Hearts in the Crosshairs Read Online Free Page A

leaned toward him, her hands clasped in her lap. “She’son edge over this shooting business. We all are. I thought the Executive Protection Unit would keep her safe.”
    “We’re doing our best, Mrs. Clark.”
    Her eyes sparked for a moment. “Well, it’s not good enough. Jillian was nearly killed Wednesday.”
    “Yes, ma’am. I know.”
    She sighed and shook her head. “I thought from the start that it was crazy to let her speak to the press outside like that.”
    “Well…” Dave lifted his shoulders and let them drop again. “It’s tradition for the governor to make public appearances, and to give a press conference immediately after the swearing in. We’ve always been careful, and in the past, everything has been fine.”
    “This isn’t the past. This is now, and she’s my daughter.” Vera’s eyes narrowed and her jaw took on an unexpected firmness. “Officer Hutchins, if your unit doesn’t keep my daughter safe, you’ll have to answer to me.”
     
    Jillian paused in the doorway to her office. Her mother sat on the edge of her chair, glaring at Detective Hutchins, who gazed back rather sheepishly.
    She glanced at Stephanie Drake, who stood guard outside the door. Stephanie quirked her eyebrows slightly, but said nothing.
    Jillian leaned toward her and whispered, “What’s going on?”
    “Your mother’s giving Dave Hutchins what for.” Stephanie’s barely suppressed smile quickly disappeared and she straightened her shoulders and looked forward.
    Jillian pulled in a deep breath and walked into her office.
    Dave said to her mother, “I assure you, ma’am, the governor has the best possible—” He noticed Jillian and leaped to his feet, jostling a tray of dishes on the edge of her desk.
    She extended her hand and smiled. “Dave. It’s good to seeyou again. I appreciate your stopping by to brief me. I hope it’s not keeping you away from a family dinner.”
    His lips curved in a tight smile. “It’s just me, ma’am. No problem.”
    Jillian wished she had the freedom to invite him to join her family dinner, but that wouldn’t go over well in the upper echelon of Maine politics, she was sure.
    The words “It’s just me” echoed in her head. Was he single?
    She caught herself and turned to her mother, trying to get her focus back.
    “Mom, thanks for giving Detective Hutchins my message. I’ll be with you and Naomi in half an hour.”
    “I hope I’m not delaying your dinner,” Dave said.
    “Oh, no.” Vera chuckled as she stood. “They serve it too late here, anyway. Jillian, you should speak to that housekeeper about moving your supper up an hour.”
    Jillian managed to keep a smile on her face. “If you and Naomi would like an appetizer while you wait, feel free to ask the kitchen staff.”
    Vera sniffed and walked toward the doorway, but turned back. “Oh, Officer, you haven’t finished your cake.” She threw a meaningful look at Jillian. “ He likes my blueberry cake.”
    “It’s fantastic,” Dave said.
    “By all means, feel free to finish it while we talk,” Jillian told him.
    He glanced at her mother. “Thank you again, Mrs. Clark.”
    “You’re welcome. I expect we’ll see each other again.”
    At last she was out the door, and Jillian closed it gently. “I’m sorry.”
    “Your mother obviously cares about you.”
    “Yes.” Almost too much sometimes, Jillian thought. She slipped past Dave and sat down in the chair her mother had occupied. “I do hope she didn’t pester you too badly.”
    He grinned. “I can take it.”
    Her heart fluttered. Again he reminded her of Brendon—the carefree exterior that covered a more pensive attitude. She had to stop staring into his alert brown eyes. Next she would be sighing over her protector. Wasn’t that a classic reaction from a woman in danger? She’d have to be careful to maintain protocol, despite his charming personality and striking features.
    “Please have a seat, Dave. Would you like fresh