The bugger.
“Good, good.” I smiled when my mother patted my hands. I knew she worried.
“Marcus came highly recommended by Burke. He’s a former Marine Force Recon.”
One eyebrow went up. “Former?”
I knew she’d catch that.
“I don’t know. I was told that it is classified. What I do know is that he was honorably discharged from the service and he has a Purple Heart. He cleared a deep background check, both criminal and psychological.”
“Has your father—”
“Yes.” Man, could I read my mother or what? “Father had his people do their thing, as well, and Father approved Marcus.”
“Well. I still want to meet him.”
“Of course.” Like anyone could get away with not meeting a man tasked with keeping me safe. “He’ll be working the night of the art show. I can introduce you two then.”
“Why would he be working if Salvador is going to be here?”
“Because Sal can be called into work at any time. He wants to make sure if that happens I’m not left by myself.”
A smile tugged at Cynthia’s lips. “Well, okay then.”
I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea that I had been assigned a driver and a bodyguard, but I understood it, especially after the hostage situation at the restaurant. Sal was still freaked out over that one.
“Does he have a tux?”
“Who?” I asked.
We had already discussed mine.
“Your new bodyguard.”
I frowned. “Why would he need a tux?”
“The art show, Junior. It’s a formal event.”
Oh hell.
I smiled widely. “I’ll ask when I see him.”
I seriously doubted it, though. I had yet to meet the man, but Marine Force Recon didn’t say bow ties and cummerbunds to me.
“Mrs. Harris, it’s time to leave for your three o’clock appointment.”
I shot the new assistant a glare.
He was interruptingMommy and metime.
Every assistant my mother had ever had didn’t seem to understand that as busy as my mother was, she always had time for me.
My mother straightened her shoulders, which meant she was just as miffed. The guy must not have gotten the memo because he started pointing to his tablet.
“If we leave now, we can make your three o’clock a few minutes early. That should give us plenty of time to get to your four o’clock appointment.”
“While punctuality to any arranged meeting is a sign of respect,” my mother stated in a biting tone that was as cold as ice, “my husband and my son trump everything. You’d do good to remember that.”
