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“Ha!” Marin laughed sarcastically. “He’s resourceful all right. Agent Keller only cares about my connections and how he can benefit from them. And as for being dedicated, I’ve heard how dedicated he was to certain members of the First Family.”
She stomped toward the kitchen. Terrie reached out and took Marin’s arm before she could get very far.
“Don’t believe everything you hear, Marin,” the housekeeper admonished.
Terrie guided her over to one of the sofas in the west sitting area.
“Sit,” she commanded.
Feeling like a chastised schoolgirl, Marin did as she was told. Terrie joined her on the sofa and seemed to give careful thought to her next words.
“Despite our duty to not gossip about the First Family or what goes on inside this house, I’m afraid rumors still have a way of making the rounds. I’m assuming you heard something to the effect that Agent Keller was inappropriately involved with Farrah?”
Marin nodded, feeling a little guilty now that Terrie had put it in those terms.
“Well, I can unequivocally state that those rumors are only half true.”
That got Marin’s attention. “‘Half true’?”
Terrie nodded. “Any relationship was strictly one-sided. Farrah was pursuing Agent Keller. Quite relentlessly, I might add.”
The news didn’t surprise Marin. She’d seen Arabelle’s mother in action with any number of male visitors to the White House.
“Agent Keller endured it while remaining professional and stoically continuing to do his job protecting the president. I don’t think he ever intended to say a word to anyone.”
“But he’s no longer on the president’s protective detail?”
Terrie smiled smugly. “That’s because someone else spoke up for him.”
“You?”
The housekeeper nodded. “The poor man was miserable. And Farrah was unconscionable. Nothing will deter that girl from what she wants. I don’t know how…” Terrie slammed her mouth shut and shook her head. “It’s not our place to gossip. But I had to let the admiral and Director Worcester know the harassment that he was being exposed to.” She let out a frustrated sigh. “Rumors had already started, probably because Agent Keller tried so hard to ignore what was happening. I doubt he’ll ever set the record straight.”
Marin closed her eyes and let her head drop back against the top of the sofa. Griffinwasthe man her heart believed him to be. A warmth seemed to settle over her body; she felt a slow grin spread over her face.
“I see I was right in sharing this information with you,” Terrie said. Marin heard the smile in the housekeeper’s voice.
“Oh, sure, Boss, you enjoy yourself lounging around on the president’s furniture while I work my fingers to the bone assembling flowers in here.”
Diego sounded genuinely miffed.
Marin leaped off the sofa. “I’m sorry, Diego. I’m coming right now.” She gave Terrie a quick hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome,” Terrie replied. “Don’t be shy about asking for help today if you need it.”
Terrie headed down the hall to check on the housekeeping staff while Marin made her way to the kitchen, her step a lot lighter than it had been moments before.
“Guess what, Diego?” she called out. “I have a date to the wedding.”
“You know what else you have, Boss?” the sous chef asked. “Thirty centerpieces that need building before you can put your dancing shoes on.”
* * *
Griffin leaned a shoulder against the marble column supporting the Truman Balcony and gazed across the South Lawn. The sound of Marin’s unbridled laughter floated through the afternoon air and settled somewhere in the vicinity of his chest. She looked so damn innocent dressed in khakis and a pink T-shirt that fit her to perfection. He watched as the big Belgian Malinois nearly toppled her over in its efforts to catch the rubber Kong toy used by the K-9 handlers to reward the dogs.
“Off, Otto.” She laughed. “Or I won’t be able to throw the ball.”
The dog immediately sat, panting with anticipation.
