Page 6 of Enemy of My Enemy

Somewhere down the hall, a phone rang in an office, muffled through the heavy door. Ethan’s eyes rose, and he found Daniels’s quiet gaze fixed on him. Daniels gave him a tight smile and an almost imperceptible nod.

“I’ll bring it to the president.” Swallowing, Ethan turned to the next of his staffers and tried to smile.

“Jennifer Prince, chief floral designer.” She grinned, her short blonde bob swinging at her shoulders. “I take care of all floral arrangements in the White House. Have you enjoyed the bouquets up in the Residence?”

Ethan froze. He knew there were flowers in the Residence, and he’d swiped a rose once or twice to present to Jack, but he would be hard-pressed to describe anything that was actually up there.

He fixed a bright smile to his face, so wide his cheeks hurt. “They’re great!”

“I really hoped that you and the president would like them.” She clapped her hands together and smiled, scrunching up her shoulders. “I’ll make sure to keep them coming.”

“Thanks.” He kept his smile bright and big, and across from Jennifer, Barbara made a soft cooing noise, obviously taken by his cultured appreciation of beauty and class.

At the back of the office, Daniels coughed, but the crinkles at his eyes and the shaking of his shoulders gave his silent laughter away.

Two more women introduced themselves, his director of policy and projects and his chief of staff. Ethan blanched when they asked him what sorts of political activism he wanted to pursue as first gentleman.

He hadn’t once thought about the political activism he was supposed to engage in. Did not sinking Jack’s career count? Could he mount an anti-anti-Jack campaign? Would that be too obvious?

They settled on starting with veterans’ and servicemembers’ support and advocacy. He and Jack shared a special passion for veterans, and for making their lives better.

His chief of staff spoke last. “You should probably know that historically the office of the first lady has been staffed predominantly by women. We all served under the former administration, and we remained on, filling in as needed for certain events. We certainly hoped that we’d have a first lady to serve, but we were satisfied with our limited roles.” She smiled. “You didn’t pick us yourself, Mr. First Gentleman, but we’re all happy to be here. And we’re at your service.”

“Thanks.” Ethan surveyed his staff. Floral designers, social secretaries, and political activism. It was a far cry from intelligence briefs, counterterrorism investigations, weapons training, and the protective detail. But this was his life now. He’d chosen this. He’d chosen Jack and everything that came with him. And he didn’t regret that, not for a moment.

“Thank you, everyone. I have to admit, I’m a bit shell-shocked at how fast this all has happened.”

Barbara huffed a light laugh and nodded as Brandt’s eyes went comically wide and his head bobbed from side to side.

“This is a culture shock for me. I’m more used to weapons quals and chasing terrorists. But with your help, I’m ready to learn. I’d love it if each of you stayed on and helped me.”

The looks from his staff softened. Barbara hummed as she fingered the pearls around her neck.

“This isn’t going to be easy,” he continued. “Mr. Brandt, I’m going to apologize right now. Jack and I…” Ethan trailed off. “It really would have been easier for everyone if we had stayed in hiding.”

“No, Mr. First Gentleman,” Jennifer said as Barbara shook her head. “This is better. And we’re all here because we want to be here. The people who chose to leave vacated their offices over the weekend. This isyourstaff, Mr. First Gentleman. We’re here for you.”

Damn it. He shouldn’t get choked up over a staff of socialites and floral designers, but Ethan’s throat clenched. “Thank you.”

His chief of staff stood, glancing at her cell phone. “It’s nine twenty, Mr. First Gentleman, and your first appointment is here.”

“My first appointment?”

Smiling, she nodded but said no more. At the doorway, Ethan’s departing staff made muffled greetings to someone waiting outside. When Barbara finally slipped out, with a wave and a smile back over her shoulder, his first visitor stepped into his office.

“Mr. First Gentleman.” Director Kate Triplett of the United States Secret Service smiled warmly at Ethan as she crossed the office, holding out her hand.

“Director.” Ethan took her hand and shook. “Please, Ethan is fine.”

Director Triplett’s eyebrows arched high. “Mr. First Gentleman, you ofallpeople should know that we have pretty strict rules about formality around here.”

Both Daniels and Ethan chuckled and looked down as Director Triplettmmhmmed. “Please, sit down, Director. It’s great to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too, Mr. First Gentleman.” Director Triplett sat delicately, crossing one leg over the other. “I was sad to receive your resignation last week. We lost a truly great agent.”

Ethan smiled but said nothing. The verbal praise was a balm to the scathing letter of reprimand that had appeared in his file when he was transferred to Iowa. It had to be done, but it still stung.

“Since you are no longer employed by the Secret Service, Mr. First Gentleman, we need to discuss your security procedures and your protective detail.”