Banning's Woman

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  Chris laughed. “You don’t have to twist my arm. It’s been a long time since anyone other than the waitress at Tony’s has cooked for me.”

  “What about your mother?” Kate looked up as he settled himself beside Bren.

  “She’s dead.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Chris.” She passed him the platter of eggs. “And your father?”

  “He’s dead, too.”

  Cam glanced over. “You mean you have no family at all?”

  “That’s right.”

  Chris could see, by the look on Cam’s face, that he was having trouble imagining such a thing. Now that he’d met the Lassiter family, Chris could understand why. When surrounded by a brash, noisy herd, it must be next to impossible to picture a lone wolf. The thought had him smiling. Wasn’t that how he’d always seen himself?

  Beside him, Bren found herself thinking about Chris’s birth parents. How tragic that they would never get to know the fine man who had completely transformed himself from the angry boy they’d deserted. They had failed him. Miserably. But they hadn’t defeated him. Like a phoenix he’d risen from the ashes of their misery.

  “More coffee, lass?” Kieran hovered beside her chair.

  “No, thanks, Pop.” She shoved away from the table. “I really do have to get going. I have a committee meeting in less than an hour.”

  Chris drained his cup and followed her lead. He offered his hand to Kieran. “That was a great breakfast. And so was the dinner last night.”

  “Glad you enjoyed it, boyo.” The old man gave him a long, level look. “You’ll see to our lass?”

  Chris met his eyes before nodding. “You know I will.”

  “One more thing, boyo.” Kieran cleared his throat. “It was grand seeing a uniform in this house again. It’s been such a long time and—” the old man shrugged, suddenly overcome “—I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it.”

  From her position by the door Bren saw her mother wipe a tear from her eye.

  Kate scraped back her chair. “I hope the two of you are planning on staying here until this is resolved.”

  Chris glanced at Kate and saw her reluctant nod. “I was hoping you’d insist. As long as you don’t mind the extra work, I think it’s the wisest thing to do.”

  “Work?” Kieran scowled. “When it involves family, boyo, it isn’t work. It’s a labor of love.”

  Chris broke into a wide smile. “Then I guess we’ll see you tonight.” He followed Bren out the door.

  When they were in his car, he turned the ignition before glancing over at her. “You were right.”

  “About what?”

  “About your family. This has been quite an experience.”

  She laughed as he started along the quiet street. “You’re just being polite. Admit it. Aren’t you thinking that the Lassiters are a unique breed, unlike anything you’ve ever met before?”

  He joined in her laughter. “You got that right.”

  As he turned into traffic he added, “You’re lucky, Bren. We don’t get to choose our families. But the one chosen for you is pretty special.”

  She fell silent, watching as he maneuvered through morning rush hour. She found herself wondering what her life would have been like if she’d been abandoned by the people she trusted and had had to fend for herself in a system that failed more often than it succeeded.

  A sobering thought as she tried to mentally prepare herself for the coming day. Though she resented the thought of having Chris hovering around her, she couldn’t deny that she found it comforting to know she wouldn’t be alone.

  Alone.

  She glanced at Chris, seeing in that stern, chiseled profile, something she hadn’t noticed before. Had she mistaken loneliness for anger? Did all that charm hide a lonely heart?

  She pushed aside her thoughts and picked up her briefcase as Chris turned the car into a parking slot. She would need a clear head if she hoped to make a dent in the mountain of paperwork awaiting her in her office.

  For once she was grateful for the work. There wouldn’t be time to dwell on other things. Like a gunman, possibly a cop trained to kill, who could be stalking her this very minute.

  Chapter 13

  “There she is!”

  “Wait, Congresswoman Lassiter.”

  As Bren started up the steps she was met by a sea of reporters and photographers, all vying for her attention.

  “Congresswoman Lassiter, is it true that someone has targeted you for revenge?”

  Caught by surprise, Bren looked over the faces of the men and women who had congregated so tightly around her it was impossible to move. For the space of a heartbeat she felt a rush of panic. Then, feeling a hand on her arm, she looked over to see Chris beside her, his steely gaze scanning the crowd.

  His presence had a calming effect.

  She took in a long, slow breath. “There was an incident, but I wasn’t physically harmed. It appears that someone has gone to a lot of trouble to try to frighten me.”

  A microphone was thrust toward her. “Can you tell us what the incident was, Ms. Lassiter?”

  “I’d rather not go into detail. As I said, I wasn’t harmed.”

  “Do you think this is related to your committee’s investigation of the police department?”

  “I think this is related to the fact that I have a very high-profile job. I suppose it comes with the territory.”

  A reporter with patent-leather hair and a booming voice that could be heard above the din shouted, “What steps are you taking to protect yourself, Congresswoman?”

  “You don’t really think I’d reveal my strategy, do you, Russ?”

  At her easy laughter, many in the crowd joined in.

  “I see a police officer beside you,” the man shouted. “Are we to assume that he’s been assigned for your protection?”

  “You know better than to assume anything in this town, Russ.” Seeing that she had won them over with humor she held up her hands for silence. “I’m awfully glad that you’re all here this morning to help me get out the message that I will not be intimidated by threats. Now if you don’t mind, I have a job to do.”

  Because they had their lead story, the crowd parted, allowing Bren to move smartly away. Chris kept pace beside her, all of his senses alert to the fact that any one of these people could be hiding a handgun. In a crowd of this size, with sunlight glinting off microphones and camera lenses, all he could do was be prepared to take the bullet meant for Bren.

  And he would, in a heartbeat.

  By the time they were moving along the halls of Congress, he was sweating. Even then he couldn’t relax. Every doorway, every bend in the hallway, offered the perfect opportunity for a gunman. Recent events had proven that all the security in the world couldn’t deter a criminal bent on destruction.

  When they reached Bren’s office he held the door, his gaze scanning the hallway behind them.

  “Good morning.” Juana turned from the TV monitor. “I just saw you on the morning news.”

  Chris planted himself beside her desk. “Ms. Sanchez, I’ll need you to screen everyone who enters Bren’s offices. If you don’t recognize them, they don’t come in. Understood?”

  She gave him a dazzling smile. “I knew there was a reason why I liked you, Captain.” She glanced at Bren. “Did you know the media would be waiting?”

  Bren shook her head as she continued toward her inner office.

  Behind her Chris muttered, “That was a media ambush, pure and simple.”

  Juana nodded. “Public officials are considered fair game.”

  Once inside, out of view of the others, Bren touched a hand to his arm. “There’s no sense getting angry.”

  His eyes narrowed with fury. “Are you serious? Don’t get mad? Somebody leaked this to the press. I’d bet everything I own that it was our guy. This is all a game with him. He craves the publicity.”

  Bren nodded. “I know. And now he has it. There’s nothing we can do but make the best of it.�
��

  “And hope this guy doesn’t try something even more outrageous, just to feed that ego. Or maybe encourage a dozen copycats to crawl out of the woodwork.”

  Bren pushed her intercom. When Juana’s voice came on, Bren asked, “How much time before my first committee meeting?”

  “Fifteen minutes.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be ready.” Bren sighed as she looked at her appointment schedule. “It would have been nice to have a little time to prepare.”

  Chris was pacing off his anger. “You would have had the time if it hadn’t been for our friendly creep inviting the press to a party.”

  She walked up beside him and lay a hand on his cheek. “I know you’re upset on my behalf—”

  “Upset?” He gave an angry huff, then caught himself and closed a hand over hers. She could see him fighting with every breath to bank his temper. “Sorry. That wasn’t professional.”

  “No.” She smiled. “It was personal.”

  “Yeah. It’s personal. And that’s something new for me.”

  “Me, too.”

  He rubbed his lips over hers. “Do you think we have time for…?”

  She was already laughing and shaking her head in disbelief. “Men. Didn’t you hear? I have colleagues coming here in a few minutes.”

  “You can’t blame a guy for trying.” He brushed a kiss over the tip of her nose. “Okay. Get to work, Congresswoman. Until this guy is caught, I’m as much a part of you as your shadow.”

  For some, familiarity might breed contempt. For Chris it brought respect for the amount of work Bren was able to complete in a single day. Her energy was boundless. Her enthusiasm contagious. She had a way of persuading, cajoling, and occasionally bullying to get her fellow Congressmen in line over her pet issues.

  It had never occurred to him that she was involved in so many activities. A presidential commission. An oversight committee on waste and government spending. And, of course, the committee looking into his own police department. Though she was bound to be feeling intimidated by the threat, she hadn’t slacked off in her determination to go ahead with the investigation. She had made that clear to the committee today when they’d met in her office.

  Now, after sharing lunch together in the congressional dining room, Bren and Chris were walking along the hallway when Chris heard the ringing of his cell phone.

  “Banning here.”

  “Chris.” The booming voice of Police Chief Roger Martin had him wincing as he held the receiver away from his ear. “I have some interesting information here. I’d like to share it with you. Could you be in my office within the hour?”

  Chris frowned. “As you know, I’m on special assignment.”

  “I’m well aware of that. But since this is pertinent to your assignment, I think you’ll want to look at this.”

  “I’m on my way.” Chris escorted Bren inside her suite of offices, then waited until she’d closed the door to her inner office before saying, “I have to leave you alone. I don’t like it, but I’m sure you heard the chief.”

  She laughed. “Along with half the people walking along the hallway. Is he always that loud?”

  Despite his frustration at having to leave her, Chris managed a smile. “He always comes across like a drill sergeant. He can rip an ear off at twenty paces.”

  “I’m sure it’s most effective when he’s dressing down an errant officer.”

  Chris laughed. “The funny thing is, when he’s really mad, his voice is so soft you can hardly hear him.” He touched a hand to her arm. “I don’t know how long this will take, but I’ll be back as soon as I can manage. In the meantime…”

  “I know.” She glanced at the phone ringing on her desk. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “Promise.” She moved to her desk and picked up the phone.

  Chris opened her door, then turned for one last word of caution. Seeing Bren already deep in conversation with a colleague, he pointed to his cell phone. Seeing her slight nod, he closed her door.

  In the outer office he paused beside Juana’s desk. “Keep screening her visitors.”

  The older woman nodded, then reached for her phone, snatching it up on the second ring.

  As Chris walked away he heard her saying, “I’m sorry. Congresswoman Lassiter is tied up on another call at the moment. Would you like to hold, or would you rather she return your call when she’s free?”

  Free.

  He was still frowning as he started along the hallway. Congresswoman Lassiter wouldn’t be free until this nutcase was behind bars. Until then, he had an uneasy feeling about leaving her unguarded for even a little while.

  Bren stuck her head out of her office and glanced around, seeing that she and Juana were the only ones left.

  “Have you heard from Captain Banning?”

  Juana shook her head. “Not a word.”

  “I’ve tried his cell phone a dozen times.” Bren blew out a breath of annoyance. “No answer.”

  Both women looked up as the door opened. Trevor Sinclair, looking dashing in a crisp, starched uniform, gave one of his dazzling smiles.

  “Good evening, Congresswoman.”

  “Trevor.” She nodded toward her assistant. “This is Juana Sanchez. Juana, this is Officer Trevor Sinclair.”

  “Ms. Sanchez.” Leaving the door open, he strolled closer and offered a handshake, before glancing around. “I thought I’d find Chris here.”

  “He got a call from the chief. But I expected him back long before this.”

  Trevor arched a brow. “You’re alone? Then I guess I’ll just stay here until Chris gets back.”

  “There’s no need…” Bren’s words trailed off as she caught sight of the hulking form of Noah Swale outside her door.

  Seeing the direction of her gaze, Trevor motioned toward her inner office. “Why don’t you two go inside? I’ll see what Noah wants.”

  Bren was only too happy to take refuge. Catching Juana’s hand, she pulled her along. A few minutes later Trevor returned, looking grim.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I don’t want either of you ladies to worry.” With an effort he forced himself to smile. “It’s just that Officer Swale couldn’t seem to come up with a good reason for being here.” He went silent for a moment, deep in thought, before saying, “Look. Why don’t I escort both of you to your cars. I’d feel a whole lot better once you’re safely locked inside your vehicles.”

  Juana glanced at Bren before saying, “I planned on staying with Congresswoman Lassiter until Captain Banning returned.”

  Trevor glanced at his watch. “Half the building has already emptied. Before long only the night guard will be here.” He turned to Bren. “I’d be happy to drive you to wherever you want to go, after we’ve escorted Ms. Sanchez to her car.”

  When Bren hesitated, he added ominously, “I hate the thought of the two of you alone here, especially with Swale lurking somewhere nearby.”

  Bren shivered. “Chris asked me to wait. I think we should stay here. Would you mind staying with us?”

  He shook his head, his smile quick and easy. “I’ll just check in with the chief.” He turned away and punched in a series of num bers on his cell phone, then said softly, “I’m here with… How soon?” He paused. “Look. I can’t just leave the congresswoman and her assistant here alone. Can this wait?” Another pause before he said, “All right. Then I have no choice but to drive the congresswoman home before I head back to the department.”

  He tucked his cell phone in his pocket and turned with a smile. “The chief agrees that I ought to take you home. Then I’m needed back at the squad room.”

  Bren and Juana retrieved their belongings from their desks, then followed Trevor from the office. As their heels beat a steady tattoo along the empty hallway, Bren kept turning to glance over her shoulder. She thought she saw a hulking shadow in a doorway. When she looked again it was gone.

  By the time they had
accompanied Juana to her car, Bren’s heart was in her throat.

  When Juana drove away Trevor took hold of Bren’s arm and walked with her to his waiting police car. Once inside she fastened her seat belt and leaned her head back as the car eased out of the parking slot.

  He turned to her. “Where to, Congresswoman?”

  “I’m staying at my mother’s in Chevy Chase. I’ll give you directions as we go.”

  The day had long ago faded into dusk. A strong wind whipped red and orange leaves into a whirling dance as they sped along the street. Bren could feel her breathing beginning to ease, and realized for the first time just how tense she’d been feeling. She knew Chris would never have left her alone all this time without a good reason.

  She turned to Trevor. “I’m really glad you happened along when you did.”

  “Yeah. Me, too.”

  She hesitated, then asked, “Is there bad blood between you and Noah Swale?”

  “Not that I know of.” He gave her a boyish grin. “If you ask me, though, he’s just mad at the world. It happens, sometimes, to guys who stay on the streets too long. They see the whole world as the enemy. Look at the way he treated you at our charity dinner.”

  He turned where she indicated, then followed a street lined with comfortable old houses until she pointed.

  “This is where you’re staying?”

  She nodded.

  He turned off the ignition and hurried around to open her door. As they climbed the steps, she paused at the door to thank him. Just then the door was yanked open, and she looked up. “Pop. I was just about to thank this young officer for driving me home.”

  Kieran glanced around. “Where’s Captain Banning?”

  “I don’t know. He was called away and never returned. So Trevor offered to step in and bring me here.”

  “My thanks, young man.” Kieran stood aside. “Come in. The least I can do is offer you some dinner.”

  Bren was already shaking her head. “Trevor has to be back at the station within the hour.”

  “That’s right. But thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer.”

  He backed away and returned to his car. Before Kieran could close the door, a second pair of headlights turned into the driveway.