Page 142 of State of Alert

“Call me that and you won’t have a job for long,ma’am.”

“I stand corrected.”

“I’m teasing, and you’re not wrong about me and people. These two—especially Vernon—they’re special. He reminds me of my dad.”

“Oh wow. I love that for you.”

“I love it for me, too. Funny how that comes along right when there’s a void to be filled.”

“I know all about that.”

“Yes, I guess you do. I hope you know how happy we all are for you and Derek. And for little Maeve.”

“She’s my buddy. I adore her.”

“I love to hear that. He suffered so much after he lost Vic, and I know you did, too, after Patrick. I hear stories like yours and his and Angela’s, and I just wonder how people survive that kind of loss. I’m not sure I would.”

“Yes, you would. You’d find a way for your kids. But let’s not talk about things that aren’t going to happen.”

“Didn’t mean to make it about me. We were talking about you and Derek, and I’m so proud of you for continuing to move forward and for all of it.”

“That means a lot to me. Your friendship and the job havebeen such special gifts to me on this journey I never expected to be on.”

“I hate how we met, but I’m so glad to have you in my life. I can’t wait to meet your little one.”

“It’s a boy,” Roni whispered. “I haven’t told anyone except Derek. Even my parents don’t know.”

“Congratulations, Roni. He’s a lucky boy to have you as a mom.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“I already know it.”

When Vernon brought the SUV to a stop outside Roni’s building, she leaned over to hug Sam. “Thanks for the lift.”

When Roni reached for the passenger door handle, Sam said, “Wait for him, or he gets cranky.”

“I heard that,” Vernon said.

“Heard what?”

Roni laughed as Jimmy helped her out and walked her to the door.

“Thanks for the detour, guys,” Sam said when they drove past the turn that would’ve taken her to Ninth Street once upon a time.

“No problem,” Vernon said.

Sam’s phone buzzed with a text from Neveah.Did the deep dive on Worthy and found him to be a well-respected attorney and an upstanding citizen of Cleveland who’s the ultimate family man. He’s known for being close to his children and grandchildren. Lost his wife to cancer fifteen years ago and has been active in cancer-related charities ever since. He’s also on the board of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn’t find anything negative about him.

“Then what the hell is he doing with my dirtbag mother-in-law?” Sam said out loud.

“What’s that?” Vernon asked.

“Talking to myself.” She responded to Neveah to thank her for the assist.

No problem!

Ten minutes later, they pulled through the gates to the White House.

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