Page 79 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Literally.”

“Don’t make me laugh, because it’s not funny.”

“Listen, you gotta stay on the Olsen case and this shit with Stahl and all the other crap.”

“I got you covered,” he said. “Don’t worry.”

“Did Malone talk to you about going to see Stahl?”

“Yeah, he did.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“I’m not sure it’ll do any good, but I’ll take one for the team.”

“And you’re sure you feel up to that?”

“I’m okay. I know you’re all still worried about me, but I’m doing much better than I was.”

“What are you hearing from the trial?”

“The defense is bringing in a parade of bullshit character witnesses to sing the praises of what a good guy he is, but Faith tells me the jury isn’t being swayed by the theater of it. They know who this guy is and what he’s done.”

“I can’t believe they wouldn’t allow admission of his past crimes,” Sam said.

“They have more than enough to convict him for killing Arnold. I’m not at all concerned about it not going our way. Once that’s done and the first anniversary is observed, I’ll be able to really breathe again. But in the meantime, I’m feeling good and back in the game.”

“You have no idea how glad we all are about that. If the visit with Stahl is triggering in any way, I want you to leave. Nothing is worth risking your hard-won progress.”

“I hear you, and I can handle him. Don’t worry.”

“Keep me posted.”

“I will. We’ll be in to visit.”

“I’ll probably be home tonight.”

Standing at the rolling computer station, Anderson shook his head.

“Or tomorrow.”

Again, Anderson shook his head.

Sam wanted to scream. “I guess I’ll be here a day or two.”

“Whoa.”

“Don’t get me started.”

“No worries. Just take care of yourself.”

“I’m being told I have no choice about that. Talk to you later.” Sam closed the phone. “How long do I have to be here?” she asked Anderson.

“Three to four days, depending on how you do and if there’re complications.”

“What kind of complications?”

“Infection, for one, but we’ll try not to let that happen.”

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