This Hero for Hire. Cynthia Thomason

have six bedrooms in this house. As long as Boone picks one near yours...and stays there, I’ll be satisfied.” He pointed a finger at Boone. “Just remember, son, I know your mama and daddy.”

      Susannah wondered what communication procedures her father had set up between him and Boone. Was the cop expected to report her comings and goings every day? She knew if the governor had had his way and installed his own security team in the house, she wouldn’t have had a chance to pursue her goal with Cyrus Braddock. His men would report everything to their boss on a daily basis.

      She apparently was going to have to live with this arrangement, so maybe she could make a friendly adversary of Boone, if not a friend in the truest sense of the word. At least he might not run to his boss with every single detail about her activities. After all, they were both pawns in her father’s scheme. More important, because her plan involved Boone’s grandfather, she had to establish a cordial line of communication between her and the cop.

      She stuck out her hand and smiled, though the effort almost made her lips hurt. “I guess I should welcome you to our home, Officer. This is going to be interesting.”

      He hesitated as if he feared she’d magically shoot a fire bolt from her palm. But then he took her hand and held it. Not really a shake, but more a gentle acceptance of the inevitable as fellow victims of gubernatorial manipulations. “I thought we decided earlier that you’d call me Boone.”

      “Fine, Boone. I’m not going to cook meals like this every night,” she said. “And I won’t cook meat, ever. You will have kitchen privileges, but you should know your way around an oven.”

      “Okay.”

      “And I don’t abide messes. Clean up after yourself and don’t expect the housekeeper to trail after you picking up your dirty socks.”

      “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

      Now she wondered if he was actually beginning to enjoy this. He’d undergone a transformation in the past few minutes. When he’d arrived at the front door, he’d looked much like a deer in headlights. Now he exuded a confidence that bordered on cocky. And oddly, she found herself drawn to this side of Boone. He wasn’t a pushover. As long as she could get him on her side...

      He stood. “If we’re done here, Governor, I think I’ll pass on dessert. I’ve got to pack a bag. I’ll be here when you call tomorrow afternoon. I have a few chores to attend to at my grandfather’s place in the morning.”

      “You’re going to your grandfather’s?” she asked. This was the chance she needed. Arriving for a meeting with Cyrus accompanied by the old man’s grandson could be a real bonus. “I’d like to ride along if that’s okay.”

      “You want to go to my grandfather’s? It’s on the other side of town.”

      “I know. Remember earlier when I told you I’ve always thought that piece of property was especially lovely? And tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day. A nice drive would be a good chance for us to get to know each other better.” And a great chance for her to let Cyrus Braddock see what buddies she was with his grandson.

      “I think that’s a fine idea,” Albee said. “You two kids get together in the morning, and I’ll talk to you before I leave about election issues, Susie.”

      She walked Boone to the door. Yes, she could make this work. A bit of charm, an appearance of cooperation. She might even persuade Boone to her way of thinking.

      “See you tomorrow, Boone,” she said. “I look forward to seeing your grandfather again. I remember him from when I was a little girl and he brought the ponies to the fair.” And I’m almost one hundred percent certain that he and I will make a deal on that level piece of property.

      Boone’s eyes narrowed and grew a dark, almost forest green. “You won’t see my grandfather, Susannah.”

      “Why not?”

      “He died almost three weeks ago.”

      “What?” She gripped the doorframe. Her mind raced. Despite her shock, she had to say something appropriate. “I...I’m sorry to hear that.” If he only knew.

      “Thanks. His passing was very unexpected. I’ll pick you up at eight.”