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“Stop it,” I say. “I don’t need to be reminded of my title.”

I hear Cassidy snigger despite the situation. I’m furious. They should know by now to follow my instructions andstopaddressing me like a toddler. I often wonder if male presidents suffer the same preemptive scolding when they give an order.

“I’ll get the Director Brennan on the line,” Luke says. “The Secret Service doesn’t handle permits.”

Is he trying to piss me off?

I steady my voice. “Luke.” Another deep breath. “I’m aware of how permitting for events works. I’m also well-versed in how the Secret Service works with local law enforcement. I don’t need a pictureora lesson.”

“I didn’t?—”

“Don’t,” I warn him. “Youwere here advocating for why I should reconsider attending this event. Is there something you haven't told me?”

“What? No.”

“No? Because this debacle doesn’t instill confidence in the Secret Service’s ability to secure an event,” I say.

“I’m sure the arena was secure.”

My voice raises. “The arena?”

“You would not have traveled this route?—”

I feel Cassidy tense beside me.

“Earlier today, I reflected on how selecting you as my chief of staff was one of my best decisions. Please don’t make me second-guess that.”

“I’m only saying?—”

“Iknowwhere this is heading. The entire event should be secure—not just formysafety—not only for a candidate’s safety. If it’s unsafe for anyone, it poses a danger to everyone. Am I clear?”

“Crystal,” Luke says.

“Get me the director.”

Luke nods, exhales, and jogs out of the room.

“Jesus Christ.”

“Candace?”

“This didn’t happen without a little nudge, Cassidy. We both know it.”

“I agree.”

Since the bombing in New York a few months ago, my National Security team suspects there is an issue within the Secret Service- someone willing to compromise my security. No one can convince me that a known hate group got close enough to an event where I am set to speak without someone allowing it. It wasn’t an oversight. And it wasn’t negligence. It was deliberate. No question.

“What are you thinking?” Cassidy asks me.

“I’m betting my appearances for the weekend will be canceled.”

“Safe bet. What are you thinking?”

“We need a plan to get back out here,” I tell Cassidy. “And I’m about to give Ryan and Luke a migraine.”

Cassidy laughs. “Let me guess. You want to meet the girl who was hurt.”

“Good guess. I doubt that will happen this weekend. I need to ask you to do something a bit unorthodox.”