Page 161 of State of Alert

“Did you lie to him?”

“I did what was necessary as part of a very complex investigation that involves multiple agencies and jurisdictions.”

“Is Lieutenant Commander Rodriguez alive?”

“I defer that question to NCIS, which is overseeing that investigation.”

“It’s a simple yes-or-no question, ma’am.”

“It’s not my question to answer.”

He didn’t like that. Too bad. She was doing her best to honor Truver’s wishes while not getting herself into deeper shit than she was already in.

“Mr. President, I understand you were close to Lieutenant Commander Rodriguez.”

“Yes.”

“His death must’ve been a terrible shock to you.”

“It was.”

“Do you know if he’s alive, sir?”

“As my wife said, NCIS is running that investigation, and we’re eager to get all the facts before we comment.” After a beat, Nick added, “Let’s move on to other topics, Peter.”

Sam released a silent deep breath full of relief when Peter began a series of questions about Nick’s thoughts on pressing domestic and foreign relations matters that demonstrated his command of the issues facing the country. She hoped peoplewould see how smart and capable he was and would stop questioning his ability to do the job.

He dazzled her with his deep understanding of complex issues overseas and with common sense solutions to a wide variety of domestic concerns. She had to school her expression to not come across like a teenager in love with the football team captain, but she was truly and deeply in love—and wildly impressed.

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to sit down with us,” Peter said as he wrapped things up.

“Thanks for having us,” Nick said.

They turned over their microphones and gave each other a relieved look as they greeted their staffers.

“Well done, you two,” Lilia said. “As always.”

“What Lilia said,” Terry added. “Spot-on.”

“Let’s hope it helps to take some of the pressure off,” Nick said.

“Can you make sure the part about Juan gets released ASAP?” Sam asked them.

“Trevor is on that,” Terry said.

“Thank you so much.”

“I need a moment with my first lady before we leave. Meet you in the foyer in ten?”

“I’ll see you there,” Terry said.

“Thanks for everything, Lilia,” Sam said.

“Happy to help.”

Nick took Sam by the hand and led her into the room next door, closing the door behind them.

“You’re going to get everyone talking about the first couple hooking up in the China Room.”

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