“That’s just plain silly.” Jillian started brushing again.
“No, I’m serious. We could book under different names. No one would recognize you.”
Jillian chortled. “Oh, sure. I could wear a wig and sunglasses. Naomi, I can’t leave now. Besides, people would think that was frivolous. They’d be prying into my bank statements and implying I used state money to pay for it.”
“I knew you’d say no.” Naomi sounded disappointed.
Jillian swiveled to look directly at her. “Maybe we could do a weekend together sometime.” She studied her friend’s tight expression. “What have you been doing these past few weeks? I know I’ve neglected you horribly.”
“I’ve gone home a few times.” Naomi shrugged. “I had a couple of dates.”
“With Beth’s cousin?” Jillian asked. “I thought you stopped seeing him.”
“I did. We just weren’t on the same track. I’ve had a couple of other dates.” Naomi laughed and pushed her hair back from her face. “I met one of the Capitol security guys, and he asked me out.”
“Do you like him?”
“He’s okay. But he hasn’t called me again.”
“Maybe he’s just playing it cool.”
Naomi bit her lower lip and studied the rug, then looked up to meet Jillian’s gaze. “The truth is, when we went out, he just wanted to talk about you. What you’re ‘really’ like.”
Jillian caught her breath. “You mean…personal stuff?”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t tell him anything. But I figured out pretty fast that he only wanted to take me out to pump me for information. Don’t get me started on the reporter from the Portland paper.”
“A reporter asked you questions about me?” Jillian’s voice squeaked as she spoke.
Naomi sighed and patted her arm. “I told you. I didn’t give away anything. I don’t want repeat dates with jerks that badly.”
“You have to be careful.”
“I know that.”
Jillian nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll trust your discretion.”
“Thanks. So I’ll let you in on a secret. Remember I told you that Sean introduced me to a friend of his in Portland?”
“Yeah. Jack Something-or-other.”
Naomi nodded. “I’m going out with him next Saturday.”
Jillian arched her eyebrows. “First date with him?”
“Yeah. He called me a couple of times, but I didn’t want to say yes until I had definitely ended things with Sean. I finally said I’d see him if he came up here. I’m not driving to Portland to meet him.” She stood and stretched. “Guess I’d better get to bed. You look like you could use about ten hours of sleep.”
“Thanks!” Jillian tossed a pillow at her, and Naomi caught it, grinning.
“Oh, no. No pillow fights tonight.” She laid it gently on the end of the bed. “I’ve got a full day tomorrow, too. They’ve put me in charge of scheduling all the public tours now. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
“Hey, wait,” Jillian said. “Do you like what you’re doing here?”
“It’s okay. It’s a lot different from the law office. Sometimes I feel as though I ought to be doing something more significant. I did talk to the administrative assistant, hence my new assignment with the tours.”
“But…you’re happy here?”
“Of course.”
“Naomi, I’m sorry I’ve neglected you lately. You’re my oldest and best friend. You know that, don’t you?”
Naomi looked at her for a long moment. “I don’t know. If your mom had never babysat me, do you think we would have been friends? Sometimes I wonder, why did you bring me here to share all this? Is it true friendship, or just habit?”
Stunned, Jillian stared at her. “I’m sorry you think that.”
“It’s not that I don’t appreciate all you’ve done for me. Because of you, I’ve gotten to do things I never would have done otherwise, and I’ve met people I surely wouldn’t have. But sometimes I wonder, without you, who would I be?”
Jillian stood slowly and reached toward her. “If you want to find another job, that’s okay. Or I could talk to the administrative assistant and see if she could turn more responsibility over to you. Maybe you can do some of the clerking, or…well, I don’t know, but, Naomi, I do care about you. Please don’t think that I don’t value our friendship.”
Naomi pressed her lips together and nodded. “Okay. Thanks.”
“Keep me posted on how things go with Jack.”
“I will.” Naomi smiled, closing the door softly behind her.
Jillian stood looking at the door and feeling her heart crumble. Lord, she’s lonely. Please forgive me for not being a good friend to Naomi. And show me what I can do about it. I certainly can’t take off on a cruise. She puffed out a breath. She couldn’t even blow an afternoon at the mall with her friend.
She did need a break, though. The Memorial Day holiday would come in a couple of weeks. The legislature would take a long weekend, though their session wouldn’t be over. Most of the senators and representatives would spend the holidays in their home districts. Jillian wondered if she could take a three-day hiatus, as well.
She’d have to go where not many people would see her. A plan began to form in her mind. She hadn’t gotten out into the wilds of Maine for months. She yearned to go visit some wilderness areas. Why not do it? A canoe trip. She hadn’t been on one since Brendon died. She smiled as she ran the brush through her hair again. It would be the perfect getaway.
“A quiet weekend canoeing in the Allagash to escape the pressures of this office. That’s all I’m asking.”
Colonel Smith frowned and balanced his hat on his knee. “Ma’am, I know you’ve been working very hard, and you certainly deserve some time off. But I don’t think you understand the difficulties we’d face if we did what you’re proposing.”
“We haven’t had any serious incidents since late February. I’ve felt lately that we’re wasting taxpayers’ money by keeping such a heavy security team on duty all the time.”
“How do we know the reverse isn’t true, ma’am? That we haven’t had any problems in the last three months because we’ve been vigilant?”
She sat back with a sigh. “All right, so send all the EPU officers you want. But we won’t tell anyone where we’re going until the last minute—not even my guests.”
“And who might that be?” Smith asked.
“I thought I’d take Naomi Plante and two couples from my old law firm. Eric and Margaret Harris, and Jon and Bette Scribner.”
“Hmm.” Smith’s eyebrows drew together. “Six people to protect. We’d have to send at least four officers, I guess. Six would be better, if we can find that many who qualify for a wilderness trip. That’s a lot of gear.”
Jillian relaxed in her chair. He was seriously considering her idea. “If the Scribners and the Harrises are able to go, I’m sure they’d be happy to supply their own gear. I have a canoe, and so do Eric and Margaret Harris.”
Smith pulled out a pocket notebook and jotted a few notes. “I’m not saying yes, but I’ll run it by the public safety officer.” He wagged a finger at her. “Don’t say anything to your friends yet. I’ll let you know by tomorrow if it’s a go. If it is, we’ll set it up and make all the arrangements. I do not want this leaking out.”
“Thank you!” Jillian couldn’t help grinning as they said good-bye. If it worked out, the trip would give her just what she needed: a couple of days detached from the city and the machinations of government. Physical exercise and the soothing effect of nature. Time with friends. Just a peaceful, rustic getaway.
The thought of renewing her girlhood camaraderie with Naomi eased her heart. They’d have a chance for a long, private talk on the weekend trip, and they could rebuild the closeness they’d lost.
She tried not to think of Dave and how much fun a canoeing trip would be with him along. But she wouldn’t ever mention his name to the colonel. It would only feed his belief
that Dave had broken regulations and pursued an unethical relationship with her. She had to admit, however, that a part of her was hoping against hope that somehow Dave would be one of the guards assigned to her trip. And not just because he was good at his job.
SEVENTEEN
As Dave sat in the duty room typing his daily report on Monday, he felt someone watching him. He glanced up and stopped typing. Lieutenant Wilson leaned in the doorway, frowning as he looked at him. When Dave caught his eye, the lieutenant straightened and walked toward him.
“Dave, I need a private word with you.”
Dave exhaled slowly. This couldn’t be good. It never was. Suspension? More rumors? Something worse? For weeks he’d kept away from the Blaine House and the Capitol building, doing mundane research and clerk’s duties—background checks on people invited to events where the governor would be present, computerizing old records that hadn’t been touched in twenty years. The closest he’d come to Jillian was taking the SUV to have the oil changed. He’d quit watching the local news. Her frequent appearances on the broadcasts only made his heart ache.
He followed Wilson to his office. The lieutenant closed the door and gestured toward a chair. He sat down behind his desk and picked up a paper clip.
“You got plans for the holiday weekend?”
Dave stared at him. “You got an assignment for me?”
“For real. Overtime, even.”
“Okay, I’m in.”
“You don’t even know what it is yet.”
Dave shrugged. “It’s got to be more exciting than what I’ve been doing for the last few weeks.”
Wilson nodded, unfolding the paper clip and twisting it into a letter S. “Look, you can’t say anything to anyone. This is hush-hush. If you’ve got plans, that’s fine. I’ll get someone else. Though we’re a bit hard up for manpower right now.”
“I heard Mike Hewitt broke his leg yesterday.”
“Yeah. That’s exactly why we need you.” Wilson cleared his throat. “Okay, well, I had to get you cleared for this, but the colonel and I agreed, better you than one of the rookies we just hired. I had Mike signed up for the trip, but—”
“He obviously can’t go now.”
“Right.” Wilson tossed the paper clip down and rubbed his eyebrows. “Stupid motorcycle accident. I keep telling you guys not to do extreme sports on your days off. Anyway. So, you’re in?”
“You said trip. Where am I going?”
Wilson chuckled. “Can’t tell you. It’s a mystery jaunt. Only Ryan Mills and I know so far.”
“Ryan’s in on this?” Dave sat a little straighter. The young detective had been on Blaine House duty since the inauguration. His curiosity was keener than ever now. “What’s going on, Lieutenant?”
Wilson’s lips twitched for a moment before he responded. “This is strictly on the Q.T. The governor needs a minivacation.”
Dave arched his eyebrows, but said nothing. He couldn’t believe that Wilson meant for him to be in Jillian’s proximity again.
“Hey, I tried everyone else who’s eligible. Most of the others never held a canoe paddle in their lives.”
“Canoe paddle?” Dave’s adrenaline jump-started an erratic pulse pattern. The one time he and Jillian discussed canoeing, she’d said she didn’t like white water. Half a dozen possible destinations came to mind. Most likely northern Maine. He grinned at Wilson. “Who else is going?”
“Two of the governor’s old law partners and their spouses. You’ve probably met Margaret Harris and Jon Scribner?”
“Yes. Is that it?”
“Besides the EPU, yeah. Governor Goff invited Naomi Plante, but she’d already made other plans and won’t be back until Sunday. The governor thought about postponing the trip, but the others could make it, and she didn’t know when she’d have the chance again, so we’ve gone ahead and made arrangements. No one will know the ultimate destination until after you leave Friday afternoon.”
“Who are the other officers onboard?”
“Penny—she’s got a little experience kayaking and canoeing. And Jerry Knott. He’s only been with us a few months, but like I said, I’m desperate. And he grew up on Moosehead Lake.”
Dave nodded. “Good.” He didn’t know Jerry well, but what he’d seen of the young man he liked. “It’s a good team.”
“Think so?”
“Sure. Ryan’s in charge?”
“Yes, but you have more wilderness experience. I sounded him out on how he’d feel about us tapping you after Mike broke his leg, and he’s good with it. He’ll be responsible for the governor’s safety. You’ll handle the logistics of the trip—moving the gear, making sure your campsite is safe. And you’ll report in by radio regularly. Penny and Jerry will each be assigned to one of the couples. Of course, if it comes right down to it, you’re all there for the governor. But if the Harrises or the Scribners need help, Penny and Jerry will handle it.”
“Sounds good.”
“The lawyers have to return late Sunday, but the governor wants to stay out until Monday. One of you will have to escort the Harrises and Scribners to the jumping-off point to make sure they get out safely. Not Penny—she doesn’t have enough canoeing experience.” Wilson sighed and slapped the folder shut. “I wish we could send a couple more men, but we’re stretching the budget as it is.”
“We’ll be fine.” Dave smiled at him. “Thanks for giving me the chance.”
“Colonel Smith doesn’t like it, but the truth is, I leaned on the officer who turned you in, and the allegations have been withdrawn.”
Dave’s heart lurched. “Really?”
“Yes. I can’t give you the details, and the colonel is still skeptical, but if you behave yourself, maybe you’ll be off his bad list after this.”
“I wish.”
Wilson shrugged. “Hey, you got a raw deal. But if anyone asks, I never said that.”
Friday evening’s caravan included three vehicles. Ryan drove the SUV carrying Jillian and the Harrises, while Penny rode with Jon and Bette Scribner in their Jeep. Dave and Jerry followed in a Chevy Blazer borrowed from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It lacked the bulletproof glass and other features of the SUV in which the governor traveled, but was more practical and less conspicuous than the Lincoln would have been. It was loaded with gear and carried a canoe on top, as did the other two vehicles.
Dave hummed along with the radio. He’d have to be careful about his contact with Jillian, but he couldn’t deny the anticipation that rose in his heart. Ryan had told the security team their destination only minutes before they left the Blaine House. Instead of Aroostook County, they headed for northern Somerset, where a small, secluded lake bounded by paper company land nestled between mountains.
They rolled through Caratunk about seven o’clock. The sun dropped behind the distant pines and spruces, and when they arrived at their overnight stop an hour later, the light had faded. A snug cabin, sided with knotty pine boards, squatted on the verge of a small, calm lake.
“This camp belongs to Fish and Wildlife,” Ryan said as they climbed out of the vehicles. A woodpile leaned against one side of the cabin, and an open porch with a rough railing jutted out before the front door. “We’ll have it easy tonight. A gas stove to cook on, bunks to sleep in. In the morning, we’ll paddle the length of the lake and take the river at the other end a few miles up to the next pond. There’s one campsite on the far end of it. We’ll start roughing it there.”
“Great,” Eric said.
“We get a lake to ourselves?” Jillian asked.
“That’s right. A paper company owns it, and the only campsite is waiting for us. No one will bother you, Governor.”
Jillian exhaled and hugged herself. “Thank you.” She looked around at Penny, Dave and Jerry. “Thank you all. I appreciate your giving up the holiday weekend to make this possible for me and my friends.”
They all smiled. Dave thought Jillian looked beautiful in dark pants, a striped T-shirt
, zippered navy sweatshirt and hiking boots. Her golden hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He made himself look away before the others caught him staring.
“Hey, we’re having fun, too,” Jerry assured her.
Margaret clapped her hands. “So! What have we got for supper? I’m starved.”
“Steaks,” Ryan said. “Let us make a quick inspection of the camp, and then you can move in.”
Five minutes later, Dave and Jerry carried two coolers inside, while Eric Harris and Jon Scribner began to ferry in the sleeping bags and other gear.
Jillian, Margaret and Bette took over the kitchen with Penny. They cooked supper while the men unloaded the canoes and made preparations for an early-morning departure. Dave radioed headquarters to tell Wilson they had arrived safely.
When Penny called the men inside, Dave told Ryan, “I’ll keep watch out here while you all eat. Just save me something, okay?”
The other men went in, and Dave walked slowly to the water’s edge. Aside from the low murmur of voices from the cabin, the only sound was the sigh of a light breeze in the evergreens. A slap on the water drew his attention to a ripple spreading near one edge of the pond. Must be a beaver lodge over there near the western shore, Dave thought.
He turned and walked stealthily around the cabin, beneath the dark evergreens, then to the front again. He paced between the vehicles and looked down the access road. Leaning against the smooth trunk of a beech tree, he lifted his eyes to the glittering stars. Lord, thank You for letting me come on this trip. Help us to keep her safe, and let her have a good time. Give her some rest, Father.
The breeze caused gentle waves that lapped against the rocky shore. Again he made his solitary circuit of the cabin.
When he came around to the front, someone stood on the porch, leaning on the railing and looking toward the water. The golden hair told him it was Jillian, though the jacket she’d donned camouflaged her figure. His pulse picked up, but he made himself keep walking slowly, deliberately, until he was just below her. She stood above him, resting her forearms on the rail.
Hearts in the Crosshairs Page 14