Page 200 of State of Alert

“What’d you say?”

“I told him I’d let him know if I was interested, and I asked Neveah to take a deep dive on him to make sure he’s on the up-and-up.”

“And?”

“He is.”

“So what’s he doing with her?”

“That was my question, too. I believe he fancies himself in love with her.”

Nick made a disgusted face.

“What do you think I ought to do? Should I take the call with her?”

“I don’t see what good it would do.”

“So call me crazy, but I’m starting to think she sincerely wants to fix things with you—and us.”

“Probably because I’m president, and she wants to take full advantage of her proximity.”

“I don’t know if it’s just that. Worthy is a serious family guy. Maybe he’s shown her the benefit of having people around who have her back.”

He sighed. “I hate the idea of letting her into our lives.”

“Then we won’t do it.”

“Am I a monster for feeling that way?”

“Oh my God, of course not. Anyone would after what she’s put you through.”

“I just don’t believe she’s capable of this kind of change.”

“We’ll let it go for now.”

“How’d you leave it with him?”

“That he’d hear from me if I was interested in talking to her.”

“Thank you for handling that for me.”

“Anything for you.” She turned her gaze up to meet his. “There’s one more thing you should know about.” She filled him in on Scotty and the current-events discussions in social studies.

He cringed. “What the hell do we do about that?”

“Vernon suggested we allow him to use headphones when something comes up that he doesn’t want to listen to.”

“That’s a very good idea.”

“I’ll pitch it to him and the teacher and see what we can do.”

“Look at you handling all the wildfires that break out when I’m not around.”

“I like fighting fires better with you than without you.”

“Same, babe.”

“Tell me the truth. It was pretty cool meeting Thor, right?”

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