Page 106 of Knox

“I think you might need to work a little harder at it.”

“I agree.” He glanced at Glo, a fierce resignation in his eyes.

Her mother slid up to her bed and sat in the chair Tate had just vacated. Sighed. “This is all my fault.”

Glo stared at her. “What—?”

Reba took her hand. “I’m so sorry to get you mixed up in this mess, honey, but when I heard about the bombing, I had my people look into it, and then last night’s shooting—”

“How on earth did you find out?”

Reba frowned. “Honey. I’m your mother. I know things.”

Maybe Glo didn’t want to know.

“But the fact is…and probably I should have told you…I have recently received some death threats.”

“Oh, Mother, you are always receiving death threats. You’re on the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

“Yes, but these relate to the campaign. The fact that I’m rising in the polls.”

“Excuse me, ma’am, but what death threats?”

Tate, behind her, sidled up. He wore an expression that scared Glo a little. “How serious are they?”

Reba leaned back and looked over. “I’m sorry, Mr.—”

“Marshall. Tate Marshall.”

“You haven’t been cleared by my security yet to know—”

“I’mhersecurity. Your daughter’s and the rest of the Yankee Belles, and if their lives have been in danger because of something you did, or know or—”

“That’s enough.” Reba got up. “I think your services are no longer needed here, Mr. Marshall.”

His mouth opened, closed, and he shook his head. Then very quietly, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but you’re not in charge here. Glo is.”

Tate looked at her, something of possession in his eyes. As if he wanted to belong to her.

Yes. But not like this.

However, if she let him go, then…

Then her mother would have her under lock and key so fast Glo’s world would close off at the top, strangle her. At least with Tate by her side, she could pretend she had some control over her life.

And if she had to spend twenty-four seven with personal protection…hello, Tate.

“Gloria,” her mother corrected.

He took a breath, seem poised to argue—

“He works for me, Mother. And he’s good at his job.”

“You were shot.”

“But he got me to the hospital and hasn’t left my side, and if we had known we were in real danger—”

“This won’t happen again, Senator. I give you my word. And my life, for Glo—Gloria’s.”