Page 143 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

To Freddie, Sam said, “See where we are with comparing Grace’s prints to the ones Lindsey found on the duct tape during the autopsy.”

“On it.”

“We already have enough to charge the daughter,” Sam said. “The prints will just confirm what we already know.”

“As soon as you have it nailed down, let’s update the media on the Tappen and Thorn cases,” Malone said.

“I’d like Gonzo to take care of the brief on Thorn. That was all him, and he did a great job of wrapping that one up quickly, which also takes the heat off me and Nick.”

“Fine by me. They’re clamoring for info on all fronts.”

“We’ll take care of that.”

Malone checked his watch. “Looks like you’re going to make your self-imposed deadline of getting both cases wrapped before you leave on vacation.”

“So it seems,” Sam said, her stomach aching when she thought of the trip to Des Moines. “I’ll be working my other two jobs for the next two weeks.”

“Enjoy the holidays with your family. It’s been a rough few months. You deserve the break and the time away.”

“Thanks, Cap. I will.”

“You can tell me, though. I’m getting the Lincoln Bedroom on Christmas Eve, right?”

“You’ll have to wait and see,” Sam said with the same mysterious smile she’d given the others.

Chapter Twenty-Six

They’d invited all their closest people to spend Christmas Eve at the White House, and every bed in the house would be occupied that night. Which reminded Sam that she needed to check in with Gideon to make sure everything was ready, and with Shelby, who was overseeing many of the details. Shelby was settling into her new official role as the White House social secretary, while remaining a daily presence in the lives of Scotty, Alden and Aubrey, all of whom adored her.

Since she was waiting for the report on Grace’s fingerprints, Sam went into her office and put through a call to Gideon to take care of some first lady business.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Cappuano.”

“Hi there, Gideon. And you can call me Sam when it’s just us.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Not ma’am. Sam.”

“Okay, Sam,” he said, laughing. “How’s it going?”

“Well, we’re wrapping up two homicide investigations in time for me to accompany the president to Des Moines. Other than that… all is well.”

“I know how hard that will be, but it’ll mean so much to the families that you care enough to come.”

“It’s such a sad and tragic thing.”

“It’s horrible. Those poor families.”

“Because the show must go on even in difficult times, I called to check in with you about Christmas Eve to make sure we’re all set.”

“Everything is coming together. We’ve got RSVPs from everyone you invited. The Gonzaleses aren’t spending the night because his parents will be in town for Christmas, so they’ll come for the party and go home after. The rest of your guests have accepted with pleasure—and quite a bit of excitement.”

“I’ll tell Gonzo to bring his parents to the party.”

“I’ll make a note of that and notify the Secret Service.”

Sam couldn’t wait to wake up on Christmas morning with their kids, her nieces, nephews, Nick’s half brothers and their friends’ kids. They were hoping to do it every year they were in the White House.

---