Page 14 of Degrees of Control
“There’s nothing to be concerned about, Baby. Everything is going according to schedule and all the security teams are in place. I’ll leave here about noon so I can spend some time with my father. He’s going to come over to your dad’s a little early and bring Emily.”
“Why is it safe for her and not for me?” I ask.
“Baby, I want you and your mom here, where I know you will be safe. Alfreita’s men have arrived in the United States. The grounds here are as secure as the White House. You know how to navigate the safe room and Jay will have the highest level of security here with you and your mom,” he says.
“Chase, I’m not concerned about me, I’m worried about you,” I say.
“Rest for a few hours, Baby,” he says.
It is midday Saturday when Chase and I join my mother for a late brunch of omelets, cantaloupe, and Havarti cheese. We visit with her for a short while before she excuses herself to sign onto a web conference. I glance at the clock and know it’s almost time for him to leave for New York. I push the remainder of my food around my plate. “I don’t want you to go. What if they have intelligence and know what you’re planning and you and my dad end up being targets?” I ask, after a long pregnant pause. He pushes his chair back from the table and comes around to sit next to me.
“They may have advanced intelligence, and in fact, we’re counting on it. That’s why we sent out information about a significant product move. Alfreita’s men don’t have anything to gain by harming us. They need to learn more about the shipment. That’s what tonight is about… that’s all, Katarina,” he says, lifting my chin so my eyes meet his own and kissing me gingerly.
“I want you to stop worrying. I’ll be back before you can miss me,” Chase says. I look up and see Jay standing in the doorway, waiting, and he kisses me one last time. My heart is heavy and as much as he has assured me, I cannot put the thought that he is walking into a trap out of my head.
“Text me when you get there,” I say as he leaves.
He raises his eyebrows, and his lips turn up in a smirk at the smile that passes over Jay’s features. “As you wish,” he says, before they walk out of the kitchen together.
It is hours later, and I am on the treadmill when I receive his text.
Message:In NYC
I glance at the time and realize he must still be at the airport.
Reply:Taking the helicopter to Dad’s?
Message:Just boarded.
Reply:Text me when you get there?
Message:Stop worrying!
Reply:Trying.
Message:Remember cell phone connections will be down once I get closer to your
Dad’s. Security knows how to reach us if needed. I’ll text when I’m back in the air.
I frown at his last message. Sheldon, Matt, and Dereck have been left with me and my mom and I know they have entire teams surrounding the perimeter this evening. I try to focus on the music, but my mind keeps wandering to Chase and my dad. I finish my run and head back upstairs to shower and change for dinner. I do not feel like dressing up and instead pull on my yoga pants and a t-shirt and go in search of my mom.
She is in the great room admiring one of the paintings that adorns the wall when I walk in. “Would you like a glass of wine before dinner?” I ask.
“Yes, please,” she says.
I pour a glass for each of us and curl up in the oversized tan leather chair, stretching my legs out onto the accompanying ottoman as she takes a seat on the matching loveseat.
“Have you talked to Dad at all today?” I ask
“He called a little earlier before they reconfigured the perimeter control. He told me he would call me after everyone left tonight,” she says.
“Chase mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to contact him on his cell phone, either. You’re so quiet tonight, Mom. Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask.
“I guess I wasn’t prepared for how I would feel being away from him,” she says.
I look up at Gaby as she enters the room. “Anyone for dinner?” she asks.
“We should probably eat something,” my mom says as we take our glasses and follow Gaby back into the dining room. She has prepared dill seasoned halibut, baked potatoes and a salad with a zesty lemon basil dressing. My mom is still unusually quiet throughout dinner and I know she is as worried as I feel.
