glad your gals came,” Cassie squealed with delight as she hugs each and every one.

“Cassie, I’d like you to meet Sandra Peterson,” Jaime introduced. “She will be my replacement at the Army Base School.”

“Please to make your acquaintance,” Cassie welcomed, shaking the girl’s hand.

“Likewise, I’m sure,” she replied with an icy tone that was not lost on Cassie whose brows furrowed with deep concern.

At the window, Helen could see the limo pulling in front of the church. “I believe the bridegroom and his entourage have just arrived. Time to say go, girls.” Helen shooed everyone out the door, then turned to Cassie one last time.

“Honey, something wrong?” Cassie’s mother ask, alarmed by the terrorized expression on her daughter’s face.

“That scent. I remember now. I recall smelling that exact same perfume at the house just before everything went black. Get them all back here, mom. One of them is the one who attacked me.”

“Who?” Helen asked.

“I don’t know. I’ll have to…I’ll have to…well to smell them to determine who it was.”

“It doesn’t necessarily mean it was one of the girls. It could have been anyone else wearing the same perfume.”

“Helen I’m positive it’s one of them.” Cassie argued.

While Cassie busied herself identifying her assailant, outside Steve stepped out of the limo with Oscar and Rudy. One quick look around to ensure his men were at their stations, Oscar led the nervous bridegroom up the stairs.

“Steve!” Jenny hailed from a few feet away. Steve barely had time to acknowledge that a shot was fired.

Three agents pounced on Jenny as she aimed to fire a second time. “Take her into custody,” Oscar ordered, grabbing Jenny by the arm to shove her into the awaiting car. “Keep her there. I’ll visit her later after the wedding.” Oscar returned to Rudy who was tending to Steve’s wound. “How bad?”

“It’s just a scratch,” Rudy observed as he applied his handkerchief against the gash to stem the bleeding. “The bullet merely grazed his shoulder.”

“Why could it have been the right arm?” Steve deplored, cracking an amused grin at his misfortune.

“Guess we need not look further about the identity of Cassie’s assailant,” Oscar surmised.

“Oscar you forget one thing. Jenny never had a key to my apartment. She might have been stalking me but I don’t believe she’s the one who attacked Cassie.”

“That means we’re back to square one,” Oscar sighed dejectedly.

“Steve! Steve!” Helen shouted hysterically as she ran down the church steps. “Steve! You have to come. It’s Cassie and Jaime.” She huffed and puffed.

“Mom,” he grabbed a hold of her shoulders to steady her, “what about Cassie and Jaime?”

“They caught her. They caught your fiancée’s aggressor.”

“Who?”

“You’d better come.” She pulled at his sleeve, causing him to wince in pain. “Steve, what’s wrong?”

“I tripped and fell on my arm,” he lied convincingly. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Entering the alcove they were both taken aback by the scene before them. Sandra was hands and feet bond and mouth gagged and hanging two feet above the floor on a hanger. Cassie was in a corner of the room comforting a sobbing Jaime.

“What is going on here?” Steve asked quizzically.

“Steve!” Cassie breathed out with relief, flinging her arms around his neck to clench him into a hug. “You remember the detail I cudgeled my brains trying to recall on the day of the assault?” Steve nodded, his expression perplexed. “A smell. A distinct fragrance of perfume I caught it just before everything went black,” she motioned toward the girl, “Jaime’s friend Sandra.”

Steve shot Sandra a scornful glare. “Is that true? You’re the one who attacked her?” He pulled at the bandana around her mouth. “Speak!”

“She’s not the one for you. Jaime is. She’s in love with you. She’s always been in love with you. Don’t you see this is killing her?” She nodded in direction of Jaime wiping the tears off her cheeks. “She’s certainly not crying because she’s happy for you.” Steve’s heart tore at Jaime’s chagrin. “I never wanted to hurt your fiancée, just to scare her.”

“Mom, could you take every one out, please. We’ll see you out there in a few minutes.”

“Steve, are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure,” he said through gritted teeth, trying hard to suppress the rage simmering beneath the surface. He waited for Oscar, Rudy and all the others to vacate the premises before he unhooked the arrogant woman and sat her in a chair. “Look…Sandra? Although I don’t condone what you did I do understand your reasons for wanting Cassie out of the way. But know that she is the woman I wish to spend the rest of my life with; my long-time friend. I’m marrying a wonderful woman. I won’t say Jaime isn’t, but she and I are ancient history. We’re come a long way since we were engaged.”

“But she’s still head over hells in love with you,” Sandra insisted.

“Maybe, but it’s over and it can never be again. I’m sure she’s come to terms with that.”

“You think so?” Sandra sassed.

Steve noticed a vial in Cassie’s hand. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know but I found it on her. I’ll have Rudy analyze the content.”

“Everything okay in here?” Oscar asked as he returned to the alcove.

“Can you have one of your men take her into custody? And,” he handed the vial over to Oscar, “Can you have Rudy check this out. My guess is it could be a poison.”

“Poison?”

“The last resort, Oscar. Can you handle it?” He then turned to Cassie with a thoughtful smile. “I have me a wedding to attend.”

“You realize it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Oscar jested to lighten the tension.

“In this case, I strongly doubt it.”

Jaime bid a final farewell to her former love as he said his I Do’s to his radiant bride. She closed the chapter of her life and vowed to move on with her destiny. Her move to Europe was to be temporarily put on hold until the school could find her a suitable replacement.

In the midst of the wedding banquet, Steve and Cassie snuck away to the limousine waiting to drive them to the airport.

“Are you going to be all right, Jaime?” Cassie asked as her winsome prince was escorting her to the car.

Jaime sighed and gave a small nod. “She had it all planned. She told me she had gone to visit her mother when in fact she came here to do this to you. I’m just so ashamed of what happened. She could have killed you.”

“But she didn’t. She was just a bit mixed up. She adored you so much she was prepared to do anything to please you.”

“I berate myself for confiding in her about…”

“Your love for Steve?” Cassie finished. Jaime looked downcast to hide her shame. “Jaime, if there’s any woman who feels the way you do it’s me.”

“You must hate me.”

“I don’t. Believe me, I don’t. And you’re welcomed at our house anytime you want.”

“Hear hear!” Steve chimed in.

“It might be a while before you see me. I’m thinking of moving to Paris for a few months. I want to learn art and perfect my French.”

“That’s sounds neat. Well goodbye Jaime.” Cassie gave her friend a hug before taking her seat in the back of the limo. She experienced a tiny pinch in her heart as she watched her husband exchange a friendly kiss with his former love.

“No hard feeling?” Jaime asked expectantly.

“No hard feelings.” Steve placed a gentle kiss on her lips before he took his seat next to his bride.

A few feet away another couple looked on. “She’s married,” Carla announced to Barney.

“And he is too. You’ve missed your chance, honey,” he quipped sarcastically. “Unless you’re planning to make him a widower like this girl almost did?”

“Don’t you dare joke about that!” Carla sassed back, her eyes ablaze with anger. She hated for Barney to discover the truth about Sandra; that she was actually the long-lost sister she’d been seeking for many years.