Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(32)

Behind them, Tate hung up. “World War III averted. Amanda will call you tomorrow, honey. She wants more details on your dress.” He glanced out into the darkness. “And you might as well know that I’ve taken steps of my own. I’ve hired someone to keep an eye on you and the girls.”

“You did what?” Cara frowned at him. “You should have asked me first, Tate.”

“Maybe I could say the same thing about you calling in the FBI. But there’s no use arguing. The man I’ve selected is a pro, and he’ll get the job done.”

Like a good prosecutor, Cara seemed to be sorting through every nuance of his statement. “Can we trust him?”

“Without question. I’ve known his family forever and his record is impeccable. They don’t come any better.”

“Having another stranger around will upset the girls terribly, Tate.”

“Just hear me out. Then we’ll decide what’s best.”

Summer didn’t like the idea. Wild cards made her uneasy. “You’ve run a complete background check, sir? If you pick the wrong man, this could backfire badly.”

“I’m aware of that.” Senator Winslow watched Cara pour hot milk into a cup. “Don’t worry, the girls will like him. So will you.”

Summer heard quiet footsteps out on the porch. Three light taps came at the door.

Odd that there had been no sound of a car. Probably the senator had contacted an old law school crony with a few years in the reserves and a yen to play James Bond, but too many players put any mission at risk—especially when the players were amateurs.

She tried to think of a simple way to hatchet the plan without upsetting the senator. Because hatchet it she would, without question.

When Tate went to the door, Summer leaned forward, trying to see outside. The senator moved aside, clasping a broad shoulder encased in a worn gray sweatshirt.

The sweatshirt and the well-muscled shoulder belonged to Gabe Morgan.

Summer sat back, frowning. “But you told me that you were—”

“Gabe Morgan, landscape and general contracting. That was my arranged cover. Under the circumstances, the fewer people who know my real status, the better. But I’ve been watching you work and the way you carry yourself. I’d say you’re a professional.”

Summer nodded curtly. “FBI. We need another professional on the grounds, not an amateur.” Summer watched Gabe’s eyes narrow, growing frosty.

She ignored his scowl as small details fell into place. The memory of how he stood in a motionless stance, legs slightly apart, weight perfectly balanced. The way he always kept his left side to the senator, so his right arm was free. The way his sweatshirt bagged slightly at his waistband.

The man was carrying, she realized. And the man was a pro.

Even now he stood wary, powerful and silent in the doorway. This was no ex-law-school pal. Gabe Morgan was in prime physical shape, and he carried more than a few scars on those powerful shoulders she’d glimpsed as he emerged from her shower.

The cold professionalism in his eyes, gave away no secrets and Summer wondered how many men had stared into those cold eyes as they’d fought a swift, silent death. “Well, that little joke is on me.” Summer’s tone made it clear that no more jokes would get past her.

The senator motioned Gabe to bring up a chair. “Sorry, Cara, but we knew it would only make you more jumpy. When you told me about the box, Gabe and I decided it was time to bring you into the loop.”

Cara’s voice was icy. “So all this time you were working for Tate? How nice of you both.”

“Gabe is here as a personal favor, honey.” The senator took her hand. “I know how hard this is, and believe me, I know exactly how much it hurts to give up your privacy. But Gabe has plans on how to upgrade the security here. I’ve got to make some calls, and I’d appreciate if you’d hear him out before you snap off his head and mine.”

Cara poured Gabe a cup of tea and held it out. “Nothing personal, but I’m trying to keep my head above water, and it keeps getting harder.”

Gabe took the cup with a nod. “Understood, ma’am. You’ve got your job to maintain and your family to protect. I can help you do that, but you’ll have to take precautions.” Gabe looked at the senator, who nodded and left the room, cell phone to his ear.

“What kind of precautions?” Cara asked quietly.

“Tomorrow you have a new lock installed at your office.” He sat back, fingers clasped. “Keys only to you and your assistant. I’ve had her checked out, by the way, and she looks clean.”

Cara made an irritated sound, then shook her head. “Em would murder me if she knew. Go on, Mr. Morgan. Let’s hear the rest.”

“No one in or out of your office without your approval, and all visitors announced by your assistant.”

“Ms. Mulvaney advised the same thing.”

Gabe looked at Summer. “I’m glad to hear it. Next, I’d like a list of everyone entering your building today, along with everyone who works on your floor.”

Cara tapped the paper in front of her. “Here’s the floor list. I’ll have the complete building roster tomorrow.”

“I assume there are security cameras in place.”

“Not that I know of.” Cara frowned. “They may be hidden, of course.”