“Who’s Sydney?” Cassidy asked from her position behind Mercer’s desk.
“My wife.” Gunner’s voice was quiet.
Surprise flickered over Cassidy’s face.
Before Gunner could say anything else, Mercer pushed into the room. His face was set in determined lines, and he moved with a hard, nervous energy. “They think that they’re going to come to my door, take a shot at my—” He broke off, sending a hard glance toward Gunner. “At my asset? No, no, this does not happen.” He pointed at Cale. “Get Cassidy to the safe house on Donaghey—”
“But I want to go home,” Cassidy interrupted, voice sharp. “You said my apartment was ready.”
“And the shooter might already know all about your home.” Mercer shook his head. “No, it’s not safe. You have to—”
“I’m never safe. Haven’t we learned that?”
The bitterness from Cassidy just seemed wrong.
Mercer flinched.
“I won’t ever be safe, not totally.” She walked from behind the desk. “And I’m so tired of living in the prison that you make for me.”
A prison made of agents, always watching her movements.
“You might not like it, but you’re going to have to stay under guard.” Mercer had locked his jaw. “Until we can find out who we are up against, you have to keep up with your protection.”
Cale could see the fury staining Cassidy’s cheeks. “Fine. But I’ll choose my agent.” She turned, looked straight at Cale and said, “I choose him.”
Mercer didn’t look particularly surprised by that choice. Gunner did.
Mercer began, “I don’t know about continuing your protection with Cale. Drew Lancaster is—”
“Not my choice,” Cassidy finished. “Cale is the one who just saved my life. Cale is the one that I want.”
Her words made his heart beat faster. Harder.
Mercer crossed to his side, paused in front of him so that they stood toe-to-toe. “You guard her with your life. Got me, son?”
He didn’t need Mercer to tell him that.
“I’ve got her.” And that was all that mattered.
“Go out through the parking garage. I’ve arranged for transportation there.” Mercer stepped back. He looked at Cassidy and paused as if he wanted to say more.
But he didn’t.
How long had the wall been there, blocking the man from actually talking to his daughter?
Cassidy headed for the door.
Cale made sure he was with her every step of the way.
“Cassidy!” Mercer’s voice.
She looked back at him.
“I’ll find the shooter,” he promised her.
Cassidy nodded. “But what happens next time?” Her smile
was brittle. “Isn’t there always a next time?”