Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(55)

“Senator Winslow isn’t going to be happy if he finds out we’re digging for dirt on his most trusted advisor.”

“No kidding. Tate has always valued loyalty. This stays between us for now.” Gabe rubbed his neck, listening to the final sounds of Buffy tackling the underworld hordes. “What about Cara? Does she know?”

“I doubt it.”

“So how did you find out?”

“A few key sources and amazing electronic skills,” Izzy said dryly.

“Hold on a minute.” Gabe covered the phone and looked out, stunned to find Audra standing motionless just outside the door. “Is something wrong, Audra?”

“Sophy has to use the bathroom.” Her hands were clenched tight. “Why were you talking about my mother?”

“I’m dealing with my toughest supplier,” Gabe lied calmly. “He’s opposed to roses, but your mom doesn’t know that yet.” He lowered his voice. “He’s trying to push for hybrid lilies, mainly because it will cost twice as much.”

“So you were talking about flowers just now?”

“Afraid so. What do you think, I’m a spy or something?”

Sophy appeared behind Audra. “I’m sorry, but I really need—” She winced, pointing to the bathroom. “You know.”

“Sure, honey. Be my guest.” Gabe stepped aside, then winked at Audra. “Go ahead and send me the price list for the lilies, but I can tell you now that Ms. O’Connor wants roses, so you’re wasting your time.”

“Got an audience, do you? In that case, I’ll sign off. Watch for those pictures. You can download them via your cell.”

Audra continued to stare at Gabe after he ended the call. “That’s really all you were talking about? Just flowers and stuff?”

Gabe nodded. “Never underestimate the importance of good flowers. Now tell me why you’re so worried.”

“My mom is really upset about something. I hear her get up and pace at night. Other times she and the senator argue, but they change the subject whenever we come into the room.”

“People who are about to be married have private things to discuss, Audra. That doesn’t mean they’re keeping secrets or that they’re worried.”

“Maybe.” Audra studied her sandals. “Yesterday at the museum, Ms. Mulvaney went a little nuts, just because I was a few minutes late. Explain that.”

“Your nanny was doing her job. Senator Winslow is a very important man, and since he’s marrying your mom, that means you are important, too. Unfortunately, security has to be a part of your life from now on.”

Audra’s shoulders tensed. “You think someone would try to kidnap us?” She snorted. “No way. That stuff only happens on Alias.”

“I wish you were right.” Gabe chose his next words carefully. “If you’re worried, you should talk about this with your mother. Talk to Senator Winslow, too. Get the facts, and you’ll feel better.”

Audra sighed. “I tried to talk to my mom once, but she got this stricken look. Like Bambi on the train tracks, you know what I mean?”

Water flushed inside the bathroom. “Does Sophy feel anxious about your mom, too?”

“Not really. She’s just a kid, after all. Things don’t seem to bother her.”

The door swung open. Sophy peered from Gabe to Audra. “Is something wrong?” She glanced toward the living room. “Did Liberace do something bad?”

“He’s fine,” Audra said. “But we need to finish packing. Mom will be here in about an hour.”

“I’m taking my ballet shoes,” Sophy said as she clipped Liberace to a leash for the trip back to the house. “I’ll find Mom’s old dance costumes, too. Then we can have a recital at the ranch.”

Audra sighed. “Count me out. I hated ballet. I’d rather learn the tango. Or maybe I’ll just try kickboxing.” She nudged Sophy with her elbow. “Come on. Last one to the house is liverwurst pie.”

Gabe followed them outside, scanning the lawn and wondering where on earth the stuff about kickboxing had come from.



Tate Winslow put down his phone with a frown. He had probably ten more calls to make before he left his office, along with five letters to dictate.

He knew he’d better thrive on the insane pace, because this was just the beginning. Assuming that he actually decided to run.

He sat back in his chair and picked up a small toy armadillo given to him by a colleague in Washington. The heavy shell made him smile wryly. Having body armor was crucial in a town that thrived on a high-octane mix of power, sex, and gossip. Over time Tate had learned to build his own protective shell.

But what about the future? Sophy and Audra deserved a father, and Cara needed a husband. God knows he wanted a family. It had been far too long since he’d lived in a house that rang with children’s laughter and racing footsteps. Sharing a sink cluttered with perfume bottles and face cream seemed wonderfully exotic after years of camping out alone in hotel suites and expensive but impersonal rental homes.

Yet here he was, poised for the biggest political push of his life, a process that would swallow up almost all of his time and what little privacy he had left. It was an insane time to consider getting married.

But he had never wanted anything more.