Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(19)

After that, the queue in the linen service had wound down the hall and out to the street. Tate had been somewhere in the middle.

“Talk to me, Cara.”

“There’s nothing to discuss.” She sounded calm, at least on the surface. “My decision is made.”

“Last time I checked, there were two of us involved in this wedding. I’d say that gives me the right to ask a few questions when you try to call it off.”

“I can’t discuss this now. The girls are expecting me for dessert, summer school–homework check and bedtime stories.”

Her face was pale. Did Tate imagine it or was there a hint of fear amid the exhaustion there?

“Is it your boss? I know he’s been giving you hell. If so, I can make a few calls.”

“I don’t want or need special favors. You of all people should know that.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, it was worth a try.”

Cara didn’t smile. “I’ve got to go.” When she reached for the door, Tate cut her off. “I’m not letting you leave. You’re working too damned hard, Cara.”

“And you aren’t? You’re the one with back-to-back breakfast meetings, thirteen-hour days, and power naps in the limo on the way to another policy meeting.”

“That’s different.”

“Why? Because you’re a man and I’m just a little ole woman who belongs at home in the kitchen anyway?”

“You know that’s not what I meant.” Tate held down his anger. She was baiting him, but try as he might, he couldn’t figure out why. “I only meant that you’re worn out. No one works well in a state of exhaustion.”

“You do.”

“I get by,” he said roughly. “And I get by because I’m thinking about a woman with soft skin and crooked eyebrows. A woman who tells me straight when I screw up. A woman I mean to make my wife, in front of our families and closest friends, then disappear somewhere and make love to her until neither of us can stand up and walk.”

She closed her eyes. “Don’t. This is already hard enough.”

“Then talk to me, damn it.” Tate gripped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “Tell me what you’re afraid of, Cara. We’ll work it out together, whatever it is.”

“Not this time.” The words were a whisper.

Tate heard the sound of regret—and terrible pain. In that moment, he realized he was losing her.

Her cell phone pealed twice from inside her purse. She still insisted on using the tune from Gilligan’s Island so she could recognize her calls amid all the others in public places.

“Hello?”

Tate watched her face change.

“When?” Blindly she grabbed for the door. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“What is it, Cara?” He put a hand on her shoulder, another on the door. “Damn it, tell me.”

Her fingers trembled as she slid the phone into her pocket. “It’s Audra. Today’s her docent day at the aquarium.” Her voice broke. “No one can find her. She’s gone.”

Tate pushed her into a chair and grabbed his shirt. “I’ll drive you to Monterey.”

“There’s no need. My car’s parked outside.”

“Damn it, I’m driving you.” Tate worked hard to hold back his anger. “There’s no further discussion.” He tucked in his shirt while he looked for his shoes. “I’ll get a police escort to save time.”

This time she didn’t protest his interference.

“My car will be waiting in front by the time we get downstairs.”

She nodded jerkily. “They’re searching the aquarium now.” Her hands locked. “What if they don’t find her? What if someone—”

“Don’t.” Tate pointed to the nearby phone. “Call Margo and tell her what’s happened. Tell her I’ll be in touch when I can.”

He was dialing his cell phone as he disappeared into the bedroom.



“No sign of her on the third floor, Ms. Mulvaney.” A guard with thinning hair met them at the stairwell outside the kelp tank. “I checked with people at all the exits, and no one saw her go out.”

“What about the front?”

“That could be a problem.” He looked down at Sophy and lowered his voice. “The regular guard was sick today. The replacement worker just left ten minutes ago, and no one’s been able to reach him.”

“Keep trying, please.” Summer studied the floor plan. “What about the rooms over here?”

“Private offices, ma’am. Administration mostly.”

“Has anyone checked them?”

“I don’t believe so. I’ll get someone on that right away.” He turned away, his radio squeaking.

Sophy tugged at Summer’s arm. “Why are you so upset? Audra’s probably in the cafeteria sneaking a cup of coffee or flirting with that cool new boy who started working there.”

Summer motioned to the guard. “Maybe you should check the cafeteria. Try the restrooms, too.” She tapped on the map. “Meanwhile, we’ll start here and work our way clockwise, room by room.”

“You think Audra’s hurt or something?” Sophy’s eyes were huge and unblinking.