Page 124 of State of Suspense

“He was out of surgery and expected to make a full recovery the last time I heard from Shelby,” Sam said.

“Thank goodness,” Roni said. “I texted Shelby earlier, but I haven’t heard back. I’m sure she’s got a million texts from concerned friends.”

“For sure,” Sam said. “She’s got her hands full with a new baby and now with Avery laid up. I know she’ll appreciate you checking in.”

“I’m thinking of her.”

Sam rested a hand on the younger woman’s arm. “I’m sure it was hard for you to hear what’d happened to Avery.” Her husband, Patrick, had been killed by a stray bullet while on his way to lunch.

“Yes, for sure. Brought it all back.”

“Call me tomorrow if you need to talk.”

“Said the busiest person on the planet.”

“I always have time for my friends.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

“We’d better move to the tent to make sure everything is good to go,” Derek said, “and once it is, I’m having a very big drink.”

Sam and Nick laughed as they sent them on their way, and then they greeted Lilia and her fiancé, Harry.

“You two look stunning,” Lilia said.

“All thanks to you and the White House team,” Sam replied.

“We had a gorgeous first lady to work with.”

“You’re looking pretty gorgeous yourself.” Lilia wore a red gown that clung to her curves.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Harry put his arm around his love. “She’s a showstopper.”

Lilia giggled. “Hush. This isn’t my show.”

“It’s more your show than it is mine,” Sam said.

Harry and Lilia were still laughing as they walked away to find their table.

The crush of people, each face more famous than the last, was dazzling and overwhelming, each of the illustrious people wanting a moment with her and Nick.

Supreme Court justices, senators and congresspeople… Including Damien Bryant.

He offered her an insincere smile. “Mrs. Cappuano.”

“What are you doing out of lockup?”

“A little thing called bail.”

She couldn’t believe he’d been released—again—after he’d run from them. “What’re you doing here?”

He feigned insult. “I was invited.”

“I assume that was before you were charged with multiple felonies.”

“Timing is everything, is it not?”

“I’ll have you removed.”

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