Chapter 14
They’d gotten what they expected from Simon when they delivered the news that the two of them were married…
“Why wasn’t I there?” Simon asked, the beginnings of a tantrum evidenced by a flush on his cheeks.
“Because Gabe and I decided to do this before he left for his new job.”
Simon’s eyes had gotten wider. “Why, ’cause he thinks he might die like my dad?”
“No, honey.” But Macy’s voice was quivering. “Because we wanted to be married. Sometimes, adults do what they want, Simon.”
He frowned more deeply. Why couldn’t anything be easy with this kid? She knew they should have invited him. But Macy had gotten carried away with the romance of the notion of eloping and, all right, she took what she wanted. For a change.
Gabe said, “Come over here, Simon.” He was sitting on the couch across from Macy.
“Don’t wanna.”
“I’d like you to.”
Shrugging, he sauntered over. Perched on the edge of a cushion. “What?”
“It’s all right to be mad. Your mother and I were selfish in getting married this way. But remember we talked once about your mother always putting herself second?”
“Like with the piece of cake?”
Macy frowned at the non sequitur.
“Yeah.” To Macy he said, “I was pointing out how you always give the biggest piece of cake to Simon or me. And how you don’t take much time for the things you like to do for fun.”
“So, this was fun? Getting married?”
“It was.” Macy bit her lip so as not to smile.
“There’s something we’d rather have you concentrate on.” Gabe touched her son’s shoulder. “I’m going to be your father now. Legally, if you let me adopt you.”
His eyes rounded like an owl’s. “Can I be a Marino?”
Startled, Gabe’s jaw dropped. “Um, that’s up to your mom.”
“Don’t you want to keep your first dad’s name?” Macy wouldn’t say real dad. In some ways, Gabe had been more of a father to Simon in three years than Spike ever had.
“I don’t remember much about him.” He looked at Gabe, then back to her. “But I will, Mom, if you want me to.”
“No, this is your choice.”
“Then I choose yes.”
“I’m honored,” Gabe told him.
Anger over being cut out of the ceremony forgotten, Simon bolted up. “I’m gonna call Joey. Tell him I got a dad now, like him.” He started away, then turned back and threw himself into Gabe’s arms.
Macy’s eyes misted, but she was smiling.
* * *
Seated on the stage, Gabe stared out at the class of twenty-four trainees who would graduate today from The James J. Rowling Training Center. He was proud of the work he’d done, and wished all the soon-to-be special agents good luck. He would miss this class. They were special. Or was it because they’d be his last? A pang of regret—totally unexpected—shot through him.
He searched for Macy and Simon among the family and friends who’d been invited by the trainees. His heart did a little somersault when he caught sight of them off to the side. They were both excited to be here.
The keynote was being given by Director Paulson, who took the podium in front of slate blue curtains, the American flag and the Secret Service flag. Later, Gabe would speak. “Welcome to the 316th Class of Special Agents. You are about to enter an organization like no other. You will be charged with doing some of the most important work there is for the United States government.”
He paused, then went on to explain how their duty was to their country. But also to their families. And how important it was to maintain relationships with the people they loved. He gave a few suggestions for doing that.
“This organization is rich in history. It started before the Civil War and has seen us through many conflicts.”
He talked about the distant past, then cited terrorist attacks in the recent year all over the world. He emphasized domestic terrorism.
“Jerry Parr, the man who saved President Reagan’s life, was asked how he felt during the attack. He said he felt he’d been waiting for it all his professional life.”
A sobering notion. To know that any day might be the day you’d step in front of a bullet.
“You will be commissioned today,” the director went on. “The oath is usually administered by me, but I’ve been usurped. So let me introduce the person who will give you your badges.”
James Manwaring walked on stage. Gabe had no idea the president was going to be here. Agents had been assigned all this week to do advance work, but that was normal for a visit from the Director as well the Secretary of the Interior, Clay’s father, and other dignitaries in attendance. The audience erupted and cheered loudly when they saw him. Gabe stood and clapped for the man who he’d soon be with nearly every day.
When the room quieted down, Manwaring took the mic. “Hello, everyone. I know this is a shock. But I like to surprise people once in a while. I wanted to commission all of you, but there’s another reason I came, which I’ll get to later. Agents, will you please stand and repeat the oath of office with me.” The graduates stood. “I, insert your name, do solemnly swear…that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States…against all enemies foreign and domestic…that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion…and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office…of which I am about to enter…So help me God!” James Manwaring smiled. “Let me be the first to congratulate you, special agents.”
A second cheer went up from the crowd.
When they quieted, the president leaned into the mic again. “My second reason for being here is to thank the staff of the James. J. Rowley Training Center for all their hard work in bringing you this honor.”
The now-agents cheered loudly, with some whistles.
“I don’t think the public realizes how vital this institution is. Without it, we’d have no agents trained to do the job.” He mentioned all the instructors and field agents who’d trained the class by name. “Finally, Agent Gabe Marino. Agent Marino would you come over to the podium.”
Shit! He hadn’t suspected any of this. He had no choice but to comply. He stood, and wearing a suit like he’d wear every single day to work from now on, he crossed the stage. “As many of you know, this is Agent Marino’s last class.”
Good-natured boos.
“I know what you mean. And it seems I’m getting the best part of this deal. So that he doesn’t forget you, we’ve got a memento of the five superb years he’s had here.”
The president handed Gabe a box, which he opened. Inside was a watch. He flipped it over and read, J. T. Rowley Training Center engraved on the back.
“Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, agents, for being such a great class.”
“I’ll let Agent Marino speak to you now.” Before he left, he shook Gabe’s hand and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Congratulations, Gabe. See you soon.”
Gabe felt a lump in his throat. He had to summon all his Secret Service armor to get through these next few minutes of commentary.
* * *
Macy got tears in her eyes as Gabe gave his farewell speech. He spoke of the trainees as highly competent, confident and ready for a job in the service. He gave specific accolades for their achievements, mentioning not only the class’s highest achievers but also every one by name, along with something positive about each of them. He talked of commitment to their jobs and a responsibility to their families. He told a few jokes. The one about women being equalizers was met with a guffaw from the new agents. But when he told them they were a joy to teach and how he’d never forget them, there was clearing of throats and coughs. Their expressions spoke volumes: respect, caring and not a little bit of nostalgia.
When the ceremony ended, Gabe was mobbed by the group. He stayed with them informally, then when their guests demanded their attention, he found his way to Macy and Simon.
“Gabe, the president was here!”
“Yes.” He ruffled the boy’s hair. “You know Uncle Nick’s wife, Isabelle, is his sister?”
“Yeah, does that make us related?”
“Um, I’ll ask him.”
A frown. “When you go.” He clung to Gabe’s arm. “I don’t want you to.”
Me either, Macy thought. But said, “None of that now, kiddo. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Her gaze locked with his. “Everything’s going to be okay, Simon.” She was forcing herself to believe that.
“Hey, Simon, buddy.”
Her son broke into a smile at the man who’d approached them. “Clay, hi. You graduated.”
“I did. How you doin’?”
“Will I get to see you ever again?”
Children blurted out their thoughts, and Macy felt bad for Clay.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” He addressed Macy. “You’re Agent Marino’s friend.”
“I am.” She reached out and shook his hand. Clay frowned down at it. Then he shot a glance at Gabe’s hand. “Hmm, did something happen here?”
“We got married last weekend.”
“Congratulations.”
“My name’s gonna be Marino.” This from Simon.
“Lucky you.” He poked the boy’s shoulder. “I was wondering if I could see Simon tomorrow before I leave town.”
“Yeah, I wanna.”
“Mrs. Marino?” This was the first time anyone had called her that. She met Gabe’s gaze.
“Of course.” They set a time just as the Secretary of the Interior approached them.
“Clayton, your mother is waiting. We don’t want to be late for dinner.” He didn’t even acknowledge Gabe.
“Go on, son,” Gabe said. “We’ll see you soon.”
Macy knew the word slipped out, but the flush on the politician’s face indicated he was furious. She spoke up. “Again, congratulations.”
“Uh-oh,” she said after they left. “The top man in the Interior Department isn’t happy with you. Could he make trouble?”
“Nah. I got friends in high places.”
“Who came here today to acknowledge your success.”
“I guess. Anybody hungry?”
“I am, but you can pick the place, Dad.”
This time, Macy and Gabe both stilled.
Then Gabe coughed, much like the trainees had done. “Dad. I like hearing that.”
Again, Macy smiled through wet eyes.
* * *
Two days later, Macy was still smiling, but the gesture was as phony as a two-dollar bill. They’d finished a light dinner at the apartment and she stood. “I’m going to take a bath and pamper myself. Nobody bother me.”
She’d agreed to give Simon and Gabe some time alone. He wanted to be with the boy, reassure him, let him know he loved him.
After she left, Simon shook his head. “She’s doing that so we can be alone.”
He braced his hands on the table. “Well, there’s no flies on you, bud.”
“What does that mean?”
“That nobody can fool you.”
“Ha.”
Reaching out, he squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “Let’s talk.”
“I know you’re gonna tell me you’re coming back a lot.”
“Do you believe me?”
“Uh-huh. Unless you can’t.”
How to deal with this? “You mean unless I get hurt.”
“I told you before, I know agents throw themselves in front of bullets.”
“To protect the president.”
Simon’s brow furrowed. “Why is his life more important than yours?”
“Because the country depends on him. And he depends on me.”
“Seems nuts to me.”
“It does to a lot of people. I’m sorry if me taking the job is hard on you.”
The boy’s eyes were wide with emotion. “I wish you could promise you’d never get hurt.”
“I wish I could, too.”
“Can we FaceTime when you’re away? Mom said you got night duty sometimes and can’t come home.”
“Of course. Agents take breaks.”
Simon looked toward the bedrooms. “Mom isn’t all right.”
“I figured that.”
“She’s pretending to be okay with this. But I hear her crying when you’re not around.”
Oh, Jesus. “I didn’t know that, Simon. And I’m sorry she’s suffering.”
“If you’re so sorry, don’t go.”
“I’m committed.”
“Then the job’s more important than us.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“I’m not a baby. I know things. If we were more important, you wouldn’t take a job where you might not come back to us.”
* * *
They lay side by side under the covers, holding hands, staring up at the ceiling. December snow had crystalized the panes of glass on the windows.
Gabe spoke into the darkness. “Simon told me he heard you crying when I wasn’t here.”
A long silence. Then, “I’m sorry he told you that.”
“I knew you probably were.”
“I wish I was stronger.” She did. She didn’t want him to suffer because she was suffering.
Gabe sat up and leaned over her. A ray of moonlight came in through the window and she could see the lines around his eyes and mouth. “You are the strongest woman I’ve ever known.”
“Which is why I’ll handle this, Gabe. I promised you I would.”
“Still, I hate to think of you crying.” He lay back down and cuddled her close. She memorized the contours of his chest, his woodsy scent, the sound of his breathing. She’d have to hang on to that.
* * *
Morning came all too soon. Neither he nor Macy slept much. Once when they’d awakened together, they’d made love again, but it was desperate and fierce.
Now, she got up from the bed, put on sweats and said, “I’ll bring you coffee.”
“No, I’ll come out.”
When he did, he found a grim-faced Simon sitting at the table. “Up already?”
“Yeah.”
“For how long?”
“I dunno.”
Which meant a long time.
Breakfast was a nightmare. Everyone tried to be brave, but they just moved their pancakes around their plates.
At one point, Simon pushed away his food. “I can’t eat.”
“It’s okay, son.”
At the word, Simon’s eyes clouded. He started to cry. “Don’t leave, Gabe. Please.”
Macy touched his arm. “Simon, we can’t change who Gabe is.”
Is that what she thought? He was an agent first?
Why the hell wouldn’t she?
Simon threw back his chair, but Gabe was fast, circled the table and picked him up. The boy struggled. Gabe held on and let him cry it out.
What he wasn’t sure he could handle were the tears tracking down the cheeks of the woman he loved.
* * *
Head tall, shoulders straight in his new dark suit, lapel pin in place, Gabe walked into the White House for his first day on the Presidential Protective Detail. Every agent’s dream. The irony couldn’t be any greater.
Bypassing the Secret Service area, he made his way to the Oval Office. Vincent stood before the door. His brows furrowed.
“I have an appointment.” Gabe glanced at his watch. “At 0900.”
Not saying a word, Vincent knocked, and after they heard, “Come in,” he opened the door. And shut it a little too hard.
“Hey, Gabe. Good to see you.” The president stood and came around the desk. He shook Gabe’s hand and motioned to the two couches. “Sit. I had coffee brought in.”
Gabe sat and gratefully accepted the caffeine. He needed it. “I—” Another knock on the door.
Manwaring frowned. “I told them to disturb me only in an emergency. Sorry.” He stood and headed across the room.
Gabe beat him to it. “No, if this is unusual, let me answer.”
“Stepping right into the job, I see. You’re right.”
Gabe drew open the door slowly.
A crying teenager stood outside with Vincent. She started forward saying, “Oh, Daddy.” He went to stop her but then realized this was Jim and Karen’s daughter, Sasha. Code name, Twinkle.
James Manwaring shed the veneer of the president and reached for her. The girl threw herself into his arms. “Hey, Princess.” He stroked her hair and gave Gabe a shrug.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Of course. Would you mind, Gabe?”
Gabe stepped outside. After the door shut, he said to Vincent, “That happen often?”
A slight smile. “Occasionally. We have orders that kids and wife have priority over everything.”
Why is this job more important than us?
Simon, we can’t change who Gabe is.
Gabe started to walk away.
“Can I ask you something?”
He turned. “Sure.”
“Did you hate the training center? We went with the president to graduation and the kids were all over you.”
I never pegged you for wanting glitz. I thought you liked teaching…Everybody here thinks you’re cool. Too bad you’re leaving…Nah, I’m the lucky one. I’ve never had a better teacher than you.
“No, of course not. Teaching was a rewarding experience.”
“But you’d rather be in the kill zone.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated.”
Vincent frowned more deeply. “What’s that on your hand?”
“A wedding band.”
“No jewelry is allowed on the PPD. When did you get married anyway?”
I got thinking about commitment and how I feel about you. If I love you enough to be with you when you go to the PPD, and buy a house together, then I love you enough to be your wife.
“Last weekend. We shouldn’t be chatting like this. Get back to your post.”
With unabashed disgust, Vincent turned away and resumed his robotic-like stance and gaze in front of the office.
Gabe wandered down the hall, reviewing the names of all the people who worked for the president, but with a remarkable lack of conflict inside of him. He knew what he wanted and why, but coming here reinforced it.
Finally, as he waited about ten feet from the office, the door opened. Sasha Manwaring came out. Her expression sheepish, she said, “Sorry.”
“No problem.”
President Manwaring stared after her, an expression of fatherly indulgence on his face. When they stepped inside again, the president rolled his eyes. “You never had any kids, did you, Gabe?”
“Nope.” But he did now.
“They wrap you around their little fingers. Her brother does the same.”
More irony!
“Let’s sit again.”
Gabe dropped down across from the president. And took the biggest leap of faith in his life. “I came today to start my stint on the PPD. Or so I thought. What I really want is to ask you if the task-force job is still open. Because I want it. I don’t want to come on the PPD.”
* * *
Three hours after he left them, Gabe walked in through the back door of Macy’s apartment, expecting to find her. Sweet scents filled the air. He surveyed the kitchen, and his jaw dropped. Pots and pans, dishes, mixing spoons and an empty jar of marshmallow fluff lined the counters. He took a few steps into the area, and powder wafted up to him, literally. Leaning over, he swiped up a bit. Sweet. Cocoa. And flour. They’d been baking? Macy never left a mess like this.
He crossed into the living room and whipped off his suit coat, undid his tie, and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt.
Walking down the hall that she’d stamped with her artistic vision, he smiled broadly. Boy, was she going to be surprised. And apparently, so was he. He heard screaming and eerie music coming from the room. He found her and Simon in her bed—desserts spread around them on the sheets, in plates on their laps. Fudge, Rice Krispie treats, cookies galore.
They didn’t notice him. They were engrossed in the food and the television, which was tuned to what appeared to be a scary movie. He just watched them—his family.
After a moment, he said above the cacophony, “Got room for one more on that bed?”
They startled, and treats went flying. Macy’s head snapped up. Gabe walked over, picked up the remote, and clicked off the TV, turning the room into dead silence.
Simon’s mouth fell open. Then he said, “Holy cow, Dad, what are you doing here?”
“I could ask the same thing.” He gave them a sham frown. “Why aren’t you in school, young man?”
“Mom said I didn’t have to go. We’d make all our favorite treats and eat as many as we wanted.”
“Hmm. As your father, who expects to be around all the time, I’m not sure I approve.”
No response from either of them.
He came in close and sat down on the mattress, certain he felt something gooey seep through his dress pants. He grasped one of Macy’s hands, one of Simon’s. “I’m not joining the PPD.”
“You’re not?” Simon bolted up and threw himself and his dirty pj’s against Gabe’s pristine white shirt. “Oh, wow, oh, wow. This is the best thing ever.”
Holding Macy’s gaze, he said, “I think so, too.”
He could see the conflict in her eyes. Torn between wanting him with her and her own integrity, which had let him go freely and without protest. She said, “I d-don’t understand.”
“Simon, ease back and I’ll tell you.”
Simon sat on his legs.
“When I left here this morning, I could barely breathe at the thought of missing you and, you were right, Simon, at the thought of maybe never getting to come back to you. Like your dad, like Spike didn’t. By the time I got to talk to the president, I knew I couldn’t go through with my plans.”
“Oh, geez, Gabe.” Simon was bouncing around again.
“What do you say, Mace?”
She bit her lip. “Are you sure?”
“Geez, Mom, of course he’s sure. Don’t make him change his mind.”
“I won’t.” Gabe’s voice was full of confidence. “You two are more important to me than the job.” Macy remained stoic. “Simon, would you give us some privacy for a bit?”
“Yeah. I know you’re gonna kiss and stuff.” He skipped out of the room.
“Sweetheart…”
“I wanted what was best for you, Gabe.”
“I know that. What I didn’t know was that this”—he motioned around the room— “is best for me.”
She bit her lip.
“Besides, I get to stay at Rowley and work with my brother on training cops. If I don’t like that, I can have a job at the center, though not as the director, which will give me a lot of free time.”
“I can’t take this in.” She raked back her hair, which was a tangled mess and had fudge in it.
“Well, then, I guess I’ll just have to convince you.” He pulled her over, and with the pan of fudge between them, lowered his mouth to hers. “Believe it, babe. I’m saying I’ll stay, and I mean it.”
THE END
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Author’s Note
I’ll probably say this for every book, but Gabe Marino is my kind of guy. As I wrote his story, I kept thinking, “Hmm, he’s too perfect,” but I couldn’t change him. He developed as a loving giving man, dealt a bad hand by something out of his control, and he was trying to get back what he’d lost. He has almost no baggage outside of his guilt for his men’s actions, but then I guess none of the Marino boys have it from their childhood. Did you melt at his scenes with Simon? Wouldn’t you want a man to act as he does with a troubled child? Mostly, though, I loved him and Macy together. He was no softie there. My favorite scene is when Peter Camp leaves the bar after declaring his love for Macy, and Gabe gets all macho. Yes, I know he treats Macy like spun glass most of the time, but he’s aggressive at points in the book that are very sexy.
Now, for Macy. She’s another one who wouldn’t be controlled. I really didn’t know much about her when I started the book, but as I went along, she too developed her own personality. I don’t think she was too perfect a mother, either, as some might say. Macy really rises to the occasion with her son, and I believe most good mothers do that. It helps that she’s a genuinely nice person, who puts others before herself. But she’s not wilting flower either, especially with Gabe. She stands up for herself, even when she takes him back on his terms. She’s decided that’s best for her. I’m so glad she got her happy ending.
Once again the Marinos are on the scene to butt into each other’s lives, to argue over bad choices and to be right there when one of them is in need. I also love the scene where Gabe’s mad at Nick at Thanksgiving, but Nick sees his brother is really hurting. I get choked up every time I read the section of the book where Gabe is at the sink, despondent, having no idea how to help himself, and he feels Nick’s hand on his shoulder.
You probably laughed at President Manwaring interfering in Gabe’s love life, like he did with Nick. You’ll see how this becomes one of his roles in the other books. Realistic or not, I adore those scenes.
Don’t forget to go on to the next 3 books in the series. Wait until you see what I have in store for you.
Kathy Shay
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Don’t miss the rest of the books in the To Serve and Protect Series.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Nick Marino, top agent in the White House, loves his job and is in line to take over the directorship of the Secret Service someday. Then the president sends him to a small town in upstate New York to determine why his widowed sister is getting threatening notes. Not happy about leaving D.C., he’s even more frustrated when he becomes embroiled in the lives of the beautiful Isabelle Barton and her two spunky boys. ABOVE AND BEYOND provides a deep dive into the life of a Secret Service agent, the glamor of Washington politics and a close look at being related to the most powerful man in the world. The story will keep you fascinated and capture your heart with its tender and sometimes hot romance.
SAY YOU’LL STAY
When Secret Service head trainer at the recruit center Gabe Marino gets his dream job--being part of the Presidential Protective Duty--he doesn’t expect to fall in love with restaurant owner Macy Stevens. He’s going into the kill zone and she can’t risk a repeat of her dead husband’s shooting in the line of duty. But life, and love, get in the way. SAY YOU’LL STAY gives readers an in-depth look at training Secret Service recruits, a peek into the life of a boy with emotional disorders and the man who befriends him, and a tender love story that you won’t want to end. The book will have you pulling out the Kleenex.
ONLY WITH YOU
Agent Whitney Dwyer and Agent Max Blackwell have been together for five years. As a young member of the Secret Service, Whitney has a top-notch job in Threat Assessment and has gotten plum assignments in protection. She’s also gotten Max in a friends-with-benefits relationship. When they split up, neither is prepared for life without the other. Then fate steps in. ONLY WITH YOU is back-dropped by the bombing of a federal building, a case assigned to Whitney and Max during their personal turmoil. The book also delves into the inner workings of the Secret Service and the danger federal agents encounter every day. Toss in a sizzling relationship and readers will find this story a page-turner.
NO OTHER LOVE
Dr. Connor Marino has led a charmed life, with a superb education, several degrees under his belt and a patent which gives him money to live on. But he enlists in Doctors Without Borders because he wants to give back to the world. He never expects to find love in the war-torn Middle East with a real live princess, Callandra Gentileschi, from Casarina. But theirs is anything but a fairytale romance when family and political demands take Calla away. In NO OTHER LOVE, get a glimpse at the difficult work of doctors overseas, travel with Calla to her exotic foreign home country and experience their undying love for each other.
COME BACK TO ME
Army Medical Reservist Dr. Declan Marino married Army Officer Delilah Carrier, his high school sweetheart, had children early on and were happy—for a while. They divorce, however, when Lila is stifled by her life. Now, happy in their careers, they’re still in love but can’t seem to find a way back to each other. COME BACK TO ME examines the difficulty of balancing two military parents and maintaining a happy family life. The book also explores the question: can long-standing love triumph over the roadblocks of modern life?
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