Page 58 of State of Alert

Thank you so much for everything. I love you.

LY2

What would she do without her sisters, mother and stepmother, friends, devoted White House staffers and coworkers? Thankfully, she was surrounded by the most incredibly supportive group of people in the world.

Speaking of being supportive, she texted Shelby to check on Avery and the new baby.

Avery is cranky and sick of being sidelined, and Ms. Maisie Rae is delightful. Noah is crazy about his baby sister. We’re hoping to move into our new place as soon as next week.

There’s no rush on that. Take your time. You’ve got enough going on. We’re doing Easter at Camp David if you want to come.

We might do that. My parents are going to my sister’s, and I wasn’t up for a mob scene, so I told them we’d sit it out.

Can’t promise peace and quiet at camp, but you’ll have your own cabin and amazing staff to take care of you.

That sounds perfect to me! Count us in.

Nick is traveling this week. Let’s do dinner one night.

Yes, please. We’ll babysit you while he’s gone.

Someone’s gotta.

HAHAHAHAHA.

When she arrived at HQ, she waved to Lindsey on the way past the morgue. Normally, she’d stop for a quick chat, but the guilt of lying to her friend had her rushing by to get to the pit, where more friends who’d been lied to waited for her. It was funny to think about how often she’d lied effortlessly toher parents as a teenager and never felt an ounce of guilt. Most of the time, her dad had been on to her, but she’d still managed to get away with a lot as the daughter of a savvy police officer.

Lying wasn’t as much fun as a responsible adult in charge of people who not only liked her but respected her—and vice versa. Respect was hard-earned in her world, and it pained her to do anything to jeopardize that among the people she worked closest with.

Her pit was hopping when she arrived. “Morning, people. Everyone in the conference room in five for updates.”

She unlocked her office to drop off her jacket, and as she turned to head for the conference room, Dr. Anthony Trulo, the department psychiatrist, appeared in her doorway, startling her.

“Sorry,” he said with a grin. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“No problem. What’s up?”

“Checking in about grief group tomorrow night. Are you able to attend?”

“I should be able to stop in for a minute.” With Nick leaving the next day, she wouldn’t linger.

“It means a lot to the group to see you.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Thank you. Everything good with you?”

“As good as it ever is these days.”

“You’re holding up?”

“Doing my best.” She hesitated before she added, “The twins’ grandparents are making noise about custody again. It’s stressful, to say the least.”

He winced. “I’m sure it is, but you’ve got the law on your side. The parents were very clear about what they wanted.”

“Did they want those precious babies living in the White House with Secret Service agents surrounding them and the eyes of the world on them?”

“Maybe not, but their brother knows they’re very well lovedin their home, and that’s what is most important to him. I’m sure their parents would agree.”

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