Margaret Daley - Security Breach

“Not much. I’ve poured all my money into this house. I bought it last year and have slowly been fixing it up the way I want. It’s the first place I’ve really called home.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. She quickly added, “I lived in apartments while going to school and my first couple of years working in the White House,” as though that would explain why she’d never felt at home anywhere before she’d bought this place.

“That’s how I feel about my house in Burke. As a Navy SEAL I traveled a lot and lived on base, but now that I’m working for the Capitol K-9 Unit, I can put down some roots.”

“Do you have to do much traveling? I know you come and go at the White House, but I figure you’re working on a case.”

“Although I’m assigned to the White House, I’m at headquarters for briefings, coordination with other team members, running down leads and training sessions with Max.” Nicholas took a sip of his coffee, his gaze connecting with her over the rim of his mug.

“The locksmith changed my locks last night, so why did you and Max stay?”

“It was late when Mr. Lamb left. By the time I went home, I’d probably only get a few hours’ sleep before coming back here this morning.”

“But you had to be uncomfortable on the porch.”

“As an ex–Navy SEAL, I’m used to sleeping on the hard ground. I slept great because I was on your porch. If I’d left you, I’d have worried about you and probably not slept at all. It’s traumatic for a person to discover her house was broken into. I wanted to make sure you were okay and whoever did this didn’t come back. As I mentioned yesterday, I’d recommend getting a good alarm system today. Mr. Lamb put on sturdy locks, but they only go so far. Having a dog wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.”

She smiled. “Will you loan me Max?”

“Sorry, we’re an inseparable team,” he said with a chuckle. “But a dog like Max would be perfect.”

Although she’d never had a pet, the idea interested her. “How would I get one trained and as well behaved as Max?”

“He’s trained specifically for guarding, apprehending suspects and searching for bombs. You don’t need that, but I can help you if you want.”

“Let me think about it. I don’t want to get a dog if I can’t give him the attention he needs.” If she accepted Nicholas’s help, she would be spending a lot more time with him. That could be dangerous because she couldn’t deny her attraction to him.

His dark brown eyes gleamed. “Not all pet owners feel that way. They buy an animal and then ignore it most of the time.”

Selena downed the last of her coffee. She could get used to his presence; she needed to end this. “I appreciate your concern last night, but I think I’ll be all right today. The break-in was a shock, but it takes a lot to rattle me, so on second thought, I don’t need your help cleaning up.” She rose. “I’ll look into an alarm system since I’m off for a couple of days. But my main concern is righting my house and seeing if anything was stolen. At first glance, nothing is missing, but if that were the case, then why did someone risk breaking in?”

“Looking for something?” He pushed to his feet.

She frowned. “I don’t keep anything related to my White House job here. That’s why I often stay late at night. I try to leave my work at my office. When I come here, it’s my downtime.”

“Good way to be. I need to do that more myself.”

She started for the back door. “It’s probably harder because Max stays with you.”

“That’s not it. I’ve never been a person who can just relax and do nothing.”

“So no vacations?”

“Not lately. Max and I have gone camping a few long weekends.”

“I work hard, but I play hard, too. Maybe I could teach you how if you help me get the right dog.” Here she went again. When was she going to learn? His help would come at a price.

“If you decide to have a pet, you’ve got yourself a deal. Are you sure about not needing any help cleaning up?”

“Yes, I’m sure you have work today. I hope you let me know if you find the person who drugged Tara Wilkins.”

“I will.” Nicholas turned toward Max. “Come.”

His dog trotted to Nicholas’s side, and they trailed her into the house. She was again greeted with the chaos, and dreaded the day before her. She released a long breath and realized the only way the cleanup would get done was to start and keep going until she was finished. She wouldn’t go to bed tonight until she’d righted her house.

Selena walked with Nicholas and Max to the front door. “Thank you for your help yesterday at my office during the Easter Egg Roll.”

He arched a brow. “So my help wasn’t so bad, after all.”

“Okay. I was a little miffed at you for thinking I’m harboring a suspect.”

“A little? I’d hate to see your full-blown anger.”

“It isn’t a pretty sight, so that’s a warning to stay on my good side,” she said with a laugh.

“I’ll remember that. Let me know if you’re missing anything.” He gave her a business card with his cell number on it. “Call if you have any trouble—” he cocked a smile “—or if you just want to talk.”

“Just so you realize... If I can help my cousin, I will, but I don’t know where she is. Erin didn’t kill Michael.

He held up his hand before she could say anything else. “I’m leaving. I don’t want to get into an argument about Erin’s possible part in the murder.”

As Nicholas strode away with Max at his side, Selena unclenched her hands, noticing the fingernail indentations in her palms. That man could certainly infuriate her...but also intrigue her. Lord, give me the patience and guidance to help Erin. Open Nicholas’s eyes to the truth.

* * *

Nicholas spent the morning at Capitol K-9 Unit headquarters viewing security video from the morning that Selena was attacked. Next to him, Fiona Fargo, the team’s tech wizard, studied video on hallways leading to General Meyer’s office.

“Margaret Meyer is a busy lady,” Fiona said, pushing her rolling chair away from her desk and twisting toward Nicholas. “This is a list of suspects who could have broken into her office and read the Jeffries case file during your time frame.”

Nicholas stared at the fifteen names on the paper. “I want you to check into each one. Give me everything you can on them. Start with Vincent Geary—he’s an aide to Congressman Jeffries. The initials on the cufflinks found in the general’s office are VG . He’s my top suspect at the moment. When I leave here, I’m going to pay Mr. Geary a visit.”

“Do you want me to investigate General Meyer’s secretary, too?”

“Yes, everyone who was in the office during those hours. We have to include everyone. If you find anything suspicious, let me know right away.”

As Nicholas rose and stretched his stiff muscles, Fiona asked, “Where’s Max?”

“In the training yard. I wanted to give him a little downtime. He’s been working a lot lately.” Nicholas walked toward the doorway of Fiona’s office. “But his playtime is over.”

“He’s as driven as you are.”

“You know how dogs and their owners are.”

She shook her head. “Nope. I have cats.”

“Don’t let Max know.”

Fiona smiled. “Oh, he knows. Why do you think he sniffs me every time he sees me?”

“How does Chris’s K-9 deal with your cats?”

Fiona’s cheeks flushed. “We’re working that out.”

“Good. He’s a good guy. Bye and thanks, Fiona.” Nicholas strolled down the hallway. When his cell rang, he expected it to be Dan, who’d been going over security video at the White House, with news about Miss Chick’s assailant, but he noticed it was Selena. He quickly answered, “How’s the cleaning going?”