Page 105 of State of Retribution

In the foyer,Sam pulled Vernon aside.“I’m asking a lot of you.”

“I’m aware of the concerns and choosing to continue as your lead agent.”

“Thank you.I wouldn’t want anyone else but you.”

“That’s nice of you to say.”

“I mean it.”

“I know you do.”

“I hate that my work is putting you guys in danger.”

“When we were assigned to your detail, Jimmy and I knew we’d be more exposed than usual due to the nature of your work, and we chose to accept the assignment anyway.You want to know why?”

“Uh,yeah…”

He smiled.“When your husband was the vice president, I very much admired you and your career and how you managed multiple roles.Not to mention, I enjoyed the time we spent together.You’re nothing if not entertaining.”

“Thank you.I do what I can for the people.”

Chuckling, he continued.“Then when I heard you planned to keep the job as first lady, I was proud of you, like I’d be of one of my own daughters.I wanted to be part of it, and Jimmy felt the same way.We wanted to be able to say we were supporting the first president’s wife to work outside the White House.We wanted to be part of the history you’re making every day when you leave this place and go to work.”

Tears filled her eyes.“Thank you, Vernon.Thank you so much for everything—and not just the stuff you’re required to do.All of it.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to work with you, Sam.”

She tried to contain emotions that were all over the place in light of recent events.“I don’t take it lightly, you know?The risk you guys take on my behalf.I’d never want you to think…”

“We’d never think otherwise.”

“And Agent Quigley?”

“He’s been fully briefed and understands the mission as well as the risks.”

“Okay, then.I really, really want to see Jimmy.Can you check with Liz to see if this is a good time to stop there?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

When they stepped outside, Quigley was standing next to the SUV.He snapped to attention when he saw them coming and opened the door for her.

“Welcome to the party, Agent Quigley,” Sam said.

“My pleasure, ma’am.”

“You say that now.What’s your first name?”

“Carl, but everyone calls me Q.”

“We’re on a first-name basis in the SUV,” Sam told him.

Quigley glanced at Vernon.

“Q,” Vernon said, “meet Sam.”

The young, dark-haired agent blinked several times in rapid succession.“Oh, um, okay, ma’am.I mean, Sam.”

Sam laughed.“It took Vernon and Jimmy a minute, too.You’ll come around.”

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