I didn't make it to the kitchen door. Instead, I came to an abrupt halt at the sight of Carter carrying a platter of garlic bread into the dining room. He paused as he spotted me, looking so startled I'm sure the expression on my face had to reflect the conversation I'd just had with Crew. Or lack of one.

"Your mother recruited me," Carter said. "I hope that's okay?"

"Aren't you supposed to be guarding someone?" Yeah, that was nasty and uncalled for but he ...