Page 161 of State of Suspense

Much better. Can’t wait to get back to business.

Eh, take it easy and enjoy the time away. You deserve a break.

Heard the latest about the monster. How you holding up?

I’m ok. It’s not about me.

Sure, it is. Call me if you need to talk.

Thank you, but I’m fine. On to something with Forrester, pulling the threads, doing what I do.

You looked stunning last night. Both of you.

Thanks. It was a team effort. Will check on you later.

I’ll be here.

Hey, so… We don’t do sappy around here, but you should know… I love you, and I’m so glad you’re ok.

Lindsey’s eyes immediately flooded with tears. Love you right back, my friend.

There was nothing like a health crisis to make a girl feel loved and supported by those closest to her.

Terry returned to the sunroom, phone in hand. “Derek said everything was perfect last night, which is a huge relief.”

“It was perfect because you and the rest of the White House team saw to every detail weeks ago.”

“Still nice to hear we pulled it off.”

“I’m sorry you had to miss it.”

“I’m not. I’d rather be home in sweats with you than in a monkey suit at the White House any day.”

“Liar.”

“I’m not lying. You know I’d rather be here with you than anywhere else.”

“I do, but it was still a bummer to miss a fun night with our best friends.”

“Speaking of our best friends, Derek told me he and Roni went public at the state dinner. They arrived holding hands.”

“Ah, I love that for both of them.” She knew Derek and Roni had been spending time together but hadn’t made any official announcements. “When’s her baby due?”

“June. He said they plan to help raise each other’s children.”

“That’s wonderful. They deserve all the happiness in the world after what they’ve been through.”

“Yes, they do, and so do we.” He kissed the back of her left hand. “I can’t wait to put another ring on this gorgeous hand.”

Their wedding was scheduled for July at his parents’ farm in Leesburg. “I can’t wait either.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Talk to me about Judge Sawyer,” Sam said to Freddie as Vernon drove them to E Street.

He clicked around on his phone. “She graduated from Stanford—undergrad and law school. She came up through the ranks as a local prosecutor in Marin County, California, followed by ten years with the state Attorney General before she was tapped to be a federal district court judge. She was elevated to the DC Court of Appeals two years ago.”

“What an impressive career.”

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