Page 40 of No Vow Broken

“This evening?” I repeated in surprise. I looked at my watch and found it was actually just after midnight, so technically it was morning, but I understood the gist of the request.

The agent nodded. “The president and first lady would like to speak with you and Ms. Carmichael as soon as possible. We’d provide transport, of course.”

“Do you know the reason?”

“I do not.”

It wasn’t every day that I considered declining a summons from the president of the United States, but right now, I was seriously considering it. “Let me talk to Lexi when she’s finished, and I’ll let you know.”

“Fair enough. We can go check now to see how much longer she’ll be.”

“I’d like that, thanks.”

As we walked down a hallway, Agent Santiago said, “By the way, if you do decide to accept the president’s request, he’s extended the use of the Blair House for you and Miss Carmichael after your visit since it’s right across the street. Also, making things easier, per the White House’s request, our Secret Service debriefings with all the involved parties will take place at the White House at nine o’clock in the morning. The first lady has requested to participate in those debriefings.”

Somehow, that didn’t surprise me. Shannon was an excellent first lady and although she appeared sweet and accommodating on the surface, she was extremely intelligent and capable. But couldn’t our conversation with her and the president wait until tomorrow? It had to be something about the attack.

“We’ll transport your guests to the White House to join you in the morning and then return everyone to your original hotel in Maryland when the debriefings are completed.”

“If that’s what everyone wants to do,” I said. “It’s obviously something we’ll need to discuss.”

“Of course.”

“In the meantime, would you mind giving me an update on my brother Gio?” I asked. “He was taken to the hospital after being hit in the arm.”

“Of course,” the agent said and pulled aside someone to check on it.

We walked around a corner, and I was surprised to find Lexi being debriefed at a table in the middle of a hallway with only one police officer in attendance. Lexi rose when she saw me. There were dark circles under her eyes, and she looked unusually pale. Someone must have provided some fresh clothing, because she was dressed in a navy sweatshirt and a pair of soft pants that were at least three inches too short. I closed the gap between us and pulled her into my arms. She wrapped her arms around my waist, pressing her head against my chest.

“Are you okay?” I murmured into her hair.

“I’ve been better.”

“Officer Devlin, how’s the interview going?” Agent Santiago asked.

“We’re done.” She turned to Lexi. “Ms. Carmichael, thank you so much for your thoroughness and detailed responses. I’m sure the information you provided will prove to be quite useful.”

“Glad to help. I just hope we find out who did this.”

“Me, too.” The officer stood, and she and Lexi shook hands.

Another agent approached and spoke briefly to Agent Santiago. As soon as he left, Agent Santiago told us the good news.

“Your brother is fine and resting at the hospital under protection. The bullet went through the fleshy part of his arm. He’s been treated and given light pain meds. Otherwise, I’m told he’s a terrible patient, ready to leave the hospital immediately and get back to his wife. It took some convincing to at least have him stay the night for observation.”

A wave of relief swept through me. “Sounds like Gio.”

Agent Santiago stayed behind a minute to speak with Officer Devlin, so Lexi and I walked down the hall. I kept my arm around her, and she leaned into me. “That’s such good news about Gio.”

“It really is. He was lucky.”

“We werealllucky.”

“I won’t argue with you on that. And there’s something else. The president and first lady want to meet with us.”

“When?”

“Now.”

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