Page 159 of State of Alert

“So you say, but as far as I can tell, our nation is secure with Goldstein in lockup and the others who participated in this plot dishonorably discharged from the military and facing charges that will send them to prison. What more needs to happen to protect the national interest?”

“I want justice for Juan Rodriguez, who was stalked and pursued by senior officers intent on doing harm to the man who exposed their dirty secrets.”

“You’ll have to make your case another way against those who wanted to harm Juan, because I’m going to publicly own the role I played in this in an interview I’m doing with my husband shortly.”

“I urge you not to do that.”

“Your objection is duly noted, Agent Truver. I have to go now.” Sam slapped her phone closed. “What are you hearing from her bosses?” she asked Nick.

“We’ve notified Jennings and the Navy secretary of our plans to go public with what was asked of you under the guise of national security. They were notifying the NCIS director, which is probably why you heard from Agent Truver.”

“You’re not hearing anything about us endangering investigations by going public, then?”

“Nothing specific. I asked for an update during the security briefing this morning but haven’t heard anything new yet.”

“When did you do a security briefing?”

“Zero six hundred, baby.”

“Where the hell was I?”

“Out cold.”

“This is what I mean when I say people have no idea how dedicated you are.”

“I’m just doing the job the best way I know how. I knew it would be a busy day, so I scheduled an early briefing to get that out of the way before the funeral.”

“Thanks for coming to that with me.”

“I’m always glad to accompany my beautiful wife, but I’m sorry it was to a funeral for a friend.”

“Me, too. He was one of the good guys.” Sam hesitated for a second before she shared another thought. “I’m hearing the prospective new USA is a ballbuster.”

“Catherine McDermott?”

“Yeah, her.”

“Do you guys not want her?”

“I absolutely should not be discussing this with you. It crosses all the lines.”

“Tell me what you’re hearing. This is a major nomination. I want to get it right.”

“I heard she’s super by the book and takes no prisoners.”

“I’m not sure what to make of that.”

“Me either, but you should do what you think is best.”

“She comes highly recommended by people at all levels of the system—judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement.”

“Then it sounds like she’s a good choice. I can’t believe it’s up to my husband to nominate the next U.S. Attorney. That’s kind of bonkers to me. In most cases, it would have no impact on me as a municipal police officer. But in DC, the USA is our prosecutor, so the appointment of Tom’s replacement is hugely consequential to us.”

“If we get it wrong, then your already complicated life becomes more so.”

“I’m sure you’re fully vetting her. I have faith in you and your team.”

“That’s nice to hear, but I sure as hell hope my choice for the new USA doesn’t cause problems for you and your team.”

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