Free Hearts in the Crosshairs by Susan Page Davis Page B

you’re over that nasty cold you had after Christmas.”
    “Yes, I think I am, finally.”
    Jillian found herself watching the back of Dave’s head and thinking what a handsome driver she had tonight. Penny was watching him, too, and she murmured something. Dave glanced over at his seatmate and answered quietly. Dave and Penny would make a cute couple.
    The thought sent a pang of sadness through Jillian. Dave had demonstrated the integrity and diligence she valued. He was the first man who had attracted her since Brendon’s death. But she couldn’t contemplate a relationship with him, no matter how strong her feelings for him were. It would be dangerous for both of them—possibly even disastrous.
    In the warmth of the vehicle, she unbuttoned her coat. The Kevlar vests the detectives had insisted she and Joe wear were not overly uncomfortable.
    “So what have you been up to lately?” she asked the senator.
    Joe grinned at her. “I’ve stayed close to home so far this winter, but my kids all came to visit over the holidays. I’ve spoken a couple of times, but close by. Thomas College and Colby. Just informal talks about the Washington scene.”
    “Sounds like fun.”
    Penny turned around. “How are you doing, Governor? Anything we can do for you? I’m sure you know that you can close the partition if you want more privacy.”
    “We’re fine, thanks.” Jillian glanced over at Joe. “No secrets to discuss, are there?”
    He laughed. “I’m way past that.”
    She continued to chat with her old friend, and after a while Penny and Dave struck up a quiet conversation in the front seat. Dave seemed intent on his driving and only commented now and then, but Penny grew more animated as the miles flew by.
    The radio crackled now and then, and Penny responded. Outside, the velvety night sky twinkled. Jillian could see the taillights of the familiar SUV ahead of them. As they approached Bangor, Dave slowed down. Twenty minutes later, he pulled up at a side door of the Maine Center for the Arts.
    Andrew parked in a handicapped space nearby. He and Ryan jumped out and hurried to the Lincoln. Dave looked back at Jillian and the senator.
    “All set?” he asked.
    “I think so,” Jillian replied.
    “You’ve both got your body armor on?”
    “Yes, confound it.” Joe fumbled with the buttons on his overcoat. Jillian nodded.
    “Okay, we’ll open your doors at the same time. Go with the officers quickly into the hall. They’ll get you directly up to the box. I’ll see you in about an hour when Andrew and I switch duties.”
    They arrived in their seats about fifteen minutes before the program opened. Several people Jillian knew came to the door of the box and asked to speak to her. Penny scurried back and forth to tell her who had arrived, and Ryan admitted them a few at a time. Jillian felt Joe was as big an attraction as she was. He seemed better able to toss off witticisms and keep the guests laughing. Andrew and Penny graciously herded them out before the performance began, and Jillian sat down and caught her breath. She was glad she’d come. She glanced over at Joe. He winked at her and turned his attention to the orchestra.
    She couldn’t help but think about Dave, alone in the parking lot, and was pleased when he appeared at her elbow during the last number before the intermission. She always felt safer when Dave was next to her, but she knew that wasn’t the only reason her spirits lifted.
    During the intermission, Jillian was again deluged with people who wished to greet her. She had no time to sample the refreshments sent up to her box, though Joe somehow managed to snag a drink that she didn’t think was iced tea. The maestro, on hearing that she would not be able to stay for the reception afterward, came up to thank her for coming and wish her well. Dave assured Jillian they had cleared him for security, though his name didn’t appear on their original visitors list.
    Jillian turned to greet the next