Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(66)

“Actually,” Bud cut in gently, “I was asking if the senator and your mother kissing bothered her.”

Audra toyed with the strap on her backpack. “No. Why should it? The senator—well, he’s great. I think it’s really cool he’s gonna be our father. Well, our stepfather,” she said thoughtfully. “And any fool could see that Mom thinks he’s, like, a major babe. So, yeah, I’m cool with it.”

Bud nodded. “Glad to hear that. Now, why don’t we get the Jeep loaded and then you can introduce everybody at the ranch to Liberace?”



The sky was streaked with long fingers of purple beneath racing clouds. Cara sank down on the bent-twig rocker on the Lazy W’s broad front porch, watching far-off lights twinkle from the nearest town, fifteen miles away.

“All this unimaginable peace.” She took in a long, delicious breath of clean air. “And stillness everywhere. Why do I always forget how good it is to be here?” She looked up at Tate, who was leaning on the split-rail porch, cradling a cup of coffee. “Thank you for reminding me.”

“My pleasure. We all need some time out of the pressure cooker. How’s that cut on your hand?”

“Fine. I can’t believe I was so clumsy.”

“Stress, honey. It can hit you in ways you don’t expect. Believe me, I know.” Tate sipped some coffee. “Audra’s growing up. She’s looking a little tired, too. I’d like to spend some time with her, if you don’t mind. Maybe we’ll go fishing one day.”

“She’d love that.” Cara frowned. “And you’re right, she does look tired. Also, she’s not eating enough. Apparently someone’s been telling her she’s fat. We’ll have to ply her with food while we’re here.”

“Don’t worry, Bud and Elly make feeding guests a prime mission in life, so Audra won’t know what hit her.” He stared off over the peaceful valley. “And Sophy, dear Lord, was there ever a child so bright and amazingly honest? She makes me feel a year younger for every minute I’m around her.”

“She adores you,” Cara said softly. “So does Audra.” She stuck out her tongue. “According to Audra, I think you’re a major babe.”

“I’m glad to hear it, Ms. O’Connor.” Tate set down his coffee and moved behind Cara, expertly massaging her tense shoulders. “What about those pink gloves Sophy’s taken to wearing?”

He felt the instant jerk in Cara’s shoulders, but continued to rub gently.

“I thought it was a fashion thing at first. You know, like the Hello Kitty purses and the big, fuzzy slippers. But I’m not so sure. Sometimes when I touch her, she looks so—so odd. Surprised, shocked, maybe a little afraid. I’ve been meaning to ask her, but things have been so busy and—” Cara closed her eyes. “That’s no excuse. I’ve let too many things slip with the preparation for the Costello appeal.”

“I hear one of the witnesses may recant his story.”

“It’s possible.”

“Forget about it for now.” Tate worked his hands slowly up and down her back. “That’s why we’re here, remember?”

Cara gave a groan of utter contentment. “Do that again and I’ll do indecent things for you, Senator.”

He did it again, chuckling. “Can I have a written deposition to that effect, Counselor? Or shall we simply move to adjourn?”

He kissed her neck and the tender skin behind her ear until she shivered, her breath turning husky. “Tate, the girls—”

“Are down with Bud and Elly, who will keep them engrossed in tall tales over chocolate cookies and peach ice cream for at least three hours.” His lips curved as he found the top button of her blouse. “If we hurry, we could join them.”

Cara eased her hands under his shirt and laughed darkly when he groaned. “Senator, the very last thing I plan to do tonight is hurry.”

Their fingers entwined as they crossed the porch. As one, their shadows joined and then disappeared into the quiet house.



Grady started talking on the runway in Elko and didn’t stop until the cargo plane cut its engines in Arizona.

“Hell, Grady, let the lady rest.” Sheriff McCall appeared from the cockpit, shaking his head. “You’ll have to forgive him, Ms. Mulvaney. He’s imagining you’re a bank robber or a movie star. Why else would you hitch a ride at the last minute?”

“Now wait just a minute, T.J. I never said—”

“Don’t have to, Grady. It’s written all over your face.” The sheriff picked up Summer’s small suitcase and grinned. “But we’re neither one asking any questions.” He trotted down the stairs with lanky grace. “Jeep’s over here.”

Walking outside, Summer was hit with a wave of heat so solid it jerked her breath out of her throat. On three sides of the small airfield low trees and dense shrubs climbed toward jagged mountains. The sky shimmered in the last rays of the setting sun, burning the nearby red cliffs. Summer had never been in the desert before, and the smell in the air surprised her, a complex mix of sage, rosemary, and primal earth.

She had a dozen questions to ask, but experience had taught her that words were usually not the best way to measure people, so she slid into the Jeep beside the sheriff and waited, already sensing she could trust him.