Page 106 of State of Retribution

“Yes, ma’am.Er… Sam.”

“There it is.”

Vernon sent the text to Liz, who responded right away that they’d love to see Sam.

“I’m glad they’re still speaking to me after this,” Sam said as Vernon drove them through the White House gates.

“Please, they’re big fans of you and your husband.We all are.”

“Certainly not all of you.”

“Everyone who works with you and your family are fans.Especially the agents on the kids’ details.They’re smitten.”

“Aw, that’s so nice to hear.It makes me feel good to know they’re well cared for when we can’t be with them.”

“Trust me when I tell you their agents would give their lives for those kids.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

“Now don’t do that!”

She laughed.“What is it with all men and female tears?”

“We can’t handle it.”

“It’s hilarious to me.”

“We live to entertain you.”

“And you do.Every day.”

When they arrived at the George Washington University Hospital, both agents accompanied Sam inside, working efficiently to get her through the lobby to the elevator and up to the fifth floor, where Jimmy’s wife, Liz, met them with a hug for Sam.She was a pretty blonde, rounded with pregnancy.

“Thank you so much for seeing me,” Sam said.“I wouldn’t have blamed you for banishing me.”

“Oh please, stop that.Jimmy is crazy about you and very much looking forward to seeing you.”

“I’m so glad he’s okay, Liz.All I could think about was you and the baby…”

“We’re very thankful that he’s all right—and that you are, too.Those were his first questions after he came out of surgery: Where’s the first lady, and is she all right?”

“I’m fine, thanks to him.”

“That’s all that matters to him.While I have you, I wanted to thank you and the president for the gorgeous baby carriage you sent for our shower.I’ll be the envy of all the other mommies, not to mention we adored the card signed with love from Sam and Nick, as if you’re not the first lady and president.”

“You’ve very welcome.We can’t wait to meet your little one.”

“Us, too.”Liz linked her arm with Sam’s and walked her to Jimmy’s room, where a uniformed Secret Service officer stationed outside requested her ID, even though they recognized her.

Sam showed them her badge.“Thanks for keeping him safe.”

One of them pushed the door open for her.“Our pleasure, ma’am.”

Jimmy was sitting up in bed, his right arm in a sling and his face paler than usual.Otherwise, he looked good, considering he’d recently been shot.

“Hey, Sam,” he said, smiling.

Sam went straight over to the bed to give him a gentle hug.“Thank you so much for not dying.”

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