Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(57)

Audra’s school gift was back in place on her desk, the clay body repaired. Unable to sleep, Cara had spent the hour before dawn gluing the fragile chips back into place.

Sighing, she picked up a photo of her girls laughing on a beach in North Carolina, and another of Sophy in a recent dance costume. Her throat tightened at the thought of one of them caught unaware in her bedroom.

Struck down by a bullet.

With tears in her eyes she picked up a family shot of her older sister outside her rustic house in Oregon, flanked by her three handsome boys of seventeen, fifteen, and twelve. Melody and her husband were ecologists with the forest service and their kids lived a life right out of Wild Kingdom. They were safe and sheltered, surrounded by beauty, and their boys had learned to paddle a canoe almost as soon as they could walk. It was still hard for Cara to believe that Mel’s oldest son, Jordan, was heading off to college in the fall.

As she studied the photo, she made a mental note to call her sister and catch up on all the family developments this weekend. Too many months had gone by since she and her sister had spoken.

There was a low tap at her door, and her assistant opened it, elegant in gray pants and a gray cashmere sweater. “Tony called. He wants to talk to you about the Costello appeal. And you also have a visitor,” she announced grandly.

“Who?”

“Me.” Looking tan and very fit, Melody, Cara’s sister, strolled through the door. “Since I never hear from you, I decided to swing by on my way back from a conference at Berkeley.” After a tight hug, Mel moved back to study her sister. “So why aren’t you sleeping?”

“Is it so obvious?”

“To me it is.”

“The girls are fine. Sophy loves her ballet and Audra—well, she’s going through some teen angst, but I’m sure it will pass.”

“Don’t talk to me about teens. Next year I’ll have three of them, God help me, even if Jordan will be off at college.” Mel sank onto a chair by the window, studying Cara. “You’re working too hard. You and the girls should come up to Oregon and we’ll take you camping. Jeff and the boys will get you unwound with some mountaineering. Since Jordan has his own canoe now, he’d take you on the ride of your life.” She touched Cara’s arm and held it. “We’d all love to have you. Don’t worry about calling first.”

“It sounds so wonderful, Mel. I’d love to, but . . .” Cara gestured at her crowded desk. “I’m locked in here.”

“Think about it. The offer always holds.” Melody took the family picture from Cara’s hands. “The boys have grown since this was taken. Michael and Chance are giving kayak lessons this summer, can you believe it? And Jordan is busy getting ready for college.” She handed the picture back to Cara. “Hard to believe how things change. It seems just yesterday that I met Jeff, and you graduated from law school.” She stood up, pacing the small room. “I can’t stay. I’ve got to be back at the airport by five for my flight. Besides, you have work up to your ears.”

“You can’t leave yet. Let’s at least have coffee while you fill me in on the boys and all the news.”

“Next time.” Mel smiled wistfully. “I can see how busy you are. Your assistant had three calls on hold and by now there are probably five waiting. Take care of yourself, okay?”

Their eyes met.

“I owe you,” Mel said quietly. “I’ll never forget.”

Cara hugged her sister. “Don’t say another word.”

“You never told, did you?”

“No. I made you a promise, and I’ll keep it.”

Mel slid the strap of her computer case over her shoulder. “Are you keeping Tate and his family in line?”

“Greg and Amanda have been very helpful in planning the wedding.” Cara frowned. “You and Jeff and the boys are still coming, aren’t you?”

“Couldn’t keep us away. I always knew you’d marry someone important—the same way I knew you’d be someone important.” Mel frowned. “Greg and Amanda haven’t been making you jump through hoops, have they?”

“Of course not. Amanda has been wonderful about organizing the reception, and Greg put together the guest list.”

“Just you, Tate, and four hundred of Amanda’s friends,” Mel said wryly. Then she shook her head. “Don’t mind me. I’m just grumpy from traveling, and I miss my boys. Who knew I’d turn into such an old crone?”

“You’re not a crone, you’re wonderful. Give them all my love.” Cara looked at the picture. “You look so happy together.”

“We are.” Mel smiled gravely. “Get some rest. I expect to see a serenely radiant bride when I get to Wyoming.” She turned at the door. “It was the right thing to do.”

Cara took a deep breath. “I know.” Most of the time, Cara thought.

After her sister left, she stayed at the window for a long time, lost in thought.



The kitchen was gleaming.

Fresh salsa cooled in clay pots and beef strips were marinating for carne asada. Patrick Flanagan hummed as he finished pounding dough for the yeasty French loaves Sophy and Audra loved so well. He took great delight in the knowledge that he was very, very good at his work.