Page 193 of State of Suspense

“Not really.”

“You still need to eat something.”

“I’m not sure I could. This situation is making me sick. That he risked everything to warn me, and now…”

“Maybe he’s hiding out until it blows over.”

“I don’t think he’d do that. The military tends to frown on members going AWOL.”

Sam led him into their suite and into the bathroom, where she removed his tie, helped him out of the suit coat and began to unbutton his shirt.

“I spoke with his mother just now. She’s out of her mind with worry. His father died when he was four. She raised him on her own.” His tone was devoid of all the usual animation. “She’s so proud of him working in the White House. She owns a hair salon in Philly. Juan grew up sweeping the floors and washing the towels.” His voice broke as his head landed on her shoulder. “I know something terrible has happened.”

“I’m so sorry, Nick. I wish I knew what to say.”

“There’s nothing to be said, but God help whoever is responsible for this.”

Sam hadn’t seen him this undone in a while. Her heart ached for him. After he changed into sweats and his favorite Harvard T-shirt, he dropped onto the sofa.

She poured him a glass of the bourbon Graham O’Connor had given him for Christmas and curled up next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

They stayed there until the official phone rang almost half an hour later.

Nick got up to answer it.

He listened more than he spoke and then thanked the person.

“Anything new?”

“The FBI and NCIS investigators have gained access to Juan’s apartment and are processing the scene.”

“It sounds like you’ve got the best people working on it.”

Her phone buzzed with a text from Tracy. Still planning to attend the hearing tomorrow?

Yes.

Any word on whether Ang is coming?

I don’t think so. I told her I’d take this one, and she should pace herself.

Good call. I’ll see you there.

“Everything okay?” Nick asked.

“That was Tracy about the hearing in Spencer’s case tomorrow.”

“I should be there with you.”

“Like I told Angela, it’s gonna be a long haul. We need to pace ourselves, and you need to stay focused on things here.”

“I wish I could be there for every minute of it.”

“I know, and that means a lot to all of us. Do you think you could eat a little something?”

“Nah, I’m okay. I had a late lunch, and I’m just not hungry.”

“How about some rest?”

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