“Lucky’s got it. You take a couple days off.”
“Like hell I-” My cell phone bleeps, I pick it up, then give my pals an accusing look. “Did either of you call my mother?”
They both shake their heads. Damn, she probably caught the late, late news from Phoenix, at least I hope that’s where she is. Knowing her, she could be anywhere, most probably Vegas or Atlantic City.
My headache suddenly worse, I inhale and exhale deeply before answering on the fourth ring. “Hey, Mom.”
“Weren’t you guarding the senator from Pennsylvania who got run off the road?” She doesn’t bother with niceties, such as hello or how are you but at least she’s not slurring her words.
“It was an accident and I’m fine.”
“I’m not stupid, son.” I can just picture her at the kitchen table, cigarette in one hand and phone in the other.
“No, Mom, I don’t believe you are so you’ll understand why I can’t say anything more about it right now.” I started using that line when I was deployed in Afghanistan and it’s still my favorite, saving me from hours of circular and pointless discussions.
Her voice sounds a little hurt. “Can I at least ask if you’re alright?”
“Yup. Never better.”
“Hmph. I don’t suppose you’re coming home for Thanksgiving.” Ah ha, finally, the real reason for the call.
Considering all the holidays we spent while living out of her car, I don’t feel real guilty about not being fond of them. “I have to work but you’re welcome to come to New York and spend it with Blake. She and her mom would love to see you.”
“Them?” She sniffs. “I hardly know them.”
“They’re family, Mom.”
She makes that damned agitated noise in her throat I hated growing up. “The only reason you married her is because she was pregnant.”
As I’ve done since about age five, I ignore her nasty comment and sound effects. “How about I get a ticket for you to come to us for Christmas. We can see the Rockettes or catch a show.”
“No. My back hurts when I fly. I’ll just spend the holidays alone this year.” The tone is petulant but I know better. She’ll catch a bus and spend the day the way she prefers, gambling my hard-earned cash away, money supposed to be used for healthy food.
“We’ll discuss it later.” My gaze turns toward Slate and Gray, one studying the parking lot, the latter checking his emails.
My eyes roll as my mom continues her little game. “I’m not getting any younger, you know.”
This is a classic move on her part and I refuse to be baited. “I love you. Got to go. Is there anything else you wanted?”
“A few dollars would be nice.”
“Bye. Talk soon.” It’s pointless to ask what she did with her hefty allowance. She either gambled, spent it on cigarettes, or drank it away. I make a mental to call meals-on-wheels. Damn, the woman would try the patience of a saint.
“How is she?” Slate is one of the few with whom I’ve shared my fucked-up childhood.
“The same as always. Recently, maybe a little worse.” Time to change the subject. “Did my doctor tell you when I’m to be set free?”
“No, HIPAA and all that. No matter, take it easy for a couple days.” Grayson motions Slate to the door and adds, “I put you and your wife up in the Park Hyatt.”
My eyes go wide at the generous gift. “You didn’t have to.”
He pauses in the doorway. “Good job out there yesterday, Jack. Not only did you save the senator’s ass, you saved Patten’s reputation. I don’t have to tell you how important Washington is to this branch of the company.”
It is true. Grayson hires a shitload of ex-military and I take a brief moment to feel proud about keeping a whole lot of them employed. “Say, do I need a new position? Isn’t the Secret Service going to take over after last night?”
He frowns and stuffs his hands in his pocket. “Apparently, not. They got their hands full with some terrorist threat going on. The president called me personally and asked if you would stay on as Joe’s bodyguard. The government is picking up the tab and the Feds will fill us in on everything they know. Why, you want off?”
I grin because this means I get to find out who bankrolled this cluster-fuck. “No way. But while I’m keeping my lovely wife occupied in bed, send me everything you get from the FBI. I’ll review it when we come up for air.”
