Page 97 of State of Suspense

Chapter Sixteen

As Sam watched him jog into the hospital, she envied his ability to move about freely. In all likelihood, she’d never have that luxury again, as she and Nick would have Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives.

That was a daunting thought that she chose not to entertain any further on a day when her first lady duties were already weighing on her. What in the hell would she talk to the prime minister’s wife about? She’d rarely experienced true social anxiety until she became first lady and was expected to know what to say to dignitaries in any situation.

Vernon returned and told Jimmy to stay with the SUV while he escorted Sam inside.

Like always, everything stopped when people realized who’d walked into the room.

Sam ignored the stares and kept her focus on getting to Shelby.

When they were in the elevator, she turned to Vernon. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“What do I talk to the Canadian prime minister’s wife about over tea?”

His lips rolled into his mouth as if he was trying not to laugh.

“It’s not funny!”

“I’m not laughing.”

“You are on the inside.”

“You gotta admit the idea of you at a tea is kind of funny.”

“I don’t even like tea! It tastes like dirty water.”

“Maybe refrain from saying that to her.”

“I’m serious, Vernon! What do I talk to her about?”

“Doesn’t she have kids, too?”

“I think so.”

“Didn’t you get a briefing document about the visit?”

“Lilia gave me something yesterday. I haven’t read it yet.”

“Sam!”

“What? I’ve been busy.”

“The woman is coming today. You might want to take a second to figure that out so you know what to talk to her about.”

“That’s probably covered in the brief, right?”

“I can’t with you.”

“Don’t tell anyone I’m like this, you hear me?”

“Your many, many secrets are safe with me.”

The doors opened, and they stepped off the elevator across from the surgical waiting room. Sam spotted Shelby right away, thanks to the fact that she was dressed all in pink, as per usual.

Shelby burst into tears when she saw Sam coming.

---