Page 14 of Serve ’N’ Protect

Her eyes widened. “The White House? The White House?” When he nodded, she looked at Ghost. “Oh my God. Not that I doubted it after today, but someone really is trying to kill you. Why?”

“That’s what we need to find out.” McMurray recrossed his arms, planting his feet wide and looking a lot like General McArthur surveying his troops. “In the meantime, Markus’s orders included staying hidden and keeping his head down. No one was supposed to know he was here.”

“Now, I do.” She started fidgeting with her hands. “I won’t tell anyone, I swear it. You can trust me on that.”

“I know,” Markus said, meaning it.

“Keeping his identity and his location a secret until we get to the bottom of this is absolutely essential.” McMurray gave Cassidy a pointed look. “His life depends on it. Murdering a federal officer, let alone trying to kill two, is serious business, young lady. After today, it’s safe to say they’re still trying to finish the job they started.” McMurray turned his pointed look on Markus. “You know I can force you into protective custody. I can make it an order.”

Markus held his breath, holding his commanding officer’s gaze and silently praying he didn’t get shipped off to a safehouse. His entire life had been spent perfecting his independence, honing it to a razor-sharp edge. His entire career involved protecting others. Including the First Family and the most famous house in the world. Being relegated to official protectee status would make him feel weaker and more incapable than he already did.

Matt cleared his throat. “My offer’s still good for you to stay with me and Trista until this is over.”

“You’ve got your hands full as it is.” Matt already had one toddler with another due any day. “But thanks.” He did appreciate the offer. His friends would always be there for him.

“What about assigning one of us to stay with him, Cap?” Kade asked.

“No!” Markus said more curtly than he’d intended. Like Matt, Kade was also one of his best friends, but burdening any of them with his safety was a no-go. Watching his back while on official duty was one thing. Babysitting him like he was a five-year-old child was something he couldn’t stomach. “Sorry, man. You guys are locked into working shifts all week at the Capitol. I can take care of myself. All I need is Ghost.” He shut his eyes, dead-tired as he wiped more sweat from his brow.

“Could Ghost have driven you to the hospital?” Cassidy interjected.

Slowly, he opened his eyes to glare at her. “Not helping.”

“She has a valid point,” McMurray said. “Even if whoever was shooting at you can’t figure out where you’re hiding, look at you. You assured me you had recovered sufficiently to take care of yourself. Apparently, you lied to your commanding officer. If you weren’t already sitting on your ass, you’d fall on it. Who’s going to be there to help you up again?”

Work the problem.

Markus looked at Cassidy, an idea taking shape in his head, and she’d given it to him.

“We can hire a nurse or a homecare worker to stay with him,” Kade suggested.

“No,” Markus said flatly. This could work. He just had to pitch it right. To his captain and to Cassidy. “You said yourself, Cap, we need to keep the circle of people in the know tight.”

“True,” McMurray agreed. “It would take time to get someone like that vetted.”

“I have a better idea.” He looked directly at Cassidy, trying to gauge whether she’d go for his proposition.

“What?” She raised her brows in question. Markus knew the instant she’d picked up on his brainstorm. She shook her finger at him. “Oh, no.”

Markus glanced at McMurray, who gave his typically curt nod of agreement.

“The federal government would pay you,” Markus said, and when she kept shaking her finger, added, “A lot.”

That got her. “Exactly how much is ‘a lot’?” she asked, then narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “And what exactly would I have to do to earn this money?”

“Not much. Checking in on me periodically. Helping out with grocery shopping.” In reality, he didn’t plan to utilize her in any way. He’d just needed something to placate his boss, so he’d be left alone to recuperate in peace and quiet, without an official nursemaid or going into protective custody.

Her eyes narrowed more as she considered his offer. “Just how much money and how much checking in are we talking about? I do work, you know. I’m a freelance accountant, and I’m just getting my business up and running. This would have to be worth my time.”

“Of course it would,” he agreed. Figures she’d have to be an accountant. Counting money was her thing. “Cap?” Since Uncle Sam would be footing the bill, it was up to his boss to set the price. Frankly, if it wasn’t enough to convince her, he’d make up the difference out of his own pocket.

McMurray massaged his chin, deep in thought as he took his sweet time. “A grand a week. One check, issued when this is all over. Until then, we don’t want a paper trail.”

Cassidy’s brows shot to her hairline. Slowly, they lowered. Either she was playing it cool, or she was about to hold out for more. If she didn’t agree to his proposition, McMurray would ship him out of here faster than he could spell D-O-G.

“Deal.”

Chapter Seven