Page 177 of State of Suspense

“I just hope it works.”

“Me, too.”

Back in the SUV, Sam called Roni Connolly, her director of communications at the White House.

“Hi, Sam, what’s up?”

“I need a favor.”

“What can I do?”

Sam explained the situation with the church and the operation involving the federal judge. “We were still there when Freddie noticed someone on social media asking why I was there. He took a picture of me with the pastor, Eleanor Simpson, and we were hoping you could post it under my first lady accounts with a caption about me reaching out to community leaders, to throw people off the scent of something going on there.”

“Have him send it to me. I’ll post it right away.”

“Please let Lilia know, too, so she’s aware.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, Roni.”

“No problem.”

Sam slapped her phone closed. “Can you text her the photo?”

“What’s her cell number?”

Sam opened her phone and poked around. “How do I find it?”

“For God’s sake. Give it to me.”

She handed over the phone with a big grin. “My hero.”

“It’s a wonder you can function in this world.”

“Even though you’re insulting me, I want to say that was quick thinking back there with the first lady thing.”

“Who knew that you being the first lady would actually come in handy?”

“It’s because I’m the ding-dang first lady that we had a problem in the first place.”

“When you put it that way…”

“God, I miss being anonymous. I yearn for the ease of that life.”

“But you don’t yearn for life before Nick.”

“Not one bit. The tradeoff is definitely worth it. He’s worth it.”

“He sure is.”

Sam looked over at him. “I hope you know I mean that. There’re times when the enormous changes in our lives are truly overwhelming. Days like yesterday when we’re hosting a freaking state dinner, of all things… And to be raising three incredible kids and guiding another into young adulthood. But I’m always thankful to be married to him and to be on this incredible journey with him and our kids.”

“I know that, Sam. We all do.”

“I hope he does, too.”

“He does. For sure.”

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