“Oh. That’s not a bad thing, is it?”
“Normally? No. But I would prefer to have a bit more flexibility in my assignment for the evening.”
“You mean you’d prefer to be able to keep an eye on me. But you’ll be focused on the president, and that has you stressed.”
“Do you blame me?” He cuddled her closer, and she didn’t complain.
“This is what we do. It’s who we are. Tomorrow night isn’t about keeping me safe. It’s about making sure the president’s visit goes off without a hitch. Obviously, I won’t be taking any chances, but once everyone is on-site and the party has started, it will be very difficult for anyone to come after me without getting caught in the security bubble we have in place.”
“True. I’ll still be glad when it’s Saturday and we can catch our breath. Maybe I can even talk you into going on a real date Saturday night.”
Tessa tilted her head to the side. “Have you actually asked me out yet?”
Zane rubbed his cheek against hers. “Tessa?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you please go out with me Saturday night?”
“I’ll consider it on one condition.”
“What’s the condition?”
“That that was the last time you’ll ever ask a girl out for the first time.”
27
WITH TESSA’S GOOD-NIGHT KISSlingering on his lips, Zane fell asleep approximately ten seconds after he went horizontal. He’d set his alarm for 4:30 a.m., but when his phone blared at him, he was on his feet before he was fully conscious.
The clock in the corner of the room said 3:22.
He found his phone and tapped the screen to accept the call. “Thacker.”
The voice on the other end didn’t bother with an introduction. “Craig Brown is on the move.”
“Why didn’t you call Tessa?”
“We’re calling everybody.” The voice registered as Gabe Chavez, a Carrington County Sheriff’s investigator and a friend. “Anissa’s on the phone with Tessa now. Ryan’s got Gil. You get the idea.”
“Yeah. Thanks. You sound like you’re on the road.”
“I am. Felt like making a middle-of-the-night drive to Raleigh for absolutely no reason.”
“You’re a good man.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
Zane put the sofa back to rights and entered Tessa’s living room to find everyone awake and moving. Tessa was in the kitchen witha phone to her ear, four travel mugs on the counter, and coffee brewing. He walked to her and pressed a kiss to her other ear before he took his turn in the bathroom.
In ten minutes, they were all dressed and in the process of being caffeinated. But before they walked out, Tessa tugged on his arm. “Hang on. I know time is critical, but I think we should pray before we go.”
Without another word, they formed a circle and Zane began, “Father, we need you to give us wisdom, insight, courage, and strength to face the day. Protect us and those we have sworn to protect from harm.”
Faith picked up the thread. “Please protect the Carrington officers who are currently following Craig Brown and his cronies.”
Luke added, “And please protect the innocent who could come under fire in the chaos.”
Tessa squeezed Zane’s hand as she closed. “We trust in your love and power and will for our lives. Give us the courage to do what we’ve trained to do and what you’ve called us to do, and help us remember that you have gone before us into whatever we face today.”
