I nod. I do indeed know this.
“What’s it like to protect the President?” Faylor asks Carolina.
“Faylor, not everyone in the Secret Service is on Presidential protection detail. Carolina protects something much bigger than one person,” I butter my roll. “She protects the U.S. economy from counterfeiters. As a matter of fact, she was instrumental in taking down one of the largest counterfeiting rings in the country, and it started right here in Flamingo Cove.”
The table went silent as I finished my book report on Carolina Saber. When I look at Wysdom, I realize my mistake.
Fuck-a-doodle-do.
I glance at Luke.
Double fuck.
My former boss is staring at me like he’s measuring me for a shallow grave where I’ll never be found.
“Is that true?” Faylor’s voice breaks through my panicked thoughts.
My head swivels back to Carolina.
“That is true,” Carolina cocks her head at me. “Most people don’t know that, though.”
“Well, Lab Coat is the one who found you and Celia after the houseboat explosion,” Wysdom offers. “And he was part of the team who took down the terrorists/counterfeiters.”
I feel the heat rising on my face.
Triple fuck.
Carolina squints at me, trying to place me at the scene of the crime. “I don’t remember anything from that day.”
I shrug. “You were unconscious at the time.”
“I’ve meant to say thank you for that,” Celia offers.
I wave her off. “All I did was locate you both. Carolina already did the hard work, pulling the both of you out of Hillsborough Bay.”
Now it’s Carolina’s turn to blush. “I truly don’t remember that. I think I blocked it out.”
“You’re a hero, Rand,” Faylor grins at me.
I shake my head. “Nah, I was just in the right place at the right time.”
Wysdom sucks her lips into her mouth, then turns to Carolina. “So, I understand you’re going to your 30th class reunion this week.”
Carolina stares at her plate. “Probably not.”
“Why not?” Wysdom presses.
“I have an interview tomorrow,” Carolina begins.
“An interview?Mija!” Carmen Saber looks surprised.
“Are you quitting the Secret Service?” Luis Saber looks concerned.
A rosy blush creeps from Carolina’s neck across her face. And I cannot tear my eyes away from her, wondering how far down the blushing goes. Dick offers incredibly unhelpful suggestions for finding out. I shift in my seat again.
“No, Mama, Papa, it’s for,” Carolina folds her hands on her lap. “For a promotion.”
“A promotion! Luke, get the Champagne!” Wysdom hollers at Luke.
