Page 301 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“You carry a gun?” she whispered. She glanced at Greg, who was showing the TSA agent some sort of badge and removing his holster from his shoulders.

“Always, Anna,” Seth said.

Anna could hear people murmuring behind her about them. Her cheeks burned as she took off her jacket and shoes and put them in a bin, as Seth had instructed. “I thought you couldn’t carry weapons on planes.”

“Most people can’t. We can.” Seth grinned.

“Why?”

“Alex is considered a diplomat. We work for him. We can do lots of things that other people can’t.”

“But I’m not a diplomat.”

Seth smiled but didn’t say anything.

The TSA agent finished examining Greg’s documents, and Greg walked through the metal detector. It beeped. Another agent used a wand on him. He said something to the agent and lifted his pant leg a few inches.

“Miss?”

Anna looked back at the first agent, who was motioning for her to step forward.

“Identification?”

She handed him her passport. He studied it and gave her a friendly smile. “Thank you.” He handed it back to her. “Go on through.”

She stepped through. Nothing happened, which she thought was a good thing. She put her shoes and jacket back on as Seth went through the same motions that Greg had. Greg stood nearby and when she glanced at him, he smiled at her. She watched Seth talk to the agent and then he was able to get re-dressed.

Seth straightened his tie. “Ready?”

She nodded. She hadn’t known they carried guns. It was kind of intimidating. Ian didn’t carry a gun. Why would they need to? Especially around her. She was nobody special. At least not outside The Brotherhood.

Seth put his arm around her as they walked. “Anna, we have guns to protect you. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Why would you need a gun to protect me?”

Seth shrugged. “Countless reasons. It’s always better to be prepared.”

“You carry them when you’re with Alex, too?”

“Yup.”

“Why doesn’t Wilhelm have bodyguards?”

“He does when he needs one.”

“But Alex needs one all the time?”

Seth grimaced. “It’s better if you ask Alex these questions.”

Anna pulled away and stared at the floor as they made their way through the airport.

They walked into the First-Class Lounge. It was nicer than the one she’d visited with Devin. A large picture window overlooked the runways where planes were landing. Greg led her to an area near the window with comfortable looking leather chairs, and Anna curled up in one of them.

Greg settled into the one across from her. “It’ll be about a half-hour and then we’ll be able to board.”

“Do you want something to eat?” Seth set her bag next to her. “You can put your passport away now.”

Anna slipped her passport into the outer pocket of her carry-on bag. “I’m not really hungry.” Her stomach was churning, and the thought of food made her want to throw up.

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