Page 125 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

She never had gotten a chance to speak to Celia about moving to the White House with them. Hopefully, she’d get to do that later.

As she took the final turn before arriving at HQ, she was astounded to see the largest-ever media presence outside the public safety building. The entire street was lined two deep with satellite trucks bearing the logos of every major network. What the hell? Did something happen she hadn’t heard about? And then it occurred to her that they were there for her. She had happened.

She moaned. “For fuck’s sake.” Why did they still show up to stalk her at work when they knew they weren’t going to get anywhere with her? Her colleagues must be incredibly annoyed by the disturbance, a thought that spiked her anxiety. Massive media presence outside HQ was the last thing she needed.

She drove around the building to the morgue entrance, hoping she could avoid having to deal with them. To her extreme dismay, a cadre of reporters was camped outside that door too. That was one of her worst nightmares come true. After parking, she glanced over at Vernon, who’d parked next to her.

He held up a finger, telling her to wait a minute.

Because she didn’t ever feel like dealing with the media, especially now, she took the minute so he and Jimmy could clear the way, fuming all the while that the press was keeping her from getting to work. She fired off a text to Nick on the BlackBerry. Holy media at HQ, Batman.

She had no idea if she’d hear back from him, or if he’d even see the text right now.

When her phone chimed with a text, she smiled, knowing she shouldn’t be surprised that even in his new job, he was still available to her.

Are Vernon and Jimmy dealing with it?

As much as they can. It’s a mob scene.

I can ask about sending over more SS to clear the area if you want.

I hate to say it might be necessary. My colleagues already have enough reasons to hate my guts.

We can talk to them at the meeting today.

“Fucking hell.” She’d forgotten all about that meeting. To Nick, she typed, Remind me what time that meeting is…

LOL, I knew you’d forget.

I didn’t forget. I forgot the time.

Liar. Pants on fire.

That’s not very presidential of you.

It’s at two. Afterward, we can have an after-nooner in my study.

You have a study? Something to look forward to.

I can’t wait. Love you. Be careful out there.

Always am. Love you too.

She’d no sooner sent the last text when Vernon knocked on her window, gesturing for her to come along.

Once inside, she stopped first at the morgue to see Lindsey McNamara.

“Good morning, Doc.”

“There’s the woman of the hour. How’re you doing?”

“Just ducky. I’ve got the goddamned media stalking me even more than they used to, a detective in the hospital, a dead body on ice, a traumatized rape victim in the hospital and an unexpected move to coordinate this week. Other than that…”

Lindsey’s green eyes twinkled with laughter. As usual while working, her long red hair was captured in a high ponytail. “I can’t believe you’re here like it’s any other workday.”

“It is any other workday, except this one will include a meeting at the White House about how the Secret Service will accommodate my desire to remain on the job.”

“Is it okay to say as your friend and colleague that I’m so freaking proud of you for sticking to your guns and staying true to yourself?”

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