Page 38 of Caleb
We’re now past the pedestrian security checkpoint and walking through the parking lot.
“Take her inside,” Aaron barks, turning on his heel and heading back out.
“Let’s go,” I say, but she’s staring at my gun with wide eyes, so I quickly holster it back in place. She’s frozen where she stands, and I’m about to carry her up the stairs to the front door when she snaps out of her trance and starts moving.
I rush her inside the Residence, and she collapses on one of the sofa chairs in the foyer, sinking deep into it.
“Everything all right, Miss Murphy?” Annette hurries toward us. Red’s looking a bit pale as she stares blankly at the door. Annette looks at me, her eyes begging me to tell her what’s wrong.
“A man startled us outside the gates,” I explain. “But everything’s under control. I’ll bring her backpack later. Could you—”
“Yes, of course,” she cuts me off, anticipating my thoughts. “Come, Miss. Let’s get you a glass of water.”
“Caleb!” Red shouts as I’m about to shut the door on my way out.
“Yes, Miss Murphy.”
She stares at me for a few seconds. “Thank you,” she finally breathes out.
“Of course.” I press my lips and nod. I head back outside and see what’s happening for myself. I need to make sure Red’s safe inside these walls.
That is all I care about.
Don’t Let Fear Win
July 8, 2006
Me:Good morning, Miss Murphy. Are you coming down for your run?
There’s a 9 a.m. run scheduled in her calendar, and she didn’t cancel it, so I assume her father explained to her what happened yesterday with the man that showed up outside the Residence banging at her window and hopefully gave her some peace of mind. But it’s 9:08 a.m., and she hasn’t come down yet. I wouldn’t blame her if she canceled. I just hate that we were doing so well, getting somewhere with her anxiety about leaving the Residence, and then this happens.
A few minutes later, her reply comes in, but she’s texting me directly.
Miss Murphy:I’m sorry, Caleb. I forgot to cancel. I don’t think I can do it.
Me:Does it have anything to do with what happened yesterday?
Miss Murphy:Maybe.
Me:Your father was briefed last night about the situation the moment his plane landed. Did you have a chance to talk to him?
Miss Murphy:I did. But he didn’t say much. He just said that I shouldn’t worry. Same old.
Son of a …
Red needs to know what happened, and I’ll be the one to tell her. I don’t give a flying fuck if talking gets me into trouble. Why on Earth does this man enjoy keeping his daughter in the dark about absolutelyeverything?
Me:Can you come down so we can talk?
Miss Murphy:Of course.
Aaron’s sitting behind the wheel, so I approach him and knock twice for him to lower the window.
“Miss Murphy just texted me,” I say. “She’s upset about what happened yesterday. She doesn’t feel like going out for a run, but she’s coming down here to talk to me for a second. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Wasn’t she briefed about what happened?” Aaron’s brows pull in. “I thought Ambassador Murphy would’ve talked to her by now.”
“They talked.” I lean closer and lower my voice. “But you know how it is. He gave her nothing.”
