Page 19 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“What’s the ATF?”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.”

“That’s an odd combination of things.”

Nick pulled his phone from his pocket. “Here’s what the website says. ‘ATF is a law enforcement agency in the United States’Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public we serve through information sharing, training, research, and use of technology.’”

“That’s interesting,” Scotty said. “So it’s their job to figure out where and how the guy got the gun, then?”

“Both them and the FBI, among other law enforcement. We’ve deployed the full resources of the federal government to assist local law enforcement as needed.”

“It’s cool that you can do that,” Scotty said.

“That’s what the government is here to do—to help people who need it. We don’t always succeed in that mission, but in cases like this, our role is pretty clear-cut.”

“Will you have to go there?”

“I suppose we will, but not right away. Taking me anywhere requires a massive security presence at the federal, state and local levels, and they have their hands full right now with the situation they’re dealing with. They don’t need me coming in to make their jobs harder. But we’ll go when the time is right.”

“It’s nice of you to think of that stuff.”

“If it was just me and Mom, we’d be on a plane tonight, but nothing is ever that simple for us anymore.”

“I saw what you said earlier about guns and stuff, and I hope you can get something done.”

“Personally, I think we’ve been approaching it all wrong by making it about the guns,” Sam said. “We need to make it about the people who shouldn’t have access to guns. We need a vastly expanded mental health network in this country, a central reporting site where people can anonymously report people showing concerning or violent behavior, and then have mental health professionals intervene rather than law enforcement.”

Nick tipped his head as he studied her. “How’d you like to head up my Mental Health and Violence Task Force?”

Sam rolled her eyes. “As if.”

“Your approach is exactly what’s needed. Less reactiveness and more proactiveness. We need people who understand the issue, who see the results of our failings in this regard every day. You’d be the perfect person to head up this effort.”

“You’re serious,” Sam said, stunned.

“Dead serious. I bet the department would even be willing to make this role an official part of your duties, since it dovetails so perfectly with your day job.”

“Which requires most of my waking hours. When do you see me having time to fit in something else?”

“Gonzo is back to full duty and could take on a little more responsibility to give you time to work on this important issue. Think about it. Nothing has to be decided today.”

“I think you should do it, Mom. You’d be really good at it.”

“I appreciate the votes of confidence.”

“Will you think about it?” Nick asked.

“I will.”

Nick smiled widely.

“I didn’t say I’d do it!”

“Just getting you to think about something is a big win,” Scotty said.

“You hush,” she said, elbowing him playfully.

He grunted and then laughed.

---