Page 150 of State of Alert

“We’re not talking about you going away.”

He stepped toward her, put his arms around her and held her close. “Will you be able to sleep now that we have a plan?”

“Yeah, thanks for that.”

“Are we really going to the judge’s dinner party?”

“I think I might like to, if you don’t mind too much.”

“Anything for you, love.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

In the morning, Nick got the kids up and ready for school while Sam went to the in-house salon for hair and makeup, which made her feel ridiculous when other women would feel pampered. To her, it felt like a waste of valuable time that could be spent more productively—having breakfast with her kids, for instance. But since the eyes of the world would be on her at the funeral and at the interview afterward, she forced herself to sit still as Ginger and Davida made her shine.

“You ladies are magicians,” she said when she saw the results of their efforts. “And you’re quick and efficient, which is greatly appreciated.”

“Our pleasure, ma’am,” Davida said.

“Thank you for coming in early for me.”

“No problem,” Ginger said.

Sam returned to the residence to change into the black dress she’d wear to the funeral and interview, which Trevor had confirmed for eleven thirty in the Map Room. That meant she wouldn’t get to work until close to one. She texted Freddie and Gonzo to let them know her plan for the day.

Gonzo replied right away.The roommate is on the morningshows, and people are taking to social media to express outrage that you interviewed him while knowing Juan was alive. This could get ugly fast.

Sounds like it’s already ugly. We’ll put out a statement from my office here and clarify in the interview.

I’d move fast on that statement. You’re already losing control of the story.

Will do. Thanks.

Sam called Lilia.

“Morning,” her chief of staff said. “Are you ready for the funeral?”

“That’s become the least of my concerns.”

“So you’ve heard about Isaac Erickson’s comments this morning.”

“I have, and I’d like to put out a statement that says that Lieutenant Holland is aware of Lieutenant Commander Erickson’s claims and will address them further in an interview she’s doing with the president later this morning.”

“We’ll get that out for you right away.”

Sam went up the stairs to the residence. “Thanks, Lilia.”

“Is it true that Juan is alive?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, thank heavens. That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while.”

“It was for me, too, but it’s since caused me a ton of heartburn, and I suspect that’s not over yet.”

“The story is catching wind, for sure. Let me get that statement posted for you. Trevor notified me of the interview. I’ll see you in the Map Room at eleven thirty. Good luck with the eulogy this morning.”

“Thanks.”

---