The great senator from Texas huffed out a breath. I thought he would argue, but he didn't. He turned his pointed stare my way. "I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. If I need to lock you away for your protection, that can be arranged. You will do what he says, when he says it."

I thought this man had learned something about my stubbornness, but I guess I was wrong. "Yes, Daddy."

He shook his head. "I'm not falling for the 'yes, Daddy' routine." He turned to ...