Page 133 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

He gave her an offended look. “I’m one of the stars of your story.”

“If you say so.”

“Maybe I’ll just write a tell-all instead of starring in your movie.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Get me into the movie, then.”

“That’s blackmail!”

Tutting, he said, “Sam, ‘blackmail’ is such a dirty word.”

“That’s my line, and it’s trademarked!”

“You’d better be thinking of your partner and how much he knows when Hollywood comes calling.”

“You used to be such a nice boy. What happened to you?”

“You happened,” he said, as he always did when she posed that question.

She pulled into the parking lot of Mark Ouellette’s insurance agency and turned to Freddie. “If you see anything written about either of us that you think we need to know, tell me, okay?”

“You’ve got a whole team of people to do that for you.”

“But I’ve only got one you, and you know better than anyone what I need to know—and what I don’t.”

“I got you covered. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks.” Sam paused before getting out of the car. “For this.” She gestured between them to indicate the nonstop banter and nonsense that made up their days. “I think you might be the only thing keeping me sane through all this.”

“I’m here for you always,” he said fiercely.

Moved by his loyalty and support, she said, “That makes all the difference. Let’s go talk to Mark.”

When they walked into the office, Mark seemed startled to see them again. “Did something happen?”

“We need more information.” Sam glanced toward his personal office. “May we speak in private?”

He noticed his employees looking at him and them with naked curiosity. “Sure.”

They followed him into his office.

Freddie closed the door and sat next to Sam while Mark went around to sit behind his desk.

“What’s this about?”

“Talk to us about your children, Mr. Ouellette,” Sam said.

The question shocked him. “M-my children? What about them?”

“Did any of them know about the affair with Pam Tappen?”

“I, uh, I think Aidan and Grace knew.”

“You think?” Sam’s backbone buzzed with the feeling she got when they were on to something. “You’re not sure?”

“They, ah, they knew.”

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