Page 216 of State of Suspense

“Mine are calibrated by up-close-and-personal interactions with criminals.”

“Which is why you know one when you see one.”

“Most of the time.”

As they approached the gates to the White House, Sam’s phone chimed with a text from Freddie. Wondering how it went.

All good. Will update you when I see you, but basically Nick told her to F off.

YES!

Tell me how you really feel!

Just did. He’s ok?

Yeah, he is.

That’s good. Glad to hear it. See you Sunday AM.

See you then and thanks for checking in.

“That was Freddie making sure you’re okay after seeing what’s-her-name.”

“Nice of him to ask.”

“A lot of people were upset about us seeing her.”

“I know.”

“They’ll be proud of how you handled it like Freddie was.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

“It’s true. We all know how tough this has been on you, and to see you take control of the situation was amazing.”

“I’m glad you thought so.”

“You sound a little flat. Are you having regrets?”

“Nope. I’m thinking about Juan.”

Since there was nothing she could say to that, she simply took hold of his hand and held on until they were inside and handing their coats to Harold.

“Thank you, Harold.”

“My pleasure, Mr. President.”

Nick took her hand again for the walk upstairs to the residence. “Follow the noise.”

Sam laughed, already feeling lighter now that they were home with their kids. “I was about to say the same thing.”

They went up to the third-floor conservatory, where the twins and Scotty were playing Twister, overseen by Sam’s mom.

Alden saw them first, let out a scream and collapsed the other two when he rolled out from under them.

Aubrey landed on top of Scotty, giggling as he let out a loud oof.

She got up and ran to greet them.

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