Zeke got a text that night while making himself some supper. Please pick me up in the morning at 12 Manorshire Drive in Brighton.
So, the mayor had a love life. Hmm, this must be related to why she asked him to sign a disclosure agreement. None of his business, he guessed. He’d guarded politicians who had extracurricular liaisons and some of them were off the sleaze chart.
What was his business was to find ways to see Hannah. He was obsessed with her and didn’t like the feeling. But he’d told her the truth. He’d never forgotten her. And he’d made the decision to come after her, so he wasn’t about to back away now.
The timer went off and he opened the oven, removed his cheeseburger and slid it onto a plate. He dumped steamed green beans next to the meat and sat down to eat at his own table which he’d gotten out of storage.
The meal was plain, but nourishing. Zeke had to stay in shape, so he ate well and exercised by running outside and lifting hand weights. Pretty soon, he’d join a gym.
As he dug in, Zeke read the open file on the table.
To start his security company, he needed an application, which he’d already sent in. He’d have to wait 21 days. When he got the approval, he’d complete the registration and tax stuff for the company.
Third, he needed a fixed, immovable office location. Tomorrow, he planned to meet the landlord of a store on Main Street. The space was small but all he needed right now. He was anxious to see the inside.
Next was his 1-year business plan, which he’d been compiling for a while.
Reading that over, he just finished the juicy burger and al dente beans, when the doorbell rang. Who’d come to see him? Maybe Hannah. He strode to the foyer and flung open the door.
It wasn’t Hannah.
“Sasha, this is unexpected.”
She held up a basket of heavenly smelling dough and sugar. “I brought you a neighborly gift.” The corners of her mouth turned down. “I can feel your disappointment that it’s me and not Hannah.”
“Some. Come on in. Despite that, I’m real glad to see you.”
After she got inside, he showed her to the kitchen table. “In time for dessert,” he said smiling.
She sat. He cleared the dishes and slid his papers to the end of the table. Then he joined her, reaching over and squeezed her hand. She seemed taken aback.
“What?” he asked.
“The affection is so not like you.”
“Sasha, I haven’t laid eyes on you since you were fifteen. You’re double the age now. And let me say, you’re as pretty as a Carolina sunrise.”
Laughing she said, “I guess I have grown up.”
“Into a lovely lady. Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thanks. We’re ecstatic to be together after the danger of the mob.”
“I wish I’d been here to help.”
She cocked her head and those violet eyes were even more piercing than ever. “Why, Zeke?”
“Have you talked to Hannah?”
“Yes, we all know you came to Rockford. But I want to hear it from you.”
“I made a huge mistake in dumpin’ her to get ahead in the Secret Service. I got too big for my britches and now I’m sorrier than I can say. I knew I’d done the wrong thing soon after, since I couldn’t stop thinkin’ about her. After a while, I found a way to bury those feelings. But I never really forgot about her and I want her back.”
Sasha squeezed his hand then let go. “I know you’re telling the truth.”
“Those feelings still with you? Man, they spooked your parents.”
“They spooked me at first.”
“And as for Hannah? You gonna help me convince her to give me a second chance?”
“No, Zeke. I’m not.”
That startled him. “Why not?”
“Because you have no idea the damage you caused. Not only did you shred her heart at the time, but she’s never been in a long-term relationship with a guy.”
“I’m sorry I hurt her.” But her words made him hopeful that she didn’t have any boyfriends.
You stupid shit, thinking that.
“You should be ashamed,” Sasha went on. “Anyway, she’s started to date again. And I don’t trust you. You could get tired of small town living and ditch her again. Which I refuse to let happen without trying to derail the relationship at the start.”
“I left the Secret Service, so I’m not goin’ back to Washington.” He gestured to the papers he’d pushed aside. “All that is what I need to set up my own security firm here in Rockford. I’ve been workin’ on the plan for months.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. So stay. But leave Hannah alone.”
“If you can feel my true motives, how you can say that?”
“Because I was terrified by how hurt Hannah was.” Her voice raised a bit. “I’m sorry Zeke, but you’re not good for her.”
“That’s not up to you to decide that.”
“I won’t support it. Hannah will listen to me, once the other girls get on board.”
He remembered how, even fifteen years ago, when the Manwaring women banded together against something, they were near impossible to stop.
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind, Sash?”
“I’ll believe you finally got some integrity if you leave town now.”
“I told you I won’t do that. I’m all set to stay.”
“It’s too bad you still don’t have her best interest at heart. Most people in love do.” She stood. “I’m sick inside because I know I’ve hurt you, but I had to come.” Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. “Think about what I said.” And with that, she left the house.
* * *
Hannah answered the front door. A young woman smiled up at her. “Hi, I’m Nell Blackstone. We talked on the phone.”
“Um, hi.”
A grin. “You’re surprised at how small I am. But I have more muscles than most men. I’m very strong and can do this job.” Not only was she short, but she sported pixy-style red hair and her face was dotted with freckles.
Hannah nodded. “Let’s talk.”
They settled at the kitchen table. “I already know your background from your resumé. You’re an Ag student at Cornell, and need internship hours.” Much like Danny had said he was, though he’d been lying. This time she knew the background was true because she’d called Cornell for a recommendation of someone who could start right away. Nell Blackstone was first on the list.
“Yep, I’m an ag student.”
“You’ve worked on a farm before.”
“Yes, Hannah, I have. As my resumé said, I grew up on a farm near Rockford. Mom and Dad are getting on in years, and I’m planning to take over.”
“Why aren’t you getting your hours from them?”
“Cornell won’t allow hours on a family farm to count. But I would’ve found somebody else anyway because I’m hoping to learn new things from you.”
They talked more. Hannah was impressed by the woman’s confidence and her outgoing personality. She also already knew a lot about sustainable farming. At the end of their discussion, Hannah asked, “Will you have time to do chores at your own farm and to work for me?”
“I will. My parents are in their late fifties and still take care of the farm, at least until I graduate, which is a year away.”
Hannah was desperate for help, so she said, “Are you up for a trial run?”
“Absolutely.”
“We’ll tackle today’s chores together today, and I’ll show you what your responsibilities would be. Then we’ll talk.”
Nell gestured to her jeans and shirt. “I have overalls in the car, gloves, some tools.”
“Great, haul them out back. We’ll start with Trouble.”
“Excuse me?”
“That’s my goat’s name.”
“Ominous.” That’s what Zeke had said.
“I’ll tell you about her when we’re outside.”
Hannah was grateful for the distraction Nell provided. She’d been thinking about Zeke since she saw him after her date. Since that electric kiss. The best solution she could come up with was to somehow get used to him being in town without her wanting to throw herself at him.
Nell came around to the back. She’d already donned her overhauls.
Hannah said, “This is Trouble. She might like you, she might not. Let’s see.”
As they got close, Trouble started bleating to beat the band.
“Let me approach her alone.” Nell crossed to the pen. Trouble started to stomp her foot and kept up the noise.
It all stopped when Nell reached her. “Hey, Trouble,” she said in a melodious voice. “We’re going to get along fine.”
Trouble actually ducked her head. Smelled her hand, then— oh my goodness, she moved in and nuzzled Nell’s chest.
“Wow, she’s never done that before, even with the women she knows.”
As Nell set up the pails and stool and milked the goat, Hannah busied herself raking the backyard. And thought of Zeke. And Eric, who she texted yesterday…
I’m so sorry about our last time together. I guess I wasn’t ready to go that far.
I pushed for it. I’m sorry, too. Why don’t we just have some fun together until you are ready?
“Hannah? I’m done with Trouble. She and I are going to be friends.”
“Super.” She put down the rake. “Let’s go out front and pick some vegetables and cherries.”
“Will you can or freeze today? I know how to do both from Internet videos but I’m anxious to be taught the ins and outs of the process. My parents don’t do much of that.” She was thoughtful. “And I want to learn how to pasteurize her milk.”
Hannah liked Nell more and more as the morning wore on. When they finished, she said, “Coffee, tea or water?”
“Water would be great.”
“Let’s sit over there under the tree.” She fetched water for them both, then said, “I’m impressed, Nell. You whipped right through morning chores. In the afternoon, we usually pasteurize, make cheese or can and freeze.”
“Sounds great”
“Tomorrow, I’ll bring the vegetables, fruits and milk to the co-op. Later in the week, we’ll supply the Rockford Nutrition Center with food, too.” The center fed homeless people a meal every day.
“I’m very interested in seeing that too. Helping with it.” Nell cocked her head. “Will I be going to the co-op with you?”
Hannah laughed. “Yes, Nell, you’re hired.”
* * *
“Good morning, Madam Mayor.” Zeke stood outside an upscale condo in the east side of town, holding the door to the car. He’d dressed down in navy pants and an untucked white gauzy shirt. She wore a pretty mauve suit.
“Good morning, Zeke.” She slid into the back seat, he closed her in, got behind the wheel and started driving. “The office?” he asked.
“Yes. Though I do have an outside meeting later in the morning.”
He kept driving.
After ten minutes, she said, “This is why I asked you to sign the nondisclosure agreement.”
“I figured.”
“He’s a…man I care about.”
“Well, that’s mighty fine. Everybody should have someone to care about.” He glanced in the mirror. “In that way.”
“Do you? You mentioned having history with the Manwarings.”
“I do. I care about one of the daughters, Hannah.”
“Is the feeling mutual?”
“Unfortunately, it was, but I blew it. She says she never wants to see me again.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Much obliged, ma’am. Me, too. But I’m not lettin’ it stop me.”
Soon, they drove into her parking space behind the City Building. Again, he helped her out and escorted her to the office. They greeted Martha Macon, her assistant, who sat outside her office. “Schedule’s on your computer,” Martha told her. “Anything else you need?”
“Not yet. Thanks.”
They walked inside and Reagan sat at her desk. “You can’t stand behind me all day, Zeke.”
He’d have to stand at attention if this was a Secret Service assignment, but he had leeway with this job. “I can sit on the couch.”
“Do you have anything to do?”
“I’m here to watch you.”
“Sit down, have some coffee.”
He obeyed, grabbed a mugful and dropped down on the couch. She took her seat behind the desk and computer. Soon, she said, “I’ll be going to a local grocery store at ten.”
“May I ask why?”
“Businesses are struggling in this economy. I’m meeting random owners and managers to discuss how the government can help them out.”
“Good idea. Can you shoot your schedule to my phone?”
“Right now.”
He read through the document when it arrived. At eight, people started wandering into the conference room which had an entrance from the hallway and from her office. That door was ajar so he could see them arrive.
“You ready for this?” she asked him.
“Yeah, sure.”
“There are some people who don’t like my fiscal conservatism.”
“But that’s why you were elected.”
“Still…”
“Well, my other protectees had tough meetings. I’m used to them.” Especially Jim Manwaring. He’d guarded the president his last year when he had a meeting with the Russian president.
They headed into the room. Zeke took a chair in the corner. She handed out name cards so he could identify people. They indicated those present were the Deputy Mayor, Director of Special Projects, Martha, her assistant, an Ethics Chair, her Communications Manager, Budget Director and the fire and police chiefs.
“Hello, everyone,” Reagan said after they were all settled. “The name cards are for Zeke Carter…” she gestured to him “…a former Secret Service Agent, and part of my security detail. You’re used to this, from Mayor Jordan, correct?”
They nodded or greeted Zeke.
“Today, I’d like to brainstorm special projects so you can add them into your budget when it’s submitted.”
Someone came to the hall doorway. “Am I late?” A tall, skinny man, dressed in casual clothes, interrupted her.
“Yes, Harry, you’re late. But we’re just getting started.”
Zeke checked the schedule. This must be Harry Bush, an editor of the Rockford Sentinel. The new mayor prided herself on transparency. But she’d implied he had it out for her
Before she could speak again, he asked, “Who’s the new guy?”
“I’ve already introduced him. Zeke Carter. My bodyguard.”
“You got enemies, Madame Mayor?”
You, Zeke guessed.
“If you have questions, you can stay after the meeting and ask me what you missed. Now, for my agenda.”
The police chief, Cal Young, spoke first. He’d been in office for a year and was in his mid-forties. “I’d like a new initiative for my police force, one similar to what the fire department has.”
Chief Jake Scarlatta, also a new chief for about as long, asked, “You mean the Family Assistance Network?” A support organization for the families of firefighters.
“Right.”
“I’m open to that,” Reagan told him. “If we can fit it in our next year’s budget. Let’s hear the details.”
That discussion was interesting. Ideas for other projects were put forth, and by the end, they had five new suggestions.
The meeting ended after ninety minutes. Reagan kept to the time frame and everyone left by 10:30. Except for the reporter. He approached her. “So, how come you need a bodyguard?”
“Mayor Jordan advised me to after what happened to her and the recent events with organized crime. She put it in the budget for this year.”
“Yeah? Seems kind of overkill. Unless you have specific concerns.”
“If I do, I won’t share them with your newspaper. That would be confidential information.”
“You claim transparency. Or was that an empty campaign promise?”
“I’m transparent in all things related to programs. I know how much you like to dig into my private life.” She checked her watch. “I have to end this conversation, Harry. I have an appointment in fifteen minutes.”
“Sure thing, Madame Mayor. See ya around.”
When they were alone, she turned to Zeke. “He’s a pest. He was against me in the mayoral race. He wrote articles in the Sentinel supporting my opponent and ignored me as a candidate. Luckily the managing editor assigned me to another reporter.”
“Seems like he wants to stir up trouble.”
“He does. And I have to deal with him.” She checked her watch. “Are you ready to go to Wedges?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They drove over in companiable silence. When they reached the largest grocery store chain in Rockford, she told him, “I’m meeting Mr. Akins at his office. I’d like to go in alone but you’ll be able to see me through the large window facing into the store.”
“Not ideal.”
“I’ve known him for years. He’s a friend of my father’s. We’ll be more likely to discuss important business if we are alone.”
“If you insist. I’ll stand outside the door. If the window has blinds, open them all the way.”
A woman met them at the door to Wedges. “Mr. Akins is expecting you, Mayor Rothchild. I’ll show you back.”
“I’m afraid I’m a bit late.”
“Nothing to worry about. He’s finishing up with someone now.”
She led them to the rear of the store and left. The door opened. Holy hell, out walked Hannah.
* * *
Hannah startled as she nearly bumped into the mayor. When she regained her composure, she greeted Reagan Rothchild. Behind her was Zeke. Just my luck, she thought. The door closed, and he said, “Hello, Hannah. This is a total coincidence.”
“Hello, Zeke.”
“Did you have business with Wedges?”
“The manager is big on locally grown food, and I’m one of his suppliers, especially for canned and frozen food. We brought in a big delivery of vegetables and fruit.”
“We?”
“I hired a new farmhand.”
A smile. A damned-cute smile. “That’s great.”
“Thanks again for filling in on the farm for the wedding.”
“I’d do anything for you, Hannah.” He sounded sincere. So she would be, too.
“I feel bad about how awful I was to you after my date. Even at the co-op. How awful I’ve been with you since you arrived.”
“I feel real bad about upsetting you.”
“You’re still staying in Rockford even though I refused to get involved with you again?”
“I am.” He gestured to the office. “I got a good job, and I’m deep into the process of settin’ up a private security business.”
She softened inside. “So what are we going to do? Explode every time we see each other?”
She was the one to explode, she knew. He didn’t.
“Maybe we can call a truce? That we’ll be civil whenever we bump into each other.”
“All right, a truce.” She held out her hand. He took it, shook it. And held on. Hannah felt attraction zip through her. Maybe a truce was a mistake. She’d been thinking about him a lot.
“Would you go for coffee with me on Saturday?”
Hannah stepped away. “What? No, Zeke.”
“If we meet up a couple of times, talk about other things than us, the tension might go away. We could eventually get used to the other bein’ around.”
“I shouldn’t.” But, boy she wanted to. Which was exactly why she’d say no.
“You can’t be afraid of seein’ me, Hannah. You said you forgot all about me.”
“I’m not afraid.” Which was a lie.
“Let’s try this once, then.”
She was going to agree. She could tell herself all she wanted that meet ups would ease tensions between them, but the notion rang hollow. “All right.”
“Deluca’s Diner?”
“No, it’ll be busy. Let’s go to Magnolia’s again. Where we saw each other that night.”
“What time?” Zeke asked. “I’m up at six usually.”
“I’ll be doing chores most of the morning.”
“You said you hired someone.”
“I did. I guess Nell could finish without me. I’ll see you at nine o’clock at Magnolia’s.”
He watched her.
“One thing, Zeke. Promise me you won’t try to talk me into anything more than friendship with you.”
“I promise. See you then.”