Page 95 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“It’s nice to see you again,” Sam said as she accepted hugs from them.

“You as well, Lieutenant.”

“How’s the baby?” she asked of Tara’s son, who was a newborn when she was killed.

“He’s doing wonderfully,” Diana said. “My sister insisted on watching him so we could come tonight. She thought it would be helpful to us.”

“I hope it is. There’s a community here of people who’ve been through the same thing you have, and it helps to be with people who understand.”

“We appreciate everything you did to get justice for Tara,” Charles said. “We still can’t believe her friends were involved. It’ll take the rest of our lives to understand how two people she loved so much could’ve betrayed her the way they did.”

“I’m so sorry again for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Diana said, softly. “We’ll get through this. Somehow.”

“Your grandson will be a great source of joy to you.”

“Oh, he already is.”

Sam caught the eye of her and Nick’s close friend Derek Kavanaugh. “Excuse me while I say hello to some other friends.”

“Of course,” Diana said. “Thank you again for making this resource available to us.”

“Thank you for coming.” Sam went to hug Derek. He had dirty blond hair, brown eyes and a wiry but muscular build. “Good to see you here.”

“I would’ve told you I didn’t need it, but the holidays bring it all back.” He shrugged. “The last couple of weeks have been rough.”

Sam hugged him again. “I wish there was more we could do for you.”

“Everyone does all they can, and I wouldn’t have survived losing Vic without you guys and the rest of my friends.”

“We’ll always be here for you and Maeve.”

“That helps. We’re looking forward to Christmas Eve at the White House. Maeve wants to know if Santa will find her there.”

“He absolutely will. Tell her we sent him a very long letter with a list of all the good boys and girls who’ll be in the residence on Christmas morning so he knows where to find them.”

“I will,” he said, chuckling. “She’ll be happy to hear that.”

“You’ve heard from Gideon, right?” Sam asked him.

“I have. He’s the best.”

“He really is.” The chief usher at the White House was working with each of the parents who’d been invited to ensure that Santa’s visit was covered for each child.

“We really appreciate you inviting my parents, too. They would’ve been disappointed to miss seeing Maeve open her presents on Christmas morning.”

“Of course they’re invited. We wouldn’t have wanted them to miss that.”

“If everyone could please take a seat,” Dr. Trulo said from the front of the crowded room.

Sam noticed several Patrol officers carrying in additional chairs to accommodate the overflow crowd. “We’re going to need a bigger boat,” she said to Derek.

“Excellent Jaws reference,” he said, grinning.

“I know my shark movies.”

“Lieutenant?” Dr. Trulo said, gesturing for her to join him.

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