Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(90)

“You look wonderful, so relax.”

“I’ve never been much good at relaxing,” Summer said irritably.

“Start trying. We’re supposed to be crazy in love, remember? Looking tense doesn’t go with our profile.”

“So?”

“So lean in closer and touch my shirt. Laugh softly and look into my eyes. The act has to be solid.”

Summer slid an arm slowly around his neck. “Like this?” She leaned into him and took his mouth in slow, hungry nibbles. When he groaned, she tongued his lower lip.

Gabe’s hands slid to her waist. “That’s convincing enough,” he growled.

She bit his lip again, then smoothed the spot with her tongue. “Are you sure?”

He cursed softly and turned away as three police officers appeared at the entrance to the hotel, struggling with a European businessman in a white suit. The man was belligerent and frightened in turn, switching from French to German to Spanish.

The police officers paid no attention, ignoring his demand to speak with his lawyer.

“What’s going on?” Summer muttered.

“I’ll find out.” Gabe spoke quietly to a nearby bellman, then returned as the police van pulled away. “I couldn’t get anything concrete, just that he was a businessman with many debts. He had checked out and was leaving the country today.” Gabe looked down at the hotel’s front steps. “Forget about him. Izzy’s here with the car.”

Across the driveway a man in a black uniform was holding open the door to a big silver limousine. Now Izzy was wearing a rakish hat and a devilish smile.

Summer took a deep breath and looked at Gabe. “Ready, Mr. Walker?”

“Absolutely, darling.” Gabe nodded and took Summer’s arm.

Summer tilted her head and traced his cheek slowly. “I’m sure it will be a very instructive morning, darling.” In the backseat, she leaned closer to Gabe. “But for the record, if anyone tries to give me a pelvic exam, I’ll use my service revolver on them.”



Tracey Van Doren was bored and depressed.

Damn it, where was Audra when she needed her? Vanished with her mom and sister, of course. Just Tracey’s luck.

She picked up her old Girl Scout binoculars and stared idly through the bright kitchen windows at Audra’s house. There were two people inside, and then one of them disappeared. Only Patrick was left, doing something near the table, then opening drawers and searching through canisters.

Tracey saw that there was a pile of opened letters on the table near him. She figured it was a little odd that a chef had so much mail.

She moved to get a closer look, then saw him turn and stare up at her, frowning. A sudden wave of fear went through her. Why was he staring at her? And why did he look so angry?





[page]chapter 33

The first thing we’ll need today is a sperm sample.”

Gabe took a step in front of Summer. “I’m afraid that we’re not here to—”

“It’s standard procedure, Mr. Walker.” The medical assistant smiled brightly at Gabe. “You and Mrs. Walker can share the patient room. If you need . . . inspirations, you’ll find appropriate magazines in the drawers near the door.”

“There’s been some sort of misunderstanding.” Gabe smiled coolly. They had only been at the clinic for five minutes, and so far there had been no sign of Underhill. “We’re here for a tour, not for treatment.”

“Trepidation is quite normal, Mr. Walker, but there’s no reason to delay specimen collection. We’ll need to examine your wife, too, of course. After that you can tour the clinic and speak with our director.” The medical assistant set a plastic container on the counter in front of Gabe. “Your specimen goes in here. Write your name on the white label before you return it, please.” She smiled pleasantly at Summer. “Your wife is free to accompany you.”

“We are not here for specimens.” Gabe pushed the plastic cup back across the counter. “Check your records. We’re here for a tour.”

The assistant looked up as the door to the office behind her opened, and two men in gray uniforms emerged, carrying a roll of cable between them. They paid no attention to patients or staff, muttering as they ran cable along the bottom of the room and out into the hall. “But your name is right here on my list. Sperm sample for Mr. Walker. Physical exam for Mrs. Walker.”

Summer’s eyes narrowed. Anyone who tried to get her near a chair with stirrups wouldn’t be able to sit down for a month. “Why don’t you check with the director? We have a tour scheduled. I even have a confirmation letter.”

“Oh, dear, the director will be gone for at least another hour. Waiting for him would put us behind schedule, and the examination rooms are booked solid from eleven o’clock on.” Smiling but resolute, the receptionist pushed the specimen cup back toward Gabe.

Barbie in a white coat, Summer thought. At least Barbie had longer legs.

Gabe scanned the woman’s nametag. “Ms. Jorgensen—” He smiled confidingly. “Molly.” He leaned down, completely nonthreatening. “How about you check your schedule again?”

“But Dr. Teller says—” Molly stopped abruptly as the door opened behind Summer. “Eva, thank heaven you’re here. These patients say they’re not scheduled for specimen collection. Maybe someone made a mistake on the schedule.” Molly was becoming more flustered with every word.