“I guess that’s true. None of this is her fault, that we know of. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Anything else?”

  “Gigi’s hearing is this afternoon.”

  “Oh right. I knew that. I’ll call her after this. How does she seem?”

  “Resolute, determined to get through it and get back to work.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. How’s Cam?”

  “Wired tighter than I’ve ever seen him. He hates that she’s going through this because of his ex.”

  “And like we said about Nick, Cam needs to know it’s not his fault that Jaycee couldn’t handle him breaking up with her.”

  “We’ve all tried to tell him that. I don’t know what’ll become of him if the IAB hearing doesn’t go her way.”

  “What three officers are hearing the case?”

  “Jeannie, Captain Andrews and Officer Offenbach, who’s been moved to IAB since he was busted for lying.”

  Sam’s heart sank when she heard Offenbach was part of it. He blamed her for the demise of his career and his marriage after she discovered he was having an affair while he was supposed to be at a conference. It would give him great pleasure to ruin the career of one of her detectives. “It’ll come down to Andrews.” The explosives captain was known for being tough but fair. He kept his cards close and wasn’t known for socializing with other officers.

  “He has no agenda.”

  “That we know of. What if he’s one of the people silently seething over me and my new situation and all the attention I get because of it? If that’s the case, how much would he enjoy taking his frustrations out on one of my people?”

  “I don’t think most people care that you’re the first lady.”

  “I’m sure a lot of them think it’s total bullshit that I’m trying to do both jobs, that I’m a camera hog or an attention whore or whatever else they’ve come up with.”

  “I don’t think it’s that many people, if any.”

  “I’m certain it’s more than we think. Anyway, I’ll call Gigi and prop her up.”

  “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

  “Anything else going on?”

  “We have a court date for the preliminary hearing in the Blanchet case next week. The next day, there’s another hearing in Spencer’s case.”

  “Have Angela and the other families been notified?”

  “Malone talked to all of them today.”

  Sam added a call to her sister to her to-do list. “How’s Elin?” She’d been concerned about Freddie’s wife since she’d had a recent miscarriage.

  “Better. She’s getting some of her sparkle back.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. It takes a while.”

  “Do you always think about the one you lost?”

  “You never forget them, but after a while, you don’t think about the loss every day. It becomes more like a dull ache than a sharp pain.”

  “That’s good to know. I’m looking forward to the dull ache.”

  “You’re young and healthy and can try again soon. Stay focused on knowing you can conceive, which is a very big deal. It’ll help.”

  “Thanks, Sam. I appreciate the insight.”

  “My insight is free of charge to you any time you need it.”

  His snort of laughter made her smile. She hated to hear him down.

  “I’ll keep you posted on all the things,” he said. “And I hope you’re able to enjoy the vacation a little despite the craziness.”

  “I worry that we’d be bored without the craziness.”

  “Wouldn’t it be nice to find out?”

  “Yeah,” Sam said, laughing, “it would be.”

  “See you soon at the beach. We can’t wait.”

  “We’re looking forward to it, too.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Eager to get her obligations to others satisfied so she could get back to being on vacation, Sam called Gigi.

  “Hey, Sam. You’re supposed to be on vacation.”

  “I am, technically.”

  “Such a tragedy about the shooting. We’re thinking of you guys.”

  “Thank you for thinking of us. I was calling to check on you before the hearing.”

  “I’m doing okay. Cam is a mess. But I’m doing what I can with him.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I wish I had a magic wand to make this go away for you guys.”

  “We wish you did, too, but we’ll get through it. My plan is to tell the truth about what happened and how I felt I had no choice but to kill her to save myself. That’s all I can do. If it costs me my career, then so be it. At least I’m still here.”

  “Your strength is impressive, Gigi.”

  “What else can I do? I’ve had several close calls lately that’ve made me appreciate life even more than I already did. I have my health, my family, my relationship with Cam and friends like you who I love and value. At the end of the day, what else is there, you know?”

  “That’s all there is.”

  “We get so caught up in a job like ours that we forget it’s just a job. One of millions of jobs we could be doing. That’s what I keep telling Cameron. It’s just a job.”

  “You’re right, and we do forget that.”

  “It’s a special job,” Gigi said, “that takes fortitude not many people have.”

  “That’s also true. And you have it in spades. I’d hate to lose you on my team, but I’m glad to know you’re okay no matter how it turns out.”

  “I have the truth on my side. I was attacked and assaulted in my own home. I had no doubt she would kill me if I didn’t kill her first. I wish more than anything that none of it had happened, but if it had to, I’m glad I came out alive.”

  “We’re all thankful for that, Gigi.” Sam heard a male voice in the background. “Is that Cam?”

  “Yes, that’s him.”

  “Could I speak to him?”

  “Sure. I’ll hand the phone over to him.”

  “Good luck today, Gigi. Let me know how it goes.”

  “I will. Thank you so much for checking in.”

  “Of course.”

  “Here’s Cam.”

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Hi there. What’s this I hear about you being so tightly wound that people are worried you might implode?”

  “Because I’m a serious implosion risk.”

  “Did you hear what Gigi said about this being just a job and how grateful she is to be alive and in love and surrounded by people who care?”

  “I did, and she’s amazing. But we already knew that.”

  “I know you’re blaming yourself for this, but that doesn’t help Gigi. She needs you to be strong for her and to support her no matter the outcome. If it goes bad for her on the job, she needs to know you’ll still be there and be able to find a way to live with that.”

  “I’m trying, Sam. I really am. But the thought of her losing her job because of my ex…” His deep sigh said it all. “I suppose you’ve heard that Offenbach is one of the three officers on the panel.”

  “I did, and I’m sorry that my history with him might impact the outcome for Gigi, but you’ve got Jeannie on your side, and Andrews has a reputation for being tough but fair.”

  “I really hope that’s true.”

  “I’m worried about you, Cam. You need to hold it together for your own sake as much as Gigi’s.”

  “I know, but thank you for the reminder. I thought I’d seen everything after all the years on the job, but this…”

  “I understand. It’s all too much.”

  “Yeah, it really is. If she loses her career because of me…”

  “It wouldn’t be because of you. Tell me you know that.”

  “I do, but indirectly.”

  “What happened because of Jaycee isn’t your fault, but if you blow up or do something stupid because of what she did, then that’s on you.”

  “That’s good advice, and I’ll try my best to follow it.”

  “Put all your focus on Gigi and what she needs right now. Let’s get her through this and back to work where she belongs.”

  “That’s the goal, and I appreciate the pep talk.”

  “Hang in there and keep me posted.”

  “We will. Thanks, Sam.”

  “Any time.”

  She ended the call feeling as if she’d done what she could to prop up Cam and Gigi on a difficult day. Before she called Angela, she wanted to talk to Captain Malone.

  “Hey, you’re on vacation. Why’re you calling me?”

  “That’s rude.”

  “Haha, just kidding. What’s up?”

  “I’m worried about Dominguez and the IAB hearing.”

  “Yeah, me, too.”

  It didn’t help to hear he was worried, too. “Offenbach will try to screw her to get back at me.”

  “That’s the fear, but Andrews and McBride will be there to override him.”

  “Will Andrews side with Gigi?”

  “We can only hope. I’m her rep before the board, and I’ll do everything I can for her.”

  “Thank you for looking out for her.”

  “She’s an excellent detective and dedicated officer, which I’ll remind them in my opening statement.”

  “I feel better knowing you’re on it.”

  “She’s got your lawyer friend Andy coming as well. Try not to worry. I don’t let good people get away. How’s Nick holding up with the Fort Liberty situation?”

  “He’s upset and doing what he can. Today, he has to call the families. I don’t envy him that.”

  “Ugh, no kidding. Why do people want that job so badly?”

  “Beats us.”

  “And the tomatoes… Are you okay?”

  “Just a little bruise where one hit me in the face, but otherwise, I’m fine.”

  “That was scary. The Secret Service must be rattled.”

  “They are. I’m also getting updates on the goings-on at Stahl’s house.”

  “It just keeps getting worse. We’re waiting on the warrant for the storage unit. I’m terrified of what’s in there.”

  “How’s Haggerty holding up?”

  “He’s doing a great job, but working like a madman.”

  “I’ll text him.”

  “I’m sure he’d appreciate the support.”

  “I’ll let you get back to it.”

  “Try to enjoy the downtime, Sam. You’ve certainly earned it.”

  “Easier said than done when your husband is the POTUS, and your ex-coworker is a potential serial killer.”

  “That’s a heck of a sentence.”

  “It’s a heck of a life. Take care, Cap.”

  “You, too.”

  Sam sent a text to Lieutenant Haggerty. Heard you and your team are doing heroic work. I’m thinking of you and sending support. Let me know if you need anything.

  Then she called Angela.

  “Hey, I’d ask you how it’s going, but you’re all over the news.”

  “Awesome.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. The shooting is far more upsetting than a few tomatoes.”

  “Still, that must’ve been shocking.”

  “It’s all shocking, and Nick is beside himself because the shooter was heard before the shooting going off about having to work for an illegitimate president.”

  “That has to be so awful for him.”

  “It is, but I keep telling him that he hasn’t done anything other than what his country asked of him, and if people don’t like it, that isn’t on him. He gets that intellectually. Emotionally is another whole story.”

  “I hate when people use that word to describe him. His ascension to the presidency happened exactly the way the framers intended.”

  “You sound like a social studies teacher.”

  “I read that on the Washington Star editorial page a few weeks ago.”

  “Ah, I see. Well, the reason I called is that I heard there’s a hearing in Spencer’s case next week, and I wanted to check in with you.”

  “Yes, Captain Malone called yesterday to let me know. He’s such a nice guy.”

  “He’s the best. How’re you feeling about it?”

  “I’m okay. I know it’s all part of it, and I want justice for Spencer and the other families.”

  “You don’t have to go to every hearing, Ang. Trace and I can do some of them.”

  “I may take you up on that.”

  “Please do. Don’t put yourself through anything you don’t feel you can handle. We’re right here for you.”

  “I know, and that’s getting me through.”

  “How’s my Jack Sprat?” Sam asked of her young nephew, who’d been so close to his late dad.

  “He’s okay. Good days and bad days. Lots of questions at bedtime.”

  “Poor guy. I can’t wait to squeeze him on Friday.”

  “We’re really looking forward to it. It’ll be a nice change of scenery for us.”

  “And you’re all set to ride out with Tracy and Mike, right?”

  “Yep! They’re picking us up at four thirty.”

  “Can’t wait for you all to get here.”

  “Are you having any relaxation time?”

  “We’re fine. It’s all good.” There was no way Sam would talk about her wonderful marriage to her newly widowed sister.

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Thanks for checking in.”

  Sam closed her phone and went to the front door to speak to the agent on duty, who was someone she hadn’t seen before. “Hi there. Would you mind asking Vernon to stop by when he can?”

  “Of course, ma’am.”

  “Thank you. And remind me of your name?”

  “Oliver, ma’am.”

  “Nice to meet you, Oliver. Welcome to the team.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. It’s an honor to work on your detail.”

  “You say that now…”

  The young man with the light brown hair and hazel eyes laughed. “Everyone I know is envious of my very cool job.”

  “Good for you. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Vernon will be right over.”

  “Thanks.”

  Exactly two minutes after she closed the door, a knock sounded. Sam opened it to find Vernon. “Thanks for coming by. Come in.”

  He stepped inside. “Everything all right?”

  “Why do you wear a suit even at the beach?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Because I’m working. Is that why you wanted to talk to me? To ask why I’m wearing a suit?”

  “Nope, but that question occurred to me when you came in. You could at least lose the tie.”

  “What can I do for you this fine morning, ma’am?”

  She glared at him to register her disapproval of the dreaded ma’am. “I was wondering about what happened with the tomatoes and if there’s any trouble for you guys over it.”

  “Headquarters is unhappy, to say the least. Brant is taking it hard. We had people all over the place outside the restaurant, but we didn’t see that coming. And we should have. We apologize.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. You guys do such a great job. I suppose it’s inevitable that you can’t predict everything.”

  “Having the first lady struck in the face by a flying tomato is a very bad day at the office for us. It never should’ve happened.”

  “Did you get the person who did it?”

  “We did, and she’s being charged with several felony counts, including assault of a public official.”

  “Is that me? Am I a public official?”

  Vernon flashed his usual smile. “That, you are.”

  “Huh. Interesting. Did you find out why she did it?”

  “You know why.”

  “Because he’s unelected.”

  “Yes.”

  Sam took a seat on a stool at the kitchen bar. “I want to understand that point of view. I really do, but all I see is a man who stepped up to serve his country first as vice president and then as president. He was confirmed by the Senate to be vice president, with the whole world fully aware of the VP’s primary role.”

  “True, but people who don’t agree with his politics will harp on anything they can to make things difficult for him. It’s just the nature of our system.”

  “Do you think he’s in real danger of being harmed by something much more serious than a tomato?”

  “We’re doing everything we can to keep you and your family safe. That goal occupies the majority of our waking hours.”

  “And we appreciate you all so much. But tell me the truth, Vernon. Are there a lot of threats against him?”

  His brief hesitation said it all. “I don’t want you to be frightened.”

  “Too late,” she said with a small smile. “It’s a lot, this job of his.” Sam laughed. “If that’s not the understatement of the century. I see him giving it his all, you know? I see his empathy and compassion and heartbreak after things like what happened at Fort Liberty. And to know there’re people out there who’d rather see him dead than in office… That’s almost unbearable.”

  “I know it is, and I don’t want you to live with that kind of fear. Despite what happened last night, you’re surrounded by the best security in the world. Never doubt our commitment to protecting you all.”

  “I don’t doubt that. Not for one minute. It’s the lunatics who have me on edge. People who’d throw tomatoes at the first couple because they don’t agree with his politics or his trajectory or whatever they’re beefing about. Today, it’s tomatoes. Tomorrow, it’s bullets.”

  “We’re having agency-wide discussions about what needs to happen to shore up the gaps that resulted in the tomatoes. I assure you we’re taking this very seriously.”

  “That’s good to know. Thank you for the info.”

  “I’m here any time you have questions or concerns.”

  “That makes me feel much better. We’re so thankful for you and all your colleagues.”

  “We know you are. The first family are family to us. It’s an honor to work with and for you.”

  “Thank you, Vernon.”

  “Any time, Sam.”

  After he left, she sat on the sofa and stared out at the ocean, which was frothy with surf today. She thought about the enormous burden placed on the shoulders of the Secret Service agents charged with keeping the president and his family safe. It was a job she couldn’t do. She’d be stressed all the time about possibly missing something that cost someone else their life and plunged the country into turmoil.