Chapter 7

“Hey, Joey, want to go swimming?”

“Yeah.” Joey hopped off his top bunk. “Let’s ask Brondo if we can.”

Brondo was the real cool cabin director they got this year. At the last camp, the teachers supervised, but they decided college kids might be more suited to camp counseling.

“Hey, Brondo. Will you take us swimming?”

“Sure, kid.” He was sitting on his bunk, playing a game on his phone but wasn’t mad at being interrupted. “When the others get back from seeing the movie.”

“Can we wait outside?”

“Yep, but if you wander off, I might have to kill you.”

Brondo was a badass.

They didn’t wander off. Instead, there was a jungle gym right near their cabin, so they climbed to the top.

“Man,” Joey said, looking out over the grounds. They could see the pool, the girls’ cabin and the mess hall. “My mother would never let me do this.”

Joey had some problems with boundaries, his mother called it. “Yeah?”

“Yours?”

“She’s cool. She probably would let me.” She’d watch him, but she usually let him try whatever he wanted. He forgot about things like that when he acted bad. Tonight, here at camp and not having seen her for two days, he felt bad about not being nice to her.

You can always make things up to other people, Gabe said. Simon decided he would try harder with his mother.

* * *

By Wednesday, Macy didn’t recognize herself. Her sexual behavior with Gabe was shocking, but even more, the ease of their relationship, the intimacy of mind and spirit was new to her. And wonderful.

Gabe had taken some furlough, as the trainees were in classes on court procedure and criminal investigation for two days, and he and Macy were driving up to Nick and Isabelle’s lake house, not far from Beltsville, to spend some time with his brother. Nick was off the PPD now, and an agent named Petersen had taken his—or Gabe’s—place. The route was interspersed with trees and open land, and they had the windows down to let in the fresh air.

“Isabelle told me they bought this place and the house in Maryland at the same time. I’m so happy for them.”

Gabe glanced over at her, and with so much tender approval, it made her heart swell. “I love that about you.”

“What?”

“How glad you are about others’ good fortune.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Some people would get jealous.”

“Hmm. Have you ever been jealous of Nick?”

A frown marred his brow. “Not until I lost my job as a protective agent. Then he got on the PPD and I struggled to control my envy because he had exactly what I wanted. Thankfully, those negative feelings faded.”

“That’s understandable. But as far as I’m concerned, you got a raw deal.”

“You only say that because you care about me.”

“No, Gabe. I’ve heard a lot of the agents who come to the restaurant say it didn’t seem right you were punished for others’ bad behavior.”

“I was in command, babe. Anyway, I hated envying Nick for something.”

“Yeah, I feel the same about Joanie.”

“We’re really compatible. On the same page.”

“I know.” She frowned.

“That worries you?”

“Doesn’t it you?”

“What, that we’re getting too attached to each other?”

“Uh-huh. At least I am to you. And I think you are to me.”

He reached across the console and put his hand on her knee. “Of course I am. We should have known this would happen.”

Macy said with a light tone, “Too late now to keep from getting hurt.”

“Damn it all. The last thing I wanted to do is hurt you.”

“Life is tough.”

“It is.”

“But no more of that. We made our bed, so to speak.”

Now he laughed out loud. “And what a good bed it is. Literally, anyway.”

“Change-of-subject time. Tell me about the trainees.”

He regaled her with stories of the guys’ attempt to find out how Gabe had punished the women for their prank. How even Langston seemed to be doing better. How Kurt Kilmer and MJ Hogan were getting close.

“Are there ever romances among the trainees?”

“Not many. But this class is different. More mature, able to handle the stress of training better.”

“Well, Cupid is definitely hangin’ around you, mister.”

“Cupid, huh?”

They reached the lake by noon. A beautiful white house with black shutters accenting lots of windows sprawled out on a good-size lot. The roof had angles and peaks.

Macy took off her sunglasses as they pulled into the driveway. “It’s as big as their primary home.”

“Somewhat smaller. More traditional.”

They exited the car and headed up the path.

Isabelle came bounding out of the front door to meet them on the sidewalk. “How wonderful to have company up here. Welcome.”

She hugged Macy first, then Gabe.

He said, “What two honeymooners want with company is beyond me, but thanks for asking us.”

“We want family around. The boys went back to school, and my mother came to be with them for a few days, so we could spend some time up here. They’re joining us on the weekend.”

Gabe touched her stomach. Macy didn’t know he and Isabelle were close enough so he’d feel comfortable doing that. “How are the babes?”

“Growing fast.” She giggled like a high schooler. “I love it.”

She took Macy’s arm. “We’ll go out back. Nick’s fishing off the dock.”

They got a brief view of the interior—gray walls, white trim and windows galore—before they stepped out on a mile-wide deck surrounded by a safety railing. The steps down were steep. “Want something to drink?”

They both declined.

Gabe headed to the end of the deck and peered down at the shore. “I’m gonna go see if Nick needs help with the fish.”

“He took a pole down for you.”

When Gabe disappeared down the staircase to the lawn, Isabelle’s gaze tracked where he’d gone. “They used to fish with their dad. Nick’s dying to get the whole family up here.”

The two of them found shade at a table under a big oak tree growing on the side of their property. “Sure you don’t want some lemonade?” She held up a pitcher.

“Okay, since it’s right here.” Macy waved to the view. Water lapped on the shore and the sun glistened down on the surface of the lake. “This is breathtaking.”

“We love the place. And so appreciate having the means for it.”

“You’re down-to-earth, Isabelle, given your background.”

“My mother was an ambassador, but she always reminded us of how we needed to appreciate the good things we had. And to give back. Jimmy took that to heart.”

“He’s a great president. I agree with all his policies.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him. He’ll love hearing it since Congress gives him grief.” She watched Macy for a moment. “Macy, I don’t know much about you. Would you mind telling me about your background, how you grew up, your parents and siblings?”

“I’m originally from Maryland but closer to the Baltimore area. We didn’t have much, and my dad worked two jobs, my mom one as a grocery-store clerk, and Joanie and I appreciated their sacrifices.”

“Joanie’s your sister?”

“Yep. Just us two now. Mom and Dad died when I was in college.”

“Is that where you met your husband?”

“In a way. The Secretary of State’s son went to the Chicago Art Institute, where I’d gotten a scholarship. She came for a visit and Spike was her special agent in charge.”

“Ah. Love at first sight?”

“I guess. He was so handsome and mysterious. I had no idea what I was getting into.” She shook her head. “Listen to me. I’m here with your brother-in-law and talking about my dead husband.”

Isabelle stilled. It took Macy a minute to realize what she’d confessed. That she and Gabe were romantically involved.

As if she’d read Macy’s mind, Isabelle smiled. “It’s fine by me, Macy. I can tell by seeing you together again that you’re with Gabe now. I couldn’t be happier.”

“We’re trying to keep it quiet, but I couldn’t be happier, either.”

* * *

The line plunked into the water and Gabe sat back in a deck chair next to Nick. Even with the breeze off the lake, Maryland was still warm. Nick wore swim trunks and sunglasses. Gabe had whipped off his T-shirt and was enjoying the feel of the hot rays on his bare chest. The chest that, during this week, Macy had explored to her fill. He couldn’t think too much about that, though.

“So,” Nick said. “You brought Macy.”

“Hmm. Her son’s at camp and she had some time off.”

Nick didn’t say anything for a minute. “That all?”

Gabe gave him a sideways glance. “What do you mean?”

“Hell, Gabe. You talk about her and the kid all the time. You brought her to our house for dinner, then up here for an overnight.”

“Hey, I got a tug.” He stood, lifted the pole, but then the line went slack. Shit, he thought he’d be saved by the fish.

“Sit back down. You’re not walking away from this conversation.”

He sat.

“You care about her.”

Carefully, he nodded. “I do.”

“You sleeping with her?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Hey, I made my relationship with Isabelle your business.”

“Yes, you did.”

“And when I confessed I was in love with her, you told me to go for it. Are you in love with Macy?”

Gabe took off his sunglasses. Nick removed his, too. Eye-to-eye, Gabe decided to come clean. “I am. I think I have been for a while, but when some guy put the moves on her, I confessed.”

“Sounds familiar. Like me and Trey Hanover.” They went back to staring at the water. “You have the same complications.”

“Eerily similar. Macy’s husband died, a kid is involved, and I don’t want to fuck up her life asking her to be in another relationship with a guy in the kill zone. Boy, be careful what you wish for.”

Nick waited before he said, “You don’t have to take the PPD job.”

“I’ve wanted it for five years.”

“Then you’ll give her up?”

“I have to, Nick. Though I promised Simon they’d still be in my life.”

“You have choices, Gabe.”

“What we have is an impasse. I’d resent her if I didn’t take the job. She’d be a wreck if I did and we were together.”

“Gabe, you’re forty-five, you probably have about five more years in protective. So you’ll be fifty, and what do you end up with? By then, Macy will have found someone else.”

His hands fisted. “And I end up alone. But I can’t give up my second chance to get the PPD.”

“For a second chance at another life, you could.”

“I’ve thought this out every which way to Sunday. Those are the only two ways I can come up with and neither is palatable.” He sighed. “Let’s table this. I don’t want to deal with it right now.”

“What do you want?”

“To enjoy the weekend with my brother and my girl.”

“Okay. Just answer one question. Do we put you in the same bedroom?”

“Yeah, wise guy, you do.”

* * *

They took the boat out early Thursday morning. Macy was surprised when Gabe strode to the helm.

Sitting with Nick and Isabelle—those two always seemed to be in touching distance of each other—she asked, “Are the boys excited to spend time with their grandmother?”

“Yeah. They like their grandma and her boyfriend, Eric.”

“Do you like him?”

“I adore him. More so, he adores her.”

Nick quipped, “Men are saps where women are concerned.”

“Like you, honey.” Isabelle poked him in the ribs. “And you love it.”

“That I do, sweetheart.”

Macy’s phone pinged. “Sorry, I had to bring this out with me. Simon’s at camp…” She clicked on.

“Mrs. Stevens? This is Gary Preston from Stepping Stones Academy. Simon’s fine, but there’s been an accident.”

“What happened?” Macy gripped the phone, but she wouldn’t panic. As a single parent, she couldn’t afford to.

“He and his bunkmate, Joey, were climbing a tree, with supervision. We try to let the kids choose their activities and others had climbed this particular maple. Joey’s hands slipped and he fell. Simon was closer than he should have been to the tree, so Joey fell on your boy.”

“How badly were they hurt?”

“Simon sprained his arm, but the inertia caused Joey to break his. We have a doctor here, and he splinted Joey’s arm. Simon only needed a sling.”

“Oh, poor Joey.”

“Simon’s upset and wants to go home.”

“Of course. I’ll be there in two hours.”

Her hands were trembling when she disconnected. She hadn’t noticed Nick and Gabe had switched places. Gabe knelt in front of her. “How bad is it?”

“Not that bad.” She related the story. “But I have to go up there right away. He wants to come home.”

Nick turned the boat around and headed to shore.

Macy said, “Gabe, can I take your car? Nick could drive you home.”

He frowned. “I’m coming with you. I’ll drive.”

She knew there were questions in her eyes, but his offer surprised her. “Oh.”

“Why don’t you head out as soon as we get to shore,” Nick suggested. “You can get your things later or we’ll bring them to you.”

“Sure.” To Isabelle, she said, “I’m sorry we spoiled your plans.”

“Don’t be silly. We’re family. We understand.”

After throwing on shorts, shirts and sandals, they hit the road. They were quiet, until Gabe asked, “What are you thinking?”

“In the past, when he’s gotten hurt, he regressed in his behavior. His injury is minor, but I’m worried he’ll backslide. He’s been so kind and fun since he made peace with you.”

“Maybe we can keep him on the right path. He’s better with me sometimes.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I’ll spend more time with him. We’ll take care of him.” He squeezed her hand. “I love the boy, too, Mace.”

“I know you do. I can’t tell you how much I value having you to help out in situations like these.”

“You can count on me.”

She could. For now. That’s all that mattered.

* * *

Joey was sad faced. They were standing outside the cabin, waiting. “Your parents coming to get you?” Joey asked.

“Yeah.” Except Simon didn’t have a dad. Maybe Gabe would come.

“Sorry I fell on you.”

“Sorry your arm got hurt.”

Simon was sad, too. He liked Joey and hoped they could still be friends. Sometimes, when anything went wrong, other kids blamed him.

“Joey,” Brondo said. “Your mom and dad are here.”

Simon hadn’t seen the SUV pull up. A woman got out and ran to Joey. When she reached him, she squatted down. “Oh, baby.”

Joey buried his face in his mom’s chest. Her hand cupped his neck. They hurried to the car where his dad stood. Joey hugged his dad hard, too. Then they opened the doors and Joey turned. He waved to Simon.

As they left, Simon saw Gabe’s car pull up. His mom got out and ran to him, too. And Simon threw himself into her arms. “Honey, it’s okay. We’re here.”

Simon gulped hard.

Then he felt a hand on his back. And pretended he had a dad, too.

* * *

Gabe sat next to Simon in the training center’s van on the way out to the Rowley driving course. The exercise planned for the morning was always a favorite of trainees, so they placed it early in the curriculum.

“Thanks for taking me to work with you, Gabe.” Simon had moped all day yesterday about Joey’s injury and about missing the rest of camp. When Macy asked if he wanted to go back, he’d yelled at her and stomped out. Gabe had decided to take matters into his hands.

“I know you’re having a rough time,” he told the boy. “And there’s no school because the others are still at camp, so I thought you’d like this.”

“I do.” He frowned.

“Thinking about Joey?”

“Yeah, I hope he still wants to be my friend.”

“He will. Is your arm better?”

Glancing down, he picked at the sling. “Yeah. Keeping it close to my chest helps.”

They pulled up to the protective-operations driving pad, a paved rectangular area right next to the fitness course, and got out of the car. The air was mild and breezy.

Simon’s eyes rounded. “Wow, Gabe, this is cool.”

“It is. We’ll get started soon, but I have to talk to the trainees first.” Gabe pointed to the twenty-four men and women already working with Dave. They were gathered in a group or sitting on the ground, stretching and toning. He noticed Langston wasn’t among them, but off to the side.

“Hey, Gabe, one of ’em has a sling. Like me.”

“I see. Remember, buddy, it’s important that you just observe. Not talk. Not wander off. I know you want to take care of yourself and you can do it.”

“I will, Gabe. I promise.”

They crossed to the trainees, Simon keeping up with Gabe’s long strides. The kids on the ground leapt to their feet; those in groups dispersed. All formed a semicircle four deep. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Agent Marino.” The greeting echoed around them. They were vocal now and participated verbally more than when they arrived.

“I missed two days for personal reasons. I hope you had worthwhile classroom sessions.” Gazes flicked to Langston. “Trainee Langston, what happened?”

The young man flushed. “We were wrestling in the gym, getting some exercise after being cooped up all day. My arm got in the way of Kilmer’s leg. I wrenched it.”

“Sorry to hear that. How long in a sling?”

“Doc thinks it’ll be off by next week.”

He held up a clipboard and clock. “Then your job is to time each trainee as he or she completes the course.”

“I can do that.” Clay checked out Simon. “Who’s he?”

“Why, trainee?”

Clay shrugged. “He has a sling, too. Maybe he could help me.”

Gabe smiled. Every day, Langston showed he had a good heart. “That’s a great idea. Simon,” he said calling out to the boy. “Come over.” Simon did so eagerly. “You’re going to hang out with Trainee Langston.” He pointed to a small white deck, much like the ones lifeguards used. “You two can go up on the platform to observe us. You’ll be timing the trainees.”

Simon’s eyes widened. “Wow.”

“Come on, kid,” Langston said, then the two of them walked away.

Gabe turned his attention to the group. “Professional driving is a skill needed to graduate.”

Most seemed interested. A couple who he knew didn’t want protective detail frowned.

“You never know, for instance, if you’re working in counterfeit and go undercover, when you’ll have to get away from the bad guys. So, yes, even if you never plan to participate in a protective detail, you still need this training.”

The reluctant ones nodded.

“We’ll instruct you in defensive driving, negotiating obstacles and recognizing traffic hazards. Constant practice will improve your skills, but also your reflexes and decision-making ability. And like with other training, you’ll develop muscle memory and instincts that will surface unconsciously.”

As if on cue, three cars drove up. Camaros and Chevys were used for this exercise because they were lighter and more easily maneuverable than the Beast, the president’s limo. That vehicle was harder to drive, but since they had several on campus, used by previous presidents, the trainees could practice on them at a later date. “Today, we’ll be learning a basic maneuver. Then we’ll repeat this activity over and over.”

They seemed surprised. Some trainees thought you only had to do this once to learn it. But even agents in the field, like his brother and Whitney, had to come back for driver recertification several times a year.

The three people in the cars exited and came toward him. Two women, one man. “Welcome, agents.”

The newcomers introduced themselves. The one he knew best was Gerard because she worked at the training center, and the other two were from a field office.

Gabe turned to the class. “These agents will demonstrate vehicle-ambush counter measures. You’ll get to try some of them today.”

Grateful mumbles.

“An Attack on the Principal, an AOP, can come at any time. A favorite of the perpetrator is to block off a small street. There’s only one way out, backing up, and you have to take it. You’ll learn this by practicing slowly, but eventually, you’ll be able to drive in reverse at 40 miles per hour. That’s fast. A stopped car is prime for an attack, so you must keep moving.” He handed an earpiece to Gerard. “Our agent will get in the car and I’ll give the instruction out loud. We’ll go in slow motion, so I can describe exactly what she’s doing.”

Gerard hopped into the first car. In the mic, which connected to the mouthpiece, Gabe said, “Drive about twenty yards down.” When she was there, he added, “Assume the car has stopped because of a blocked road. The first thing the agent does is shift into reverse and back up.” The agent in the car backed up and came to a halt. “You won’t stop like Gerard has, but turn around immediately.” The agent executed a 180-degree pivot. “What is this turn called?”

“The J-turn.” The contribution came from Kilmer, of course.

“Right. The agent will spin around and drive the other way. By the way, a motorcade is trained to do the same thing, in unison.”

“Seriously?” someone popped up with.

Gabe tried to hide his smile. “Seriously. All right, Agent Gerard, go in real time.”

The car headed out, then stopped abruptly. Tires screeched and the smell of rubber filled the air, accompanied by the sound of a gunned motor. The car backed up faster than an observer would think it could. Then Gerard did a perfect J-turn and drove a few feet ahead.

The trainees were mesmerized.

“Execute the maneuver three or four times, Gerard.”

The agent turned the car around.

“Now, you see those three yellow loops?” Nods from the group. “This is how you learn. Gerard, follow my instructions. Slowly, though. Drive to the far loop on the left…use it to turn…come down the forty yards to the second loop at the other end, take that…and drive to the third loop opposite the first. Turn…take the loop, come back to the far end.”

All gazes were riveted on the demonstration. Gabe shot a glance up on the platform, Simon and Langston were exchanging words, but their focus was on the car. “Go ahead, Gerard. Show your stuff. Three times in a row. Three minutes.”

The car headed down the pavement. Even Gabe liked this part. He thought about his own need to practice this turn. His gaze traveled to the Beast, parked off to the side so the trainees could see it. Soon, he’d be driving one just like that.