###
“It’s been years since someone took a shot at me.” Lisa said hours later joining the family in the family room, “Not since Hozenbur took that shot at me on the developmental ship. I didn’t even have a gun I could fire back at the closer with. Even if I did, I haven’t had any range time in years. I doubt I could have been effective with it anyways. Poor Georgia,” Lisa felt extremely guilty that someone had gotten hurt because of her.
“Don’t worry about Georgia,” Mike said he was sitting next to her on the sofa. “She’s not that hurt, and you did more for her than anyone could have done.”
“I know Mike,” Lisa said, “But damn it! She shouldn’t have to be a target for me! Why is my life any more important than hers?”
Wilson thought for a moment then said, “In the scheme of things one life is not more important than someone else’s. Sometimes certain people are blessed with positions of responsibility that makes what they do important to all us. So they get the benefits of body guards, and such.”
“But surely that young lady’s life isn’t to be thrown away.” Lisa said at a lost to understand why Georgia would do what she did. She had known instinctively the men and women around her had sworn an oath to let no harm come to her or her family, and to possibly give their lives so her family might live. She had never thought that it would ever happen.
“Mom,” Jill over hearing what her parents were talking about interrupted, “I’ve gotten to know Jenny well. She’s like an aunt in some ways. We got to talking about this protective business. I wanted to understand what it was about and why she would put herself in harm’s way for me. I don’t know if I can explain it, mostly because Jenny said it much more elegantly than maybe I can.”
Jill had her step mother’s full attention. “It isn’t that they want to die, or that they are ready to die. It’s that they know if they can make it harder to kill you or me or Abby, then they have done their jobs, and they look at dying for one of us as an honor. An honor they hope and pray and train all their days not to have to fulfill. Jenny saw how much it bothered me, and she said that some of their protectees should be thrown in the dung heap. They are a pain and they treat the details as so much furniture. If you pin Mac or Georgia down, they will say that they much prefer us than they do some of the others. Jenny told me she has had on occasion to escort a nobleman’s children. The children were spoiled and cause more problems than she was too professional to discuss. But they like us.”
That sobered Lisa some more. She was now bound and determined that she would make it up to Georgia for taking fire for her.
Jenny was standing post just outside the family room where the family was lounging. The door was open and she heard everything the family was discussing. She thought about saying something. Then decided not to, the girl had mostly gotten it right.
“Francine,” Lisa called softly.
“Yes my lady,” Francine entered the family room a few minutes later.
“Would you see to it that an invitation is extended to the detail, their wives, husbands, and families to dine with us on the terrace this Saturday?” Lisa said, “I assume that their girlfriends and boyfriends have been cleared?” Francine nodded. “Maggie,”
“Here Mistress,” Maggie stepped into the family room carrying a carafe of tea and glasses for all present.
“I want to have an old fashioned cook out for the detail. And Francine, this is just for us, but that includes Mylea and Lamile, and the Queen. I want this to be a family affair. The theme is thank you.”
“Yes ma’am,” Francine said approvingly.
“Also would you ask Georgia to meet me in the study if she feels up to it sometime tomorrow, morning or afternoon? I don’t care. We have some photos to go over.” Lisa said. As the servants left and they were alone again. “Jill, thank you!”
Every Last Mother's Child Page 99
