Free Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills Page A

ability to stomach it.
Flannery O’Connor
    Danika finished brushing Tiana’s thick black hair into a ponytail. Her daughter’s dark eyes danced in anticipation of the station picnic. Today the off-duty Border Patrol agents and their families would gather for a picnic at Cascade Park. Luckily, Danika had a rare Saturday off. Despite the broiling temperatures guaranteed for this Saturday, heat would not stop the fun and games—including softball and volleyball—and all the good eats. Danika could almost smell the barbecue and taste the mounds of food that she didn’t have to prepare.
    What a great bunch of people. Block parties and church picnics were okay, but Border Patrol functions allowed her to be herself with no pretense. Most of her neighbors had no idea she worked for the Border Patrol. She changed into her uniform at the station and back into street clothes before she drove home. Many agents did the same. They strove to protect their spouses and children from disgruntled illegals or pro-immigration activists or drug smugglers. Their children were not told what they did when “at work,” and spouses kept the information to themselves. No point advertising their controversial position in a community largely Hispanic.
    Danika kissed her precious olive-skinned little daughter. They’d be worn-out this evening, but today would be a memory maker. She snatched up the ice chest and her softball glove and handed Tiana the sunscreen and mosquito spray. They were off for the day. Sandra chose to stay home for a little rest and time alone, which she highly deserved. She always seemed to notice when Danika and Tiana needed special mommy-daughter time.
    As soon as Danika and Tiana arrived at the picnic site, Danika spotted Barbara and Nadine. She wanted to at least be cordial, but she and Jacob hadn’t spoken since their last blowup. How would he feel if he found her talking to his wife and daughter? Nadine’s suspected drug abuse drove Danika to see for herself, to look into her niece’s eyes and hope they were clear and bright, sparkling brown pools of youth and vitality. Danika saw the effects every day—strung out users who thought they had control over their habit. The thought of Nadine ending up in the same viper pit made her physically ill.
    Holding firmly to Tiana’s hand, Danika strolled toward Barbara and Nadine, who were sitting in lounge chairs under a huge live oak. Danika didn’t pray as much as she should, especially since Toby was murdered. But Jacob and Barbara’s family were in desperate need of strong intervention.
    Barbara looked her way and smiled. Danika relaxed slightly and waved. She had missed talking to her sister-in-law this week and finding out what those sweet kids had been doing. Between ball practice, swimming lessons, and whatever else Barbara arranged for their summer fun, Danika was always eager to listen. Her own growing-up days had been spent in a rigid environment filled with dos and do-nots. This way she vicariously relived what she’d missed.
    Tiana released Danika’s hand and ran toward her aunt. Taking a deep breath, Danika turned her gaze to Nadine. Please, sweetie. Be clean. The closer she walked, the bigger Nadine’s frown, until Danika stood face-to-face with the two. Stomach twisting, Danika swung her attention to her niece.
    Glazed eyes. Dilated pupils.
    She was high.
    “Isn’t this a beautiful day?” Danika said.
    Tiana hugged her aunt, then reached for Nadine. But the teen’s interest had been snatched by something going on in another direction.
    “Naddie.” Barbara’s voice lowered.
    The teen rolled her eyes and offered a light tap to Tiana’s shoulders. “I’m going to see what the girls are doing.”
    “Don’t leave the grounds.” Barbara raised her chin.
    Something had happened, but what? A hundred scenarios rolled through Danika’s mind. None good.
    Barbara watched Nadine walk away. Tears filled the woman’s eyes, and she clamped down on her lower