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“Watching, as far as I can tell. They don’tdoanything. Coming and going likethey’rethe president. But I’ll tell you one thing, Juno doesn’t leave that building without one of them with her. Vince has been tearing out what’s left of his hair. She won’t let him come with her, keeps him at a distance. Always goes by helicopter, always with one of those goons. I have to hear him bitching the entire time she’s gone.”

I lower my voice. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

Her sharp gaze meets mine. “No, but whatever it is, it isn’t good. There was a lot more to this blood deal than Juno ever let on.”

I’m glad I’m not the only one at a loss. “There’s so much she hasn’t told us.”

“Don’t hold your breath. She’s more close-lipped now than ever.”

“I thought …” My voice catches on the wistful thoughts in my head. I try again, “I thought once we got here, she’d open up. It would be like before. You know?”

“I don’t think we’re ever getting those days back. Not with those creeps always up her ass.”

“She won’t see me.” I meet her gaze.

“I know. She has strict orders that you’re to be escorted off premises if you even step foot inside the White House grounds. Why’d you think I busted my ass to get all the way out here?”

“You missed me?”

She shrugs, a wry twist on her lips. “I guess I just needed the exercise.”

I temper my smile as best I can. “I’m sure that’s the only reason.”

“Don’t be silly.” She covers my hands with hers. “I’ve missed your pointy head.”

“I’ve missed you, too. I think about all of you every day, all the time.”

“Well, hopefully about me more than the rest.” She smiles, some of her old sass sparkling in her eyes.

“Of course.” I nod seriously.

“All right, enough yippity-yapping. I better get back.” She pushes herself to her feet, then lowers her voice. “Watch yourself, Professor. Don’t let your guard down, especially not around that Dragonis. They’re up to no good.”

I walk her to the door. “I wish you didn’t have to go so soon. I could show you my apartment.”

“To make me jealous?” She laughs, the hearty, full throated one that reminds me of days before the plague. “Not a chance. The roaches and I are getting along just fine, thanks.”

“At least let me walk you back?”

“Now that I can do.” She takes my offered arm, and we walk out into the day. She leans on my arm more than she used to, her steps shorter, a little less steady. Her age is catching up to her, and I can’t imagine the move to DC is helping. Worrying about her is just a new layer of sediment settling over me, weighing me down.

“Ladies.” Gage tips his hat.

“Gingers always get me going.” Candice smiles at him.

He gives a surprised guffaw.

I want to melt into the sidewalk. “Sorry. Sorry about her. I think it’s dementia. Early onset.” I pull her along.

“You know where I’m staying, young man.” She points up Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Yes, ma’am.” He grins big.

“Oh my God, Candice.” I groan and pull her away from Gage.

“Still got it.” She chortles lightly. “He’ll be thinking about me for a while.”

“There aren’t enough ‘yikes’, Candice. Nowhere near enough.”