Page 68 of State of Alert

“Agent Truver from NCIS just stopped by to update me. She said they’re close to an arrest of the former chief of Naval Operations, an admiral, for conspiracy to commit murder andtreason, among other charges. She told me Juan has spoken to his mother and stressed the importance to her that she continue to appear to be a grieving mother planning a funeral. She asked that the rest of us maintain the ruse until an arrest is made imminently.”

“Anything else?”

“Nope, that’s it.”

“Got it.”

The line went dead.

Motherfucker.It’d been a while since she’d had multiple close friends pissed at her at the same time, and it totally sucked. She valued the relationships she’d built on and off the job with her colleagues and hated that she’d disappointed them.

She got up and went to the door. “Everyone in the conference room in five.”

When they were gathered in the room with the door closed, Sam conveyed the update from Truver. “It’s critical to the NCIS investigation that their target continues to believe Juan has been murdered.”

“We won’t say anything about it,” Gonzo said, “and we wouldn’t have if you’d told us the truth from the outset.”

She held his gaze. “I’m sorry I didn’t. I honestly didn’t know what to do when they cited national security concerns. They were adamant that no one know.”

“That shouldn’t have included us,” Freddie said.

“You’re absolutely right, and I apologize.”

“I think it’s somewhat egregious that you were put in this position to begin with,” Neveah said.

Sam wanted to thank her—and kiss her face. Finally, someone was seeing this situation from her point of view.

“They were using you due to your position as our commander and the first lady,” Neveah added.

“I tend to agree,” Sam said. “In addition to Juan insisting I be told the truth, I believe they were hoping I’d tell Nick aboutit—well, that and I was required to investigate Juan’s murder, which could’ve messed up their case.”

“Did you tell Nick?” Gonzo asked.

“I’m not going to answer that for many important reasons. There’re some things I simply can’t discuss with anyone, even my closest people, which you certainly are. And that’s one of them.”

“Fair enough,” Cam said. “We’re not entitled to know what goes on between you and your husband, even if you are POTUS and FLOTUS.”

“We’re walking a fine line all the time, but especially since this situation with the Joint Chiefs blew up. I hope you understand… In a perfect world, I’d share everything with you. Unfortunately, the world I live in is not perfect like that.”

“I couldn’t do what you’re doing,” Matt said. “No way. The scrutiny, the Secret Service, the nonstop demands… I give you both credit for holding it together.”

“Thank you. We’re trying. I blew it this time, guys, and I apologize again for lying to you. That won’t happen again.” She looked at each of them, seeking eye contact. “Are we good?”

“Yeah,” Gonzo said. “We’re good.”

Sam stared at her partner. “Freddie?”

“All good,” he said, but he didn’t meet her gaze.

It would take a minute to get back on track with her best friend, which was fine. Whatever it took to fix things with him, she’d do it.

“Now, back to Myerson. Where are we with the family’s lawyer?”

“He’s in court until later this afternoon,” Freddie said. “He’ll be here as soon as they adjourn.”

Sam nodded. “What else have we got?”

Cameron used a remote control to put documents on the screen at the front of the room. “Some interesting social media posts from the older daughter, talking about how parents ruin everything for their kids.”

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