Page 168 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Sure is. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, you know?”

“I get it, but I’m sure you’ve found ways to work around it.”

“My husband is nothing if not creative.”

Lindsey fanned her face. “Is it getting warm in here?”

“Does it ever get warm in this icebox? On another note, what’re you hearing about McBride’s promotion?”

“A lot of grumbling. A lot a lot.”

“Ugh, I wondered how bad it would be.”

“Your old friend Offenbach was heard saying just what we need is you having another ally in the chief’s suite.”

“He’s still pissed because I caught him having an affair when his wife was expecting their fifth—or was it sixth?—kid.”

Lindsey smiled. “No doubt.”

“You think it’ll die down?”

“Eventually, but Jeannie’s going to have to stay tough and soldier through. The media is saying the only reason she got the job was because the FBI report identified racial disparities.”

“That’s bullshit! Brewster wanted a woman—and even mentioned wanting a Black woman—for the job long before the FBI report hit.”

“You’re preaching to the choir, my friend.”

“If Jeannie could survive what Sanborn did to her, this shit will seem like a cakewalk in comparison.”

“That’s true. Our girl is made of true grit. She’ll get through it.”

“Let’s keep an eye on her in the meantime.”

“Will do. In other misogyny news, things have been ugly for Henderson, huh?”

“That’s what I hear. I didn’t get a good vibe from her, but I hate what they’re putting her—and her family—through.”

“Terry said the statement she issued, as well as Nick’s in support of her, helped somewhat.”

“Does he think she’ll be confirmed?”

“Yeah, they’ve got the votes, so she just has to endure the rest of the hearing.”

“Would they be doing this to a dude?” Sam asked. “Tearing apart his ex-wife in ‘service to the country’?”

“Probably not like this, but it’s high time we had a female in one of the top jobs. I give Nick props for making that happen.”

“I just hope he doesn’t live to regret it.”

“How so?”

“I don’t know. Just that strange vibe I got from her. Nick says I have to give her a chance because my ten seconds in her presence isn’t enough to form an opinion.”

“That may be true, but that gut of yours is rather legendary.”

“Which is why I worry.” Sam shrugged. “But I have bigger concerns today, such as nailing a rapist-murderer, and with that, I must get to it. Have a good day.”

“You, too. Give ’em hell.”

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