Tropical Safeguard (Men Of The Secret Service) Read Free

you feel about
her revelation?” Katrina asked. She hoped the young man Maisa had chosen was
worthy, but then again, does a woman really know? She thought she’d chosen
wisely only to be conned by her ex’s savvy reputation and deceiving charm. He
began their relationship with roses, wine, fine dining, and plenty of positive
attention that had soured the minute she’d agreed to move in with him. From
that point, a harsh comment here, a judgmental remark there, and her confidence
had slowly degraded until she was a shell of her former strong self.
    “I think she’s a grown
woman now and I have to accept her decisions – but I still worry. At least
he has a promising job. Not like the last guy.”
    Jacque slid the plates
into the warmer. “So you are smiling and happy, yet I still see lines of worry
on your forehead.” He frowned and shrugged his shoulders, “What is a mother to
do?”
    “I know what will take
those worry lines away. A good meditation session with me on the beach,”
Katrina said with enthusiasm.
    “But you just got back
from the beach.”
    “Listen, the group will
be arriving any moment and lunch won’t be served for forty-five minutes. We
have plenty of time.”
    Gloria stared. Katrina
could tell she was tempted. “Well, I could use some meditation to clear my mind
and put everything into perspective. Let’s do it.”
    “I will be thinking of
you ladies as I whip this kitchen into a frenzy. Ah, je suis fou!” Jacque
clapped his hands and rubbed them in readiness. “And please, don’t be late for
lunch.”

 
 
 
 
    Chapter Two
    The
SUVs pulled up to the iron security gate and Damien, the driver of Cole’s
vehicle, punched in a code. The gate slowly receded and both SUVs entered the
long winding driveway. Cole gawked at the lavish landscaping that led to a
sprawling golf course at the right of the grand mansion. He could easily be a
tourist here, but this was business. From the passenger seat, he scanned the
perimeter of the grounds, making a mental note of the stone wall and the
security cameras hiding in the foliage at the gate. Looking in the side mirror,
he counted how long it took the rot-iron gate to close behind the second SUV.
    “Wow, this place is awesome!” Jimmy
hopped up and down in his seat. His eleven-year-old energy was palpable.
    “Not a bad home-away-from-home,”
Secretary Mitchell said. He looked over at the nanny, Trudy, and she nodded
eagerly.
    “It certainly beats the snow,” she said
with a warm smile.
    “You’ve been here before, haven’t you
Dad?” Jimmy strained to look at his surroundings with excitement.
    “Yes, son, with your Mom quite a while
ago when Mr. and Mrs. Winters first had the place built.”
    Cole noticed the man’s attempt to hide his
melancholy for his son’s sake,   wondering if being here would be difficult for The Secretary
emotionally, having lost his wife three years ago.
    “Mom must have loved it. Can we swim
lots?”
    “Sure. And lots of golfing too, right?”
    “Right!”
    “I’d love to teach you a few things about
the game.”
    “Can you teach me how to surf too?” Jimmy
asked.
    “Um, well, we’ll see, Jimmy. I don’t
think your old man can even get to a standing position on a surfboard, but I’m
always willing to try anything once. Especially if you want me to.”
    “Cool, I knew you’d be up for it, Dad!”
Jimmy bounced and patted Secretary Mitchell on the shoulder.
    Cole found Jimmy’s energy amusing and
refreshing. He seemed so authentic and genuine. Cole had met other privileged
children along the way and this boy wasn’t spoiled in the least. Other’s seemed
to possess a sense of entitlement, but Jimmy was different. Secretary Mitchell
had done a great job in raising him under the circumstances of his wealth and
celebrity – and in the absence of a mother.
    The SUVs came to rest at the top of a
roundabout beside the mansion’s entrance. Getting out, Cole stood aside,
looking around at the