“Okay. Tell me you didn’t do anything foolhardy.”
“Hmm. Give me a second to Google the meaning… Was I reckless, bold, or rash? No, definitely not.”
Ah fuck, she’s lying through those pretty white teeth. “Tell your driver no detours, y’hear? I want you in this safe house and no place else.”
She says something I can’t quite make out, then returns. “Understood, but the traffic is ridiculous so don’t freak out if it takes us a while.”
“Get your revolver and check out the back window every few seconds. If someone follows, shoot them.”
“Honey, it’s bumper to bumper. Seriously?”
“Well, once you get going.”
“Copy that. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
My damn wife should’ve come with an operation manual, ‘The Dummies Guide to Trouble Magnets.’ Hell, if it doesn’t exist, I might have to write it.
“Dadda, dad, dadda…” Mikey wants down so I squat and join him on the carpet.
On hands and knees, we play puppy, tickling and tackling until he falls asleep on my lap in front of his favorite dinosaur video.
Not long after, a buzzer alerts me to company. Setting my son on the couch, I stand, draw my weapon, and ease on over to the monitor.
On the sidewalk, standing next to a stranger, my danger magnet waves at the camera. “It’s me and our new nanny-guard, Bobby.”
“Ma’am? Press your thumb to the lens.” While I wait for the ID to clear, I explain, “It’s nothin’ personal, it’s protocol.”
“Yes, sir. I would expect nothing less, sir.”Huh. She’s ex-military and from the sounds of it, just returned from active duty.
As expected, her fingerprint passes Patten’s security check, and I buzz them in. Before she enters, the woman swivels her head up and down the sidewalk and lowers her mouth to her chest. “All clear.”
Not taking any chances, I keep my weapon close and don’t holster it until the door is double bolted behind them. Safe, I take my wife in my arms, tug her to my body, and lose myself in a kiss until the other clears her throat.
“You guys need privacy? I can wait outside.”
“Damn. I do apologize.” Releasing Sam, I shake the petite blond’s hand, surprised at her firm grip. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
“No problem. Where’s my charge?”
“Napping.” I point back at the couch and as she glances down at my sleeping son, my eyes follow her around the room.
She presses on her earpiece. “Arrived… No sir… Yes sir… I’m sure… Understood.”
Conversation over, she stands with her legs shoulder width apart and lifts her gaze to mine. “I assume you’ve seen my qualifications, sir?”
“Yes ma’am. Mighty impressive.” My praise earns me a slight uptick of her right lip before it drops back in place.
“Would you mind showing me around, sir?” The professionalism she displays rivals the Secret Service and respecting it, I dial back my Southern charm and take my wife’s hand.
“Babe, you should see this too.”
In the broom closet beside the refrigerator, I flip a switch, and the wall behind a bread rack opens. Moving the shelf aside, I turn sideways, and enter. With the two women in the room, I point at a three-inch red circle next to the entryway. “You push the button and ain’t nobody getting in. Patten alarms go off and help will arrive in less than five minutes.”
“Excellent.” Bobby opens cupboards, nods at the provisions, then asks, “Where’s the fire escape?”
Returning to the kitchen, I crank a handle. The bullet-proof folding curtain raises, revealing drop-down metal stairs.
