Page 57 of State of Alert

“What’d you decide about Nick?”

“I followed your advice, and he agreed.”

“Had a feeling he would.”

“Thank you, as always, for the advice and support.”

“You got it.”

As she closed her phone, Sam was relieved to be rid of the fake investigation. The chief was right. Nothing good would come from that for any of them. She hoped NCIS would quickly close their investigation and reunite Juan with his loved ones so she could come clean to her colleagues and friends.

She withdrew the secure BlackBerry from her coat pocket to text Nick.How’d it go at the school?

He replied a few minutes later.Amazing. The boys were so cute in their suits and slicked-back hair, bouncing with excitement. Lots of fun.

So glad it went well. Having a much better day today so farworking on the case of a woman found dead in her house and nothing else.

She chose her wording carefully so there would be no way the text could be used against them in the future.

Good luck with the new case. Glad to hear you can focus just on that.

Which meant he understood what she was telling him.See you when you get home. Love you.

Love you, too. Be careful out there.

Always.

He would be relieved to know she wasn’t working on the fake case anymore, but they still needed answers about who’d wanted Juan dead in the first place.

BTW,he texted,I talked to Elijah, and he’s down with your plan. Talking to Andy about it shortly. More to come.

Trying not to get my hopes up.

Right there with you, babe. Remember, the law is on our side. I have to believe it’ll be okay.

I really hope so.

The twins and Elijah had completed their family. Neither of them wanted to imagine life without the children they’d grown to love as if they’d been with them all their lives, even though it had been only six months. Sam couldn’t consider the possibility of losing them without derailing her entire day.

Instead, she focused on the upcoming Easter holiday when she texted her eldest sister, Tracy.Nick wants to go to Camp David for Easter. Angela won’t want to do that—hell, I don’t want to—so can you do something with them that day?

Tracy wrote back a few minutes later.I’ve got it covered. Go have some time with your fam. We’re all looking forward to the egg roll on Monday.

What did it say about Sam that she hadn’t had a single thought about the egg roll, but her sisters and their children were looking forward to it? She sucked at being first lady. That’s what it said.

Do the kids need clothes for Easter?Tracy asked.

And she sucked at being a mother.I don’t know. Do they?

YES, SAM! LOL! I gotcha. I’ll do Easter baskets, too.

What would I do without you?

You’ll never have to find out. I get to go shopping with YOUR credit card. Best day ever!

LOL, have a blast.

Oh, I will. I might even get something nice for you to wear, too.

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