Page 90 of State of Alert

He’d polished off the whole plate of food in ten minutes.

“Anything for you.”

“Same goes. I’ll call Dad and get him here in the morning. He’ll love being needed, especially by you.”

Nick smiled. “Yeah, he will. It’s a great idea to bring him in, Terry. Thanks for always having my back.”

“My pleasure, Mr. President.”

After Terry left, Nick thought about what his friend had said. Terry was right. He needed to keep his eye on the ball lest things get worse than they already were. Graham liked to say, “They hate us cuz they ain’t us,” and sometimes Nick believed that was true more than anything lacking in him.

He got up, used his private bathroom to freshen up and then went back to work. As long as he held this office, he’d do whatever he could to make things better for the American people.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Sam and Freddie were in the Secret Service SUV on the way to see Elaine’s brother when Faith Miller called again. Shit. Sam had forgotten to return her earlier call.

“Hey, Faith. Sorry I missed you before. Crazy day.”

“No worries. I told Leslie Forrester I’d check in with you about the funeral on Wednesday.”

Shit. Fuck. Damn. Hell.She was scheduled to speak at Tom’s funeral and hadn’t given it a thought. “Yes, it’s on the calendar.”

“It’s at ten a.m. at the National Cathedral.”

“I’ll be there.”

At the thought of speaking in front of much of official Washington at the esteemed cathedral, her anxiety kicked into high gear.

“How’re you all holding up?” she asked Faith.

“Minute to minute. It’s still so hard to believe he’s really gone. He was such a life-force.”

“I know. I’m so sorry for everyone who worked so closely with him and loved him.”

“He was one of the good guys. He’ll definitely be missed.”

“I heard they’re already moving forward with a new USA,” Sam said.

“Yeah, and about that… Not sure how you feel about getting involved in an official act of your husband’s, but her reputation precedes her.”

For a second, Sam didn’t compute what Faith was saying—until she realized Faith was referring to Catherine McDermott, Tom’s potential replacement. Anxiety was replaced by surprise and disappointment. “I wouldn’t feel right talking to him about that, Faith.”

“I had a feeling you might say that. Read up on her so you’ll know what we’re in for if she’s approved by the Senate.”

“I’ll do that.”

“I’m sorry to be inappropriate or to take advantage of our friendship. Grief is making me stupid.”

“Don’t think anything of it.”

“How’re you making out with the Myerson case?”

“Slow going so far, but we’re doing what we do. Pulling the threads. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you Wednesday, if not before.”

“See you then.”

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