Page 200 of State of Suspense

How would Nick live with that?

He was saved from having to contemplate that dreadful reality by the arrival of Attorney General Cox.

“Show him in, Julie.”

Nick got up from the Resolute Desk and went to meet Cox at the sofas. Normally, he offered refreshments to his guests. However, this wasn’t a social call or even a regular meeting.

“Thanks for coming in.”

“Of course, Mr. President.”

Did the man look nervous, or was that wishful thinking on Nick’s part? Since Cox had threatened Sam, Nick hoped he was shitting his pants with nerves.

“I wanted to talk to you about the gambling addiction that’s been uncovered as part of the investigation into USA Forrester’s murder.”

Cox clearly hadn’t been expecting that.

“I, uh… I’m dealing with that as a private matter.”

“Normally, I’d give a cabinet member the opportunity to resign, but that’s not going to happen in this case. Your behavior has made you vulnerable to blackmail by foreign and domestic bad actors. As a result of that, we’re doing things a bit differently this time.”

The man had gone pale. “Sir?”

“As we speak, the White House Press Office is releasing a statement containing all the dirty details of what you’ve been up to while enjoying the status that comes with being the United States Attorney General. Your office at Justice is being cleaned out, and your personal effects will be delivered to your home. Your access to official government networks has been cut off. In addition, the nephew who’s played the role of your assistant while helping to hide your addiction is being told his services are no longer required by the federal government.” Nick stood and buttoned his suit coat. “Put your government phone on the table.”

Cox glared at him but did as directed.

“You’ll be met at home by federal agents, who’ll take possession of your computers and any other equipment or documents that belong to us. Is there any part of this you don’t understand?”

“No,” Cox said through gritted teeth.

“I think you know the way out. Don’t let the door hit you.”

“Mr. President… if I may…”

“You may not. In addition to making our country less safe through your despicable actions, you threatened my wife. What did you think would happen next? Get out.”

When Cox remained seated, seeming frozen with shock, Nick went to the door and signaled to Brant and the members of Cox’s detail to escort him from the Oval Office.

After they left with the now-former AG, Terry came in. “How’d it go?”

“Like clockwork except for the part where he was too shocked to leave, and the Secret Service had to remove him.”

“Director Ambrose has instructed his Secret Service detail to drop him off at home, at which point his protection ends.”

“You’ve spoken to the deputy AG about becoming the acting?”

“I have, and she’s ready.”

Trevor Donnelly, the communications director, came to the door.

Nick waved him in.

“Christina made the statement in the briefing room, and the word is out that Cox has been fired for cause. It’s safe to say this’ll be the lead story on every network and in every publication as they try to uncover the reason for his firing.”

“That doesn’t need to come from us,” Nick said.

“It’ll come out soon enough,” Terry said.

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