Nanny & The Bodyguard

Prologue

She felt like a criminal.

Studying her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she couldn’t help but be amazed that her life had actually come to this. But, she reminded herself, what choice did she have?

The hair color had lived up to its promise. She was a brunette now—and the deep, dark brown hair made her look like a new woman. After she got finished with all the other changes she planned, no one would recognize her.

A noise at the front door startled her. She froze. She couldn’t answer it; she didn’t dare let anyone see her until the transformation was complete. Barely breathing, she waited a few minutes, hoping whoever was there would just go away.

When it was safe again, she went into the bedroom to pack. The dresses hanging in the closet certainly fit her old identity, but the bright yellow sundress wouldn’t do. Nor would the lavender linen with the low neckline that revealed more than it concealed. One thing was for sure: She would need a new wardrobe in keeping with her new persona. Not that she was aware what would be appropriate, but what she owned now definitely wasn’t suitable for the role she was about to play.

While she waited for her hair to dry, she emptied her bag on the dresser to remove anything that might give her away. In quick succession, she set aside her driver’s license, checkbook, credit cards, and a small plastic folder of family snapshots. Her pulse beat faster as she studied the familiar smiling faces. Soon, her heart said. Soon. She stuffed the remaining innocuous items into the colorful cloth bag she usually carried.

In went her new social-security card, an envelope containing several important letters and a new wallet made of flowered material.

A quick glance at her discarded pocket calendar reassured her she’d finished and delivered all the commercial artwork she’d been commissioned for the month. She’d canceled future contracts with a promise to resume work soon.

Before a final check in the mirror she extracted contact lenses from a small container and carefully inserted them in her eyes. Her now brown eyes. Then, assured that no one would recognize her, she dressed to go out to the local thrift shop to buy appropriate clothing. All the while, she rehearsed getting her story straight.

So much depended on her being able to get through the next few months as a new woman. And to carry out her masquerade undetected.

She had promises to keep.

Chapter One

Annie Kramer felt she was about to embark on the performance of her life.

She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell of the red brick mansion in Fairfax, Virginia, that was the home of well-known Congressman Robert Matthews. Moments later, she heard footsteps, then the door swung open and a man stood there.

Not just any man.

This one looked armed and dangerous. The expression in his steel-gray eyes was cool, his body language clear: She was on his territory and she wasn’t all that welcome.

He was clean-cut, his wavy ebony hair cropped close. His athletic body radiated vitality. In black slacks and a sport jacket, with a shirt open at his neck, he looked ready, willing and able to take on any unwelcome intruder.

When he stepped out and closed the door behind him, Annie’s first instinct was to turn on her heel and hightail it out of there. She took an automatic step backward.

Her second instinct was one of defiance. Too much depended upon his acceptance to give up at. this early stage of the game. She was here for a job interview and she intended to get hired. Today.

As she tried to pull her thoughts together, the cool look on his face changed to one of annoyance. She dug in her heels, raised her chin and looked him squarely in those intimidating eyes.

What can I do for you? he prompted, his gaze roaming over her as if he were searching her for a hidden weapon. It took all of Annie’s willpower to meet his eyes.

My name is Annie Kin—Kramer, she stammered. I’ve come regarding the position of nanny. Good Lord, she thought, as his eyes narrowed and took on the color of cold granite, she’d been here less than two minutes and she was alr eady in trouble!

He leaned casually against the doorjamb and seemed to inventory her vintage cotton dress and sensible nanny shoes. A knowing half-smile broke over his face. Is that so, Mz. er…Kramer?

From the cynical look that came over his face, she realized he’d noticed her tripping over her identity. No matter how much she practiced, she still hadn’t gotten accustomed to using her new name.

Annie tried hard to smile, but it wasn’t easy. She hid an inward quiver andreturned the man’s watchful look with a noncommittal one of her own. Whatever he thought she was selling, it was obvious he wasn’t buying. Not that it mattered, really. Whoever this man was, he wasn’t the one who was going to hire her. Mrs. Edythe Matthews was her prospective employer. No matter what this hulk might think of her, she intended to carry through the charade and to cinch the job of nanny. Until then, she had to be careful not to give him an inch. From the looks of this guy, he would probably want a mile.

So you want to be the new nanny, do you? he asked.

It was clear he wasn’t ready to let her inside. So much for the spiel she’d been rehearsing all morning.

First of all, he commented lazily into her silence, the children aren’t mine. They’re the children of Robert Matthews. However, I’m their bodyguard and you’ll have to deal with me. And, more important, he said, straightening and raising an eyebrow, how did you know the position of nanny was open?

Annie’s heart took a nosedive. Why hadn’t she been told there was a bodyguard on the premises? And what had happened to necessitate one? She pulled herself together. Now was no time to fall’ apart.

If you don’t mind, I’d rather discuss this with Mrs. Matthews, she answered.

Try me first, he suggested lazily. After all, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Look here, Mr….whatever-your-name-is…

Cassidy.’

Cassidy? Annie repeated. That’s all?

It’s all you need to know. By the way, he said with a look that told her he wasn’t ready to accept her or her story, before you go any further, you might keep in mind I know the decision to hire a nanny was made only last night.

Annie thought fast. Since it looked as if he could read her thoughts, she had to be careful while she skirted the truth.

I happened to be in the employment office when the call came in from Mrs. Matthews. Annie mentally crossed her fingers when he didn’t look all that convinced. She tried again. Because of the urgency, they agreed to let me have an interview immediately. I’ve already spoken to Mrs. Matthews on the telephone. She’s expecting me.

Great timing, wasn’t it? he answered cynically as he eyed her oversize bag. Got any identification in there?

Confident she was almost home free, Annie rummaged in her large cloth bag for the letters of reference she’d composed and typed up that morning. After contacting three of her friends and swearing them to secrecy, the rest had been easy. She’d read enough recommendations to know just what an employer would be looking for. Please, God, she thought as she handed them to the bodyguard, don’t let him ask me for anything more than this.

He read the references. When he was through, he regarded her thoughtfully. Maybe it was her appearance that bothered him, Annie thought, meeting his gaze. Perhaps, in her attempt to change her identity, she’d overdone it. But dyeing her blond hair brown and wearing colored contacts had seemed important at the time.

Any other identification? he finally asked after he handed the letters over.

My social-security-card, if you need to know.

I need to know, he responded. When he raised an expectant eyebrow, she gave the card to him.

Driver’s license?

Actually, she added in a rush, my driver’s license was suspended when I didn’t pay a parking ticket.

He looked behind her as he handed back her documents. So, how did you get here?

I came in a cab, she said hurriedly. Before he could question how an unemployed nanny could afford to be taking cabs, she continued, I’d like to meet Mrs. Matthews now, if you don’t mind. I’d like to get the position before someone else shows up.

He glanced down in time to see her set one tentative foot toward the door. At his frown, she froze.

All right, Ms. Kramer, he said. We’ll go inside just as soon as you let me look in that bag of yours.

Before she had a chance to react, he reached for the colorful cloth bag hanging from her arm. For pete’s sake, she thought angrily, did he suspect she was some kind of threat?

Heavy, isn’t it? he observed, a frown creasing his forehead. He hefted her bag a couple of times. What in blazes do you have in here, anyway?

Annie mentally inventoried the bag’s contents. If it was the only way he would let her in, so be it Not that there was anything incriminating in there. Oh, only the usual things.

She followed his eyes as he glanced around him. A large new pottery bowl, a bag of planting mix and several small gardening tools were on the steps waiting for planting. Guess this will have to do, he muttered, upending her bag into the bowl before she could stop him.

A red and purple wallet, an empty matching ’ glasses case, six tubes of lipstick, what looked like a fistful of loose coins, combs, brushes, expired newspaper coupons, an assortment of loose keys, a flashlight, a small bottle of vanilla, a plastic bag of chocolate-chip cookies, and a can of pepper spray all fell into the empty planter with a clang.

You don’t believe in traveling light, do you? he inquired as he looked at the array of items. He picked up the bottle of vanilla, unscrewed the cap and took a sniff. What do you do with this?

It’s my perfume, she replied.

His eyebrows lifted in silent judgment before he reached for the.can of pepper spray. Pepper spray? You were expecting trouble?

You never know when you might need to defend yourself, she answered primly.

Of course, he agreed. His raised eyebrows told her he thought anyone would be stupid to accost a woman who looked like she did.

Do you have any other goodies like this on you? he inquired, holding up the ‘’weapon" and eyeing her with a frown.

No, she returned, becoming more and more annoyed. Are you going to search me to make sure?

Don’t tempt me, he warned as he replaced the loose items and the can of pepper spray in her bag and handed the bag back to her. It can be arranged.

Who did he think he was, anyway? Annie was about to tell him what she thought of him when he reached behind to open the door.

Go on in. You’ll find Mrs. Matthews in the library.

The library?

Try the first door to the left, he instructed. I’ll be right behind you.

Annie could feel his eyes examining her as they walked into the house. She felt uncomfortable at the glint of interest that had come into his eyes before he stepped aside to allow her entry.

Knowing they would be thrown together for the duration of the Matthewses’ political-campaign travels made her feel flushed. Granted, he was handsome. Granted, he had a dangerous edge about him that promised excitement. But the last thing she wanted was for him to try to turn their relationship into something more personal. If he thought she was going to be an easy mark, he had another think coming.

The marble entrance hall felt cool and welcoming, especially after having spent ten minutes on the front step in the hot sun. Her own new home might not be nearly as grand as the Matthews mansion, but she was more than happy with her Cape Cod cottage.

Edythe Matthews rose from behind a cherrywood desk when Annie entered the library. She was slim and of medium height, with obviously bleached blond hair that was meticulously styled in a fashionable straight bob with wisps of bangs across her forehead. She wore a studied, polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she waited for Annie to approach. The consummate political wife of the consummate politician, Annie thought No wonder Robert Matthews had married her.

This is Annie Kramer, the bodyguard said as he sauntered into the room behind Annie. She tells me she’s applying for the position as nanny to Bobby and Joey. Why don’t you give Mrs. Matthews your references, Ms. Kramer? For her prospective employer’s benefit, he added, I’ve glanced over them, but you might want to have me check them out a little further before you make a final decision.

Annie ignored him and handed the envelope to Mrs. Matthews. While she waited, Annie glanced at the self-assured man who had stationed himself by the closed French doors. I can speak for myself, if you don’t mind, she told him quietly. She caught herself before she went any further. She couldn’t afford to antagonize him, or Mrs. Matthews, either. She had to get this job; more depended on it than he could have known.

He gestured airily. Of course. Be my guest.

Mrs. Matthews cleared her throat. I see you’ve met our bodyguard, Mike Cassidy. We hired him. last week to watch over the boys. She indicated a love seat in front of the desk and moved back around behind it. That’s just as well. You’ll be working together taking care of the children.

Mike? His name was Mike Cassidy? Annie glanced at the bodyguard. Now that she knew his whole name, he sounded more human, less threatening. A lone last name had sounded like a hero in a Clint Eastwood movie; detached, cold. Even so, the description fit him, she decided, as she took his measure. He was a man to watch out for.

He cleared his throat. What Mrs. Matthews is saying is that you’ll report to me, he clarified. On all matters pertaining to the children, that is. As for the rest… He left the sentence unfinished, but the implication was clear: He was not only in charge of the children, he intended to be in charge of everything else, as well.

Her face impassive, Annie nodded. She’d had enough of men telling her what to do. He might be in charge now, she thought, but she wasn’t the type to put up with his high-handed ways easily. If it weren’t for the sake of her intended charges, she wouldn’t put up with them at all.

Of course— Annie’s prospective employer smiled at Mike and Annie —I’m sure you’ll get along just fine. Now, let’s get down to business, Ms. Kramer, or is that Mrs.?

Mrs., Annie answered in time to hear the bodyguard grunt his skepticism. -

Good. I prefer my help be married, with the exception of Mike, you understand. He needs to devote all his time to the boys. Married women are so much more reliable where children are concerned. Don’t you agree? Annie nodded. And where is Mr. Kramer?

Overseas, in the service, Annie answered. She covered her unadorned ring finger with her right hand and cast a defiant look at the skeptical bodyguard. That doubting look still covered his face. His eyes remained noncommittal. She would have to buy a new wedding ring and get a snapshot of her husband in case anyone asked to see him.

Oh, dear, that must be hard on you, isn’t it? Mrs. Matthews put the references aside and finally gave Annie a genuine smile. I know just how you must feel. My own husband, Robert Matthews, is away campaigning just now. That’s one reason we’ve needed Mike, and now a nanny. Robert is a member of the House of Representatives, you know, and I’m sure you’re aware of how greatly his country needs him.

Annie nodded. His country needed him more than his family? That statement had a familiar ring to it.

I take it you have no children?

Annie thought for a moment. I did, she said quietly. Her private life had to stay private for the duration of her employment. The new Mrs. Matthews’s interest in her was the last thing Annie needed or wanted, but it did make her feel a little more friendly toward the woman whom she knew Robert Matthews had married only three months ago.

In our telephone conversation this morning, you indicated you’ve had extensive experience with children, Mrs. Matthews continued.

Yes. The less Annie said, the better.

Does that include boys? They do seem to be different from the few little girls of my acquaintance, she added doubtfully. Not that I have any children of my own, you understand. The boys are from my husband’s first marriage.

Yes, boys are different, Annie replied with a smile. "Although, personally, I’ve never found that to be