The speech went well without any interruptions. Their number, Clarisse Phillips stayed close behind the senator giving sweet smiles to the many flashing cameras. Meanwhile, Senator Marshall was the perfect politician. Saying all the right things, taking all the right stands, and all for the good of mankind. Phillips remained in the background shying away from speaking before the crowd. Yet John noticed a detached far off look in her eye in spite of her effort to stick close to the senator's side.

"Go ahead Detective, we're listening," Finch answered making certain all their lines were opened to hear Carter's report.

"Your senator runs a tight political campaign. There are still a few things I'm looking into. Give me a little bit more time. But I did learn two years ago he divorced his wife of twenty years. Glynn Marshall. She was his college sweetheart. She saw him through his rough years as he struggled to build his political career. They have two children, both of whom were reported to have been devastated over the divorce."

"What was the reason for the separation?" Finch asked fishing for more.

"It's rather sad. No one was unfaithful, Mr. Marshall just decided he had fallen out of love with his wife. She wanted to work things out, but he refused."

John looked at the senator as he shook hands with the different people in the crowd. The respect he had for the man lowered. How could the man have just walked away from the woman who had given him twenty years of her life? "And where did Clarisse Phillips end up in this?"

"That's just it. She was working as a volunteer for one of his campaigns during a rough time in her life. He took a liking to her and the rest is history. Word is his kids are having a hard time accepting the relationship. Which is why they have not been openly showing their father political support."

"Thank you detective. Perhaps a member of the Marshall family is targeting Ms. Phillips. Maybe out of revenge or anger. I think it's time to move on and get closer. I've made headway so that two of you can move in as personal body guards to the senator and Ms. Phillips. John I specifically would like you in this position. But you'll need one other person. Preferably female to work with Clarisse once you get closer." Finch went quiet waiting for him to make his choice.

John looked up and found Fusco and Shaw watching him with a knowing expression. Briefly John closed his eyes. "Carter, can you be ready in the next hour?" He asked taking the bait.

"I'm on my way."

….

John walked beside Joss, both had badges on display. John kept a close eye on Carter letting her take the lead as they approached the couple. Senator Marshall took a big breath as he folded his hands in front. "Ah! More protection. You must be the ones sent over by the police department."

Joss pasted on a professional smile. "Yes we are. I'm Detective Carter, this is Detective Ryan. We'll be overseeing certain sectors of your security." They shook hands. "We have already been briefed on your appointments and speaking engagements for the next week. I hope you do not mind us tagging along. Although I have to say whether you like our presence or not, we're going to be around."

"On the contrary Detective. I welcome it. Especially if it means my lovely fiancé will be safe." Ms. Phillips gave a shy smile her eyes falling briefly to the floor at the compliment.

"Of course. And if we may offer our congratulations." John replied.

"Thank you." Ms. Phillips said at last speaking up.

"Senator," John said turning to the man, "might I speak with you a moment?"

The man glanced at his personal body guards who stood close by. "Certainly. Excuse me," he whispered to his fiancé. John walked a few feet away hoping Carter would have enough time to warm up to their number.

The eager detective wasted no time putting her skills to work. "Again congratulations Ms. Phillips."

"Thank you, Detective Carter."

"When's the big day?"

She hesitated. "We're thinking June of next year."

"So far away? I mean no disrespect, but I thought perhaps you would want to marry before the election or not soon after."

Her eyes wavered and Carter got the feeling that the woman was uncomfortable with the direction their conversation had taken. "Yes I know. Most people think that. But I want plenty of time to plan this out. I'm…" She paused getting her words together. Carter watched her carefully. She seemed to be carefully weighing her next words. "It's my first marriage and I don't really want it bombarded with all this publicity or being just another story for the tabloids. I think it would be best if it takes place after things have settled down and the votes have been tallied."

Joss nodded. "Seems like a good idea. Not a fan of publicity?"

She quickly shook her head. "Oh no. I'm the quiet type. This is so different than what I'm used to."

"Then you two are quite the opposite. You'll being seeing a lot of the media with his lifestyle. I guess that shows you really love him."

Her head bobbed up and down. "I guess love comes with sacrifices."

Joss quietly sighed. She had pushed enough for their first meeting it was time to back off. "But I understand where you're coming from. I've been the bride before. You want everything to be perfect." A bright smile covered the young woman's face and Carter felt that she had made a connection. "May I see your ring?" Modestly she lifted her hand. "That's quite a rock."

….

John stood close to Mr. Marshall and kept his voice low. "Senator I do not mean to alarm you, but we are taking extra precautions. I chose to speak to you about this away from your fiancé because I felt that she might not take so well to this news, but we of the NYPD believe that someone might wish harm to either you or your fiancé. This campaign might present them with the perfect platform to hurt or even kill you and not leave much of a trace. Now could you tell me of anyone who you think would have an aught against you?"

The senator looked surprised. His eyes darted towards Ms. Phillips who stood still talking to Joss. Fear passed his face before he collected himself, but his eyes remained downcast for several moments. "How do you know this? I-I mean." He shrugged. "I am not certain. I know of no one who would want to harm me. I've been in politics for years and this has never been an issue. Why would someone want to come after me now?"

"I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me that." John challenged.

"I'm sorry Detective Ryan. I just don't know. But please for Clarisse's sake I would appreciate it if you and Detective Carter stayed close by. I think it would also help to put Clarisse at ease. Most of her protector's are men. I believe she will be more comfortable with a woman around."

"Will do," John assured as the senator rushed back to his fiancé. Joss joined him a few seconds later. "Well?" she asked.

"We're in. Which means things are only going to heat up from here." He faced her. "Are you wearing your vest?" Even though he was somber Joss smiled. She heard the edge in his voice and knew that if she answered no, he would drag her home and strap the thing on her himself. She glanced around and leaned a little closer to him lowering her voice. "Relax John. I have it on. What about you?"

He didn't answer which resulted in Joss stepping back and eyeing him up and down. "Hmm. I see how it is." She rolled her eyes and turned to head back to the senator. "I expect you to have it on the next time I ask you," she warned making him smirk as he followed her.