Page 91 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Ah, I see. You sound a little weird. Are you okay?”

“It’s strange to be here. It’s like all the life has been sucked out of the place or something.”

“Do I need to come get you?”

Knowing it would take a huge effort by the Secret Service to bring him the short distance across town, she said, “Nah, no need. I’m leaving in a few.”

“I’d come get you if you needed me to.”

“I know you would.”

“Do I need to be worried that you might choose to stay there?”

“Not even kinda.”

“Part of me wouldn’t blame you if you did.”

“I won’t, Nick. I want to be wherever you and the kids are. This place is just a building without you guys here to make it a home.”

“We need you here to make this place a home.”

“I’ve got the grief group tonight. I’m going for the first part at least. I’ll be home after.”

“We’ll be here.”

“How was your day?”

“Not terrible, but not over yet. Gretchen Henderson is coming in shortly.”

“Hmmm.”

“I know, babe. I’m going to have a very frank conversation with her and make sure I’m comfortable.”

“Good luck. I know it’s a tough decision.”

“Every minute around here is a tough decision. Do I send troops in to defend the Gulf of Suez from pirates, risking a confrontation with any number of countries that would love nothing more than to wipe us off the planet? Or do I hold off and hope the Egyptians and others can confront the pirates on their own?”

“Jeez, that makes my day seem simple by comparison. What’re you going to do?”

“We’re giving it another twenty-four hours before we decide anything. The thought of sending U.S. troops into harm’s way gives me incredible anxiety, even if I’m well aware that it’s part of the job.”

“I’d be worried if that didn’t give you anxiety. I have no doubt that whatever you decide to do will be the best possible decision you could make with the information you have available at the time.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. This is the stuff that makes me wonder why anyone would want this job. On another note, the communications team would like for you to make a statement about the Des Moines shooting on the FLOTUS accounts. Lilia is going to reach out to you with some suggestions.”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“The thought is for you to address it from a mother’s perspective.”

“I can’t even imagine what those families must be going through.”

“The media is publishing stories about each of the victims, and it’s just heartbreaking.”

“As sad as I am to have lost my dad, I can’t begin to conceive of it being one of the kids.”

“Let’s not go there. Our kids are very well protected, which is the one major benefit of this job.”

“Well, the butlers don’t suck.”

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