Page 87 of State of Bliss

“The only vote that matters is mine, and you win every time. I’ll make it up to you.”

“You bet you will. Go. People need you.”

He groaned as he tore himself away from her and went to the bedroom to get dressed.

Sam tightened the blanket around herself and gazed at the fire, her body still vibrating with unfulfilled desire. How often did an encounter with Nick leave her unfulfilled? Never.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Nick said when he emerged from the bedroom dressed in jeans and a sweater.

“I’ll be here.”

“Counting on it.”

Chapter Fifteen

When Nick opened the front door, Sam heard him talking to Brant. Did the agent ever sleep?

Since she’d been left to her own devices, she checked the messages on her phone. One was from Avery Hill, asking her to call him when she got a chance. She sent him a text to see if he was still up.

He replied that he was, and she called him.

“Hey,” she said. “What’s up?”

“Just heard about Fort Liberty. I don’t envy him things like this.”

“Me either.”

“I wanted to let you know that Nicoletta’s new lawyer, Collins Worthy, has been in touch with state and federal prosecutors about beginning plea discussions.”

“Will she slither out of trouble once again?”

“I’m not so sure. The racketeering charge is serious.”

“If they deal with her,” Sam said, “people will think it’s because Nick intervened for her.”

“I’m afraid that’s true.”

“Even though he’s had nothing to do with it.”

“Right. By all accounts, the attorney is very well respected. His goal is to get her free of these charges with probation, fines and community service.”

“I want them to lock her up and throw away the key.”

“I understand that, and you have good reason to feel that way, but… I’m saying this as a friend and not an FBI agent… It may be better for all involved for this to go away sooner rather than later. Having the president’s mother on trial or in prison isn’t a good look for him, even if he has no relationship with her.”

“I hate to say you’re right, but you’re right.”

“I’ll keep you posted about what I hear.”

“I’d appreciate that. How’s Shelby?”

“A little better every day. I’ve found a house that might work for us with excellent security features. I’m taking her to see it on Sunday.”

“That’s great news. You know you’re welcome to stay with us as long as you need to.”

“I do, and we appreciate that. But it’s better for all of us to get me out of the White House as soon as possible.”

“Why?”

---