Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(45)

“We’ll tackle the ground floor first.” Izzy tapped the architectural blueprints spread out on the table before him. “Pressure plates outside the windows—here, here, here. Video camera hidden in the shutters near the front door, with full porch and front yard coverage.” His long fingers moved slowly across the paper. “Wireless alarms upstairs and down, just in case someone decides to levitate over the pressure plates.”

Gabe nodded. “Motion sensors?”

“Two of my people will handle that. Your suggestions on placement look good to me.”

“What about cover?” Gabe snagged the coffeepot and refilled their cups. “We don’t want to broadcast our new security.”

“Officially, my crew will be installing new siding and trim, then checking the window frames and foundation for termite infestation. My people are damned good, so no one will notice the sensors that get inserted under the siding or the alarms on the windows.”

“Good. Now let’s talk about this cellar.” Gabe tapped one corner of the blueprint. “There’s a possibility of interior access.”

“I brought materials to seal it up, if necessary.” Izzy blew on his coffee, then took a long drink. “Anyone currently in the house?”

“The housekeeper is working upstairs. The chef is in the kitchen, too, along with an assistant. Tate Winslow’s mother is with them. Prep work for the wedding.”

“Anyone else on the grounds?”

“The new nanny.” Gabe sat back, steepling his fingers. “The one I told you about.”

“That would be Summer Mulvaney, our loaner from the FBI. How good is she?”

“Right on target so far. Audra slipped away yesterday at the Monterey Aquarium and she handled things fast while keeping a low profile. The little girl, Sophy, idolizes her already.”

“You mean, she’s a people person? Most of your garden-variety Feds are pretty weak in the social skills department.”

Gabe laughed dryly. “I wouldn’t call her Miss Congeniality. She doesn’t trust anyone. I don’t thinks she likes anyone, either.” Gabe shrugged. “Whatever. Just as long as she gets the job done.”

“I saw her this morning while I did a security check from the beach. What’s with her hair? It’s like Sandra Bullock on speed.”

“You can thank me for that. She got tangled up in a cactus last night and I cut her free.” Gabe shook his head. “Come to think of it, she and that cactus are a lot alike—prickly as hell and impossible to touch.”

Izzy turned his coffee slowly. “Have you briefed her on today’s installation?”

“She knows the general outline.”

“Good.” Izzy stared out at the green expanse of lawn. The sun had burned through the morning mist, and the ocean was ablaze with light. “Nice real estate. I didn’t know you could live this well on an assistant DA’s salary.”

“You can’t. The house originally belonged to Ms. O’Connor’s dead husband. He was big in commercial real estate. Died six years ago.”

“Hard on the kids. Hard on her, too.” Izzy drummed his fingers on the table. “Assuming that she loved him.”

“She did. According to the files, she’s a regular straight arrow, professionally and personally.”

“It’s nice to know there are a few of them left.” Izzy set a toolbox on the table and tossed Gabe a small key.

“Gee, are these the new Phillips screwdrivers I ordered?”

“Maps of Los Reyes. Blueprints and high-res photographs of the clinic. Complete bios and photos of key personnel, along with twenty thousand dollars’ equivalent in Mexican currency.” Izzy held up two U.S. passports. “Don’t get caught. Don’t even get suspected. Especially don’t get yourself shot, because I hate to clean up blood. We’re skirting the gray area with this, and Tate Winslow’s called in some favors, but you’ll be working outside official jurisdiction.”

“Not a problem. I’ve worked outside official channels before.” Gabe rolled up the papers and slid them beneath one arm. “Gotta go. Mary Poppins is waiting to be briefed on our Mexico jaunt.” He stood up as there was a tap at his door.

Summer was waiting right outside, her eyes narrowed. “Those men aren’t replacing siding and I’m not Mary Poppins.”

Across the room Izzy sized her up slowly. “Ms. Mulvaney, I take it?”

“Who wants to know?” She stood unmoving, legs apart, weight balanced.

Looking pretty damned dangerous, Gabe thought, and every inch a professional in spite of the color in her cheeks. “This is Ishmael Teague, Summer. He’s on our side, and his people are handling the security upgrades at the house.”

“Nice of you to give me some notice. I just handcuffed one of his team and locked him inside the cellar.”

“Is that a fact?” Izzy looked delighted with this bit of news. “It will be my pleasure to ream him out for being so obvious and allowing himself to be caught.”

“Oh, he wasn’t obvious. If I hadn’t worked a few summers installing aluminum siding back in Pennsylvania, I never would have noticed.” Summer stared at Gabe. “What’s in the toolbox?”

“Gear for our junket down to Mexico.” Gabe put a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of her. “Have a seat. Everything quiet at the house?”