Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(31)

And she had, but Summer didn’t mention that.

The junior senator from California flashed her the smile that had sent his female demographics right off the chart. “Glad to hear that my Senate seat is safe from you.” His eyes hardened. “I’m going to tackle some tough issues like campaign spending, Summer. No more loopholes, no more cash delivered in brown paper bags. We’ve got a law with no teeth, but I’m going to give it fangs or die trying, and it won’t make me popular,” he said grimly. “But that’s what America should be about, not privilege and cronyism.”

If it were Election Day, he’d have her vote, Summer thought. How could you argue with the man’s passion and candor?

Someone’s cell phone made a muffled sound. Not hers, Summer realized.

Cara searched her pockets and pulled out her phone. After a moment her eyes brightened. “Amanda? Yes, we got here not too long ago. Tate’s right here, and the girls are fine. Yes, I’m fine. The dress?” Cara cleared her throat. “Oh, everything went beautifully. I’m sure you’ll be surprised.” She looked at Tate and shrugged slightly. “No, I didn’t choose the tulip skirt. No, not the peau de soie, either. That might be a little too formal for a ranch wedding, don’t you think?” Cara smiled when Tate reached out to twine his fingers through hers.

“Tell my mother to bugger off,” Tate whispered. “I don’t give a damn what you wear, just as long as you’re there and you say yes when asked.”

Cara rolled her eyes at Tate, shaking her head. “Yes, Amanda, the girls’ dresses are done. They’re lovely. No, I didn’t choose the strapless pink gowns.”

As more questions flowed from the phone, Tate turned to Summer. “My mother always wanted to be a wedding planner,” he whispered. “If she had her way, we’d have a white-tie affair, followed by a nice, cozy reception for about five thousand of her intimate friends.”

Cara tried not to laugh when she heard his muttered comments. “Hold on, Amanda, I’ve got another call coming in.” She pressed a button, transferring to the new call.

Immediately her body went rigid, her face fading to stark white. “No,” she said hoarsely. “It won’t work. You don’t frighten me.”

Another threatening call.

With a curse, Tate lunged forward, grabbing the phone. “Who the hell is this?”

Summer shook her head at Tate, who ignored her.

“What kind of worm are you? By God, I’ll—” The line went dead. “Why did you cut me off?” he snapped at Summer, who took the phone from his rigid fingers.

“You know the drill, Senator. They feed on anger and fear. Deny contact and you deny the gratification of any response.”

“To hell with the drill. Cara’s been hurt enough. This has got to stop.”

“We’re working on that, sir. But temper and emotion don’t help.”

Furious, Tate leaned forward, slamming a fist on the table. Then, just as suddenly, he recovered himself. “Fine. You’re right, I suppose.”

“What was the message this time, Cara?”

“How pretty Sophy was in her dance clothes and how Audra caused a scene when she disappeared at the museum today.” Cara stared down at her rigid fingers. “He said I’d never see him, but he’s always watching, always close. He said he’s watching right now.” She closed her eyes. “He wants to meet me.”

Tate stifled a curse. “If you even consider it, I’ll—”

Cara managed a wan smile. “I may be terrified, but I’m not crazy.”

“You’re not meeting anyone,” Summer said flatly. “From now on, I’ll take your calls at home when you’re here. We need to sever all his links, rile him up, and then wait for him to make a mistake.”

“What else do you suggest?” Tate covered Cara’s hands carefully.

“I’d like to assign a monitored cell line so we can trace his calls in real time. He’s fast at dumping phones, but if we establish a pattern of call locations, we’ll narrow the field. If he calls often enough, we’ll track him by his pattern.”

Cara nodded slowly, though Summer could see how she hated to give up her privacy. “What else?”

“Tonight your biggest job is to rest. Your girls need you healthy and clearheaded. So does your job.”

“Do you need something to sleep?” Tate asked. “If so, I can get you a prescription.”

Cara shook her head and stood up. “Does anyone want to join me in some warm milk? It always seems to work for Audra and Sophy.”

“I’ll pass.” Summer was glad to see Cara busy rather than pale and brooding. “By the way, Senator, you might want to phone your mother, since she was cut off.”

“Damn, I completely forgot. I’ll tell her I had an urgent call that came in on your phone, honey.”

Summer got up to help Cara while he placed his call. “Are you okay with this?” she asked quietly. “I can get additional security here, if you want.”

“Do you think that’s necessary?”

“At this point, no.”

Cara stirred the milk as it began to bubble. “Then don’t. Your other ideas were good. Let’s see what develops.”