Page 49 of State of Suspense

She limped toward the SUV, feeling more certain with every step that she’d reinjured her hip and that her wrist might be broken. But she didn’t have time to deal with any of that right now.

Vernon greeted her with a first aid kit in hand. He took one look at her and withdrew gauze and ointment. “Take a seat.”

She moved carefully, gasping when her backside connected with the leather seat.

“What’s the story?” Vernon asked as he dabbed at her face.

Hissing, she recoiled. “What the hell was that? Battery acid?”

“That’s exactly what it was. How’d you guess?”

“Most of the time, I appreciate your sarcasm. This is not one of those times.”

“Do you need the ER?”

“No.”

“Hold up your arm.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Sam.”

“Vernon.”

“I’m required to notify my supervisor that the first lady has been injured.”

“If you do that, I’ll never speak to you again.”

“Yes, you will.”

“I won’t.”

“Sam.”

“Vernon! I have a fitting for my dress for tomorrow night that I can’t miss at three thirty. In addition, I’ve got the entire Federal Bureau of Investigation breathing down my neck to get their sweaty paws on the Forrester case. I’ve got to make something happen today, or we’re going to lose control of this thing.”

“Might I point out that you have your very own physician on staff at home who could meet us at HQ to tend to your injuries while you tend to your work?”

“Yes, you may point that out to me.”

“And might you speak to me again if I were to notify Dr. Flynn that his services are needed by the first lady at her place of employment?”

Sam gave him a side-eyed look to gauge whether he was trying not to laugh. “Are you managing me, by any chance?”

“Would I do that?”

“Yes, I believe you would.”

“Shall I reach out to Dr. Flynn?”

“Yes.”

“Was that so hard?”

“Learn to quit while you’re ahead.”

“My wife has been saying that to me for thirty years.”

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