Page 89 of State of Alert

“I’ll ask him to come in tomorrow to get the ball rolling before you leave for the West Coast.”

Nick grimaced at having to deal with the trip in the midst of the news about charges being filed against the former Joint Chiefs. Everyone he encountered would be thinking about how the admirals and generals who’d worked closely with him had wanted him gone so badly, they’d risked criminal charges as well as financial and personal ruin.

“How will anyone take me seriously after this?”

“Don’t go there. If you keep showing up every day, doing the best job you can for the American people, I have to believe that, over time, we’ll move on from this. And if we can’t, well, you’re out of here in two and a half years.”

“That’s a long-ass time to have the whole world think you’re incompetent.”

“The whole world doesn’t think that.”

“Right… They have no reason to believe that admirals and generals might know better than I do about what it takes to run this country.”

“And yet, David Nelson didn’t ask any of them to replace his ailing vice president. He askedyou, because he had faith inyou.”

“Did he, though? Or did he just want the political bump that came from elevating a senator everyone was talking about, mostly because of his romance with a homicide detective.”

“That wasn’t the only reason they were talking about you, Nick. Look at the way you stepped up when John was killed. Your eulogy was so heartfelt and genuine. People responded to that and the story about your humble beginnings. They saw hope in you. They saw a new generation of leader. You and your beautiful young family have captivated the world. I firmly believe that, in time, you’ll win over most of the detractors. The ones who don’t see how lucky they are to have you in this office never would’ve supported you anyway. They aren’t your people. Focus on opportunities to engage, like what you did at yourbrothers’ school. Keep showing people who you really are, and things will turn around.”

“You really think so?”

“I really do.” Terry used his phone to call up a news site that was featuring the photo of Nick with his brothers at the school event. “We’re getting really nice coverage of the school visit and the events in Baltimore.”

“They didn’t get drowned out by the NCIS press conference?”

“Maybe a little, but it’s making for a positive counterbalance to that madness. ‘Look, here’s your president, out doing the job.’”

“I guess.”

“There’s one headline that might annoy you.”

“What’s that?”

“Cappuano’s Much Younger Brothers a Symbol of the Complicated Life He’s Led.”

“What the actual fuck does that even mean?”

“It’s a rehash of how your dad was in high school when he fathered you and how he has a second family with Stacy and the boys.”

“With all the problems and challenges facing this country,that’swhat they’re writing about?”

“Only because of the school visit. Most of the coverage has been positive. People thought it was adorable the way they interviewed you.”

“I’m sure my dad is enjoying having his high school indiscretion broadcast to the world.”

“He doesn’t think of you that way, Nick.”

“What I hate most about this is the impact it has on the people I love. Sam doesn’t say much, but her job is a thousand times harder than it was when I was the VP, and now this shit with the twins’ grandparents has come up again.” He shook his head. “Sometimes I wish the Joint Chiefs had gotten their way.”

“That would’ve been much worse, and you know it. Don’tthink that way. Your wife and kids are getting an incredible experience that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

“As they’re surrounded by Secret Service.”

“They don’t care about that. They care aboutyou, and they’re happy to support you this way. I get that the Joint Chiefs situation continues to be a gut punch, but don’t let it become a distraction we can’t afford right now. You gotta keep your head in the game, Nick.”

“You’re right. Thanks for the kick in the ass.”

“Thanks for the turkey club.”

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