Page 100 of State of Alert

CHAPTER TWENTY

On the way home, Sam took a call from an unknown number. “Holland.”

“This is Collins Worthy.”

Her stomach turned at the sound of the smooth, cultured voice belonging to her mother-in-law’s attorney, or lover, or whatever he was. “How’d you get my number?”

“Does that matter?”

“Yeah, it kind of does.”

“When Nicoletta was in the hospital some time ago, Nick gave her both your numbers in case of emergency. His doesn’t work anymore, so I called yours.”

“Oh right, you mean the time she threw herself down a flight of stairs so she could call her kindhearted son to Cleveland to shake him down for money?”

His silence spoke volumes.

“Did she tell you about how she crashed his wedding, knowing full well that the sight of her would ruin the biggest day of his life? Or did she tell you how I got in her face and kicked her out, which would be her version of what took place? I’m sure she’s made me out to be the source of all her problems where her son is concerned. The fact of the matter isthatshe’sthe reason her son wants nothing to do with her, not me.”

“I understand that you’re not the problem.”

“Does she?”

“We’re working on that.”

“Let me ask you something, Mr. Worthy. You seem like a decent enough kind of guy—at least on the surface. What’s your game plan with her? You must realize that she’s probably using you the way she uses everyone to advance her own agenda.”

“Do you believe in love at first sight, Lieutenant?”

Sam rolled her eyes so hard, it was a wonder she could still see. “Didn’t you meet her when she was incarcerated?”

“I did, but from the first second I laid eyes on her, I was captivated.”

“Do you have a family?”

“I have three adult children.”

“What do they think of their dad cavorting with a criminal?”

“They’re not too happy about it.”

“Take my advice.Run.Run for your life as far from her as you can get. She’s a grifter, a taker, a loser. She has no idea what really matters in this life, and she doesn’t care about anyone but herself. She’s done nothing but hurt her son from the day he was born.”

“She regrets that very much.”

“Of course she does,” Sam said with a harsh laugh. “Her beautiful, brilliant, handsome, loving son grew up to be president of the United States through absolutely no thanks to her, and she wants a piece of that action. If you’re seeing any other motivation for this renewed interest in him and us, then you’re missing the lead story.”

“While it may seem that way, I’m the one who’s encouraged her to make amends with her son and with you.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m a softie that way. My children are the most important people in my life. I wouldn’t have survived losing their mother to cancer without their love and support. I want Nicoletta to have a relationship with her son, to have a chance to repair the hurt and to go forward together as a family.”

It was all Sam could do not to laugh out loud at the idea of Nicoletta suddenly figuring out how to be a mother at fiftysomething.

“I’m not sure what you expect me to say. My number one priority is protecting my husband and family from things that can hurt them. Your girlfriend, or whatever you want to call her, lives at the top of the things-that-can-hurt-my-family list.”

“She wants the chance to know her son and grandchildren. And you, too, of course.”

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