Page 6 of State of Alert

He made no move to get up.

The thought of calling Mrs. Rodriguez made him sick.

He stared at the door to the Colonnade. “What do you think people would say if I walked out that door and never came back?”

“You probably wouldn’t get too far before Brant and the other agents went after you.”

“They’d bring me back, right?”

“Sorry to be a buzzkill, but I believe so.”

“Is this what jail feels like?”

She looked up at him, offering the barest hint of a smile. “With many fewer amenities and no butlers.”

“I’d miss the butlers.”

“Would you miss me and the kids? I assume this breakout doesn’t include us.”

“Why do you think I haven’t made a run for it?”

Sam turned his face toward her and laid a sweet kiss on him. “I love you so much, and I hate that this has happened.”

“I love you, too. Thank you for coming in to be with me.”

“There was nowhere else I wanted to be.”

He took another deep breath and blew it out. “Let’s get this over with.”

They got up together and went to the Resolute Desk.

He dragged a chair around the desk so she could sit next to him.

When they were settled, he pressed the button on the phone that got him to Julie. “Could you please get me Linda Rodriguez?”

“Yes, sir, Mr. President. One moment please.”

“Thank you.”

While they waited, Sam reached for his hand and held on tight.

The phone beeped. “I have Mrs. Rodriguez for you, Mr. President.”

He glanced at Sam before he pressed the flashing button. “Linda, it’s Nick Cappuano.”

“Mr. President… is there any news about my Juan?”

Nick closed his eyes against an instant surge of tears. “I’m sorry to have to tell you that he was found dead this morning.”

Her screams pierced his soul.

He brushed at tears that spilled down his cheeks. “I’d give anything not to be calling you with this news. You know I thought the world of Juan, and I’m heartbroken for you and everyone who loved him.” The words rang hollow to him. What difference would they make to his grieving mother?

“Th-thank you for your kindness. He… He adored you.”

“Do you have someone with you?” Nick asked.

“My s-sisters, nieces and nephews are here.”

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