Bennett shook his head and put his hands up. “No, nothing like that. I mean, not yet. And I’m hiring you guys to ensure that not yet stays never.”
Camden leaned forward. “But something is bothering you, obviously.”
Bennett looked like someone had just elbowed him in the ribs. He changed his expression quickly, the lines in his forehead smoothing over. “Just a feeling, probably nothing. But every now and then, I feel watched. Which sounds crazy, because of course I’m being watched—that’s the whole idea, to get people’s attention so you can get their votes. This feels different though. I think I know how a rabbit feels when a hawk’s shadow passes overhead. It’s like I’m waiting for something to strike, know what I’m saying?”
Another look passed between Camden and Jake. They knew exactly how that felt—how in spite of no indicators, the air could crystalize, sounds and colors and smells intensify right before a barrage of gunfire came from a roof, or a roadside bomb detonated—and that vague unease became the shadow of death.
Sometimes it was the ring of your phone at an unexpected hour when you’re lying in your bunk sweating your balls off and wishing you were stateside instead of in the sandbox—just the tone of it, the way it slices through the silence—that lets you know things have changed forever back home.
Camden suppressed a shudder at the sudden unwelcome memory. He nodded at Bennett. “We hear you, brother. And it’s good you don’t discount that feeling. It’s almost always correct.”
“How well do you trust the people around you?” Jake asked as he set his empty mug on the coffee table.
“Depends. My wife, my family, without hesitation. I’ve hired Lawrence Franklin to run the campaign team, on Rock Higley’s advice. He’s the best campaign manager in California, heck, the best anywhere, and he and my wife went to college together so he’s thrilled to be helping us out. He’s vetted everyone on my campaign team. We wouldn’t knowingly hire anyone sketchy but we’re a new crew, so it’s still trust but verify.” He smirked. “But I’m sure you’ve checked them all out as well.”
“Sure,” Camden said. “And you’re right, no one’s raised any red flags or we’d let you know.” If anything, Bennett’s team was almost slavishly devoted to him and his ideals, judging by their social media, even before they got their jobs. It was a young group, the oldest being Lawrence Franklin, but he was the same age as Roger. Jake had researched him the most. On the trail of corruption, it was always safe to follow the money. But even Lawrence checked out.
“Do you feel safe at home?”
“I do. This neighborhood is tight. What I want is security for the night I announce that I’m running. That’s going to be a big shindig up at the Sol Villa Museum in Beverly Hills.”
Camden took the last swig of his coffee. “You sure you don’t want a team before that?”
“I’m sure. I don’t want to spook Cici and the kids.”
“Let me know if you change your mind about that. So, here’s what we’ll do. I’m assembling a team for security at the villa. Someone will ride with you to and from, and there’ll be a second vehicle tailing you, watching for anyone who might be following. At the event, besides the obvious security, there'll be personnel in the crowd who you won’t be able to spot. I’ll be at your side, the obvious target. We’ll evaluate from there. If someone is watching you, we’ll spot them pretty quick. I’ll assign additional people to watch your wife and kids at the villa. Sure you don’t want to make that security round-the-clock?”
Bennett blanched. “I don’t think all that’s necessary. I mean, I want them safe, but I don’t want to scare them.”
“If you’re serious about this run,” Jake said, “they’re going to have to get used to it.”
Bennett sighed. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
Jake’s eyebrows raised. “Sure.”
“What was it like for you as a kid? Did you have bodyguards? Especially after what happened with your mother?” His tone said he didn’t want to stir up bad memories.
Jake gave him his easiest smile. “We did, after that. You actually get used to having bodyguards around pretty quick, especially if the team is good. And I’ve got to say, Watchdog is good. We all have military backgrounds and we go through extra training on how to make our clients as comfortable as possible. Cici, Brittany, and Brice will forget we’re even there.”
Bennett looked out at his pool as if it held the answers. “All right.”
The rest of the meeting was taken up with getting the names of all the guards and groundskeepers for the neighborhood. By the time they finished up, Camden heard the front door open. Two kids’ excited voices, along with their mom’s laughter, echoed in the foyer. Bennett’s face immediately lit up like any good dad’s, and Camden felt an old ache turn over in his heart. He decided then and there he’d drop by Elena’s place and take her and Tina out for dinner that night.
“Sounds like the troops are home.” Bennett stood up and Camden and Jake followed. “Let me introduce you.”
They made their way to the kitchen where Cici was pouring glasses of milk and setting out two plates with sandwiches. The twins sat at the island, engaged in a fierce game of thumb war. The ten-year-olds inherited their mom’s light blond hair, and Brittany wore hers long and straight like her mother’s. They barely looked up when the three men entered, probably used to people coming and going as their dad’s political ambitions revved up. Such innocence, such trust in their parents, in the safety of their home. Absolutely Camden was assigning them a protector. He’d be damned if something happened to them on his watch.
While Bennett wrapped his arms around the twins in a double-hug, Cici smiled at Camden and Jake and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. I didn’t think you’d still be here when I got home, but can I offer either of you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?” Her eyes sparkled with mirth.
“I’m sure they’re the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the world, but I won’t put you to the trouble,” Camden said, gripping her hand. “Jake and I have to get going, but it was a pleasure. You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you,” she said, glancing around the kitchen. She leaned forward and mock-whispered, “We’re hoping to trade up. A nice white house on the East Coast, if you know what I mean.”
“Cici,” Bennett warned, though without any malice. She winked at him.
Bennett saw them to the front door. “Thanks again.”
“Our pleasure.” Camden pulled his boot on. “You have a beautiful family. I look forward to keeping them safe.”
