Page 124 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“A highly entertaining combination.”

“I like you, Gideon, and others in my life will tell you how rare it is that I like anyone.” In fact, she’d been liking a lot more people than usual lately, which was a rather revolting development.

“I’m pleased and delighted to have made the cut. What can I do for you today?”

“I talked it over with Nick, and I’m sorry, but I have to call him that.”

“I understand,” he said, chuckling.

“We’d like to accept your generous offer of staff to help with our move. We’re both crazy busy—even crazier busy than usual, that is—and just have no time to devote to it. We understand, however, that the Secret Service wants to get it done as soon as possible.”

“Say no more. We’ll get right on it. Whom shall we contact to gain access?”

“Shelby Hill, our personal assistant.” Sam gave him Shelby’s phone number from memory. “I spoke with her last night about what furniture we’d like to bring. We’re packing light since we’ll be right across town if we need anything.”

“Understood. We’ll take care of everything for you. Mrs. Nelson plans to return to South Dakota for the local services on Thursday after the funeral service here in DC. We could move you in as soon as Friday, if that works for you and the president.”

“Um, well, I guess that works. Is it okay to confess to my new best friend that I still can’t believe this is happening?”

“I totally understand that the shock hasn’t worn off yet. It might not for a while. We feel the same way here. A few days ago, we were working for a perfectly healthy President Nelson, and now he’s gone. I’ve been here for twenty years, and this is the first time I’ve experienced the aftermath of a president dying in office. It’s been rather jarring for everyone.”

“Yes, and I’m well aware that it’s not just about us.”

“It’s mostly about you and your husband. Our entire focus is on ensuring a seamless transition and helping to make your family comfortable in your new home.”

“Thank you, Gideon. I mean that sincerely. I appreciate your help more than you’ll ever know.”

“I’m looking forward to working with you, ma’am. I’ll be in touch if we have questions.”

“I’ll do my best to take your call.”

“May I say…”

“Anything you want. Let’s keep it real, shall we?”

“I like you too, ma’am, and I just want to say how amazing we all find it that you’re intending to keep your police job while you’re first lady. You have no idea how much that’ll mean to so many women.”

“That’s so nice of you to say. I feel like half the world thinks I’m insane, but the job… The job is who I am.”

“We’ll do everything we can to support your efforts to be Superwoman.”

Sam laughed. “If you could find me a cape and some superpowers, that’d be awesome.”

“I’ll dig around in the warehouse and see what I can find.”

Yes, she liked this guy a lot. “There’s a warehouse?”

“A gigantic one full of priceless treasures, in Maryland. We can take a field trip someday, if you’d like, to see if there’s anything you want to use in your White House.”

“That’d be awesome. I’d love to do that. Incidentally, I still have a storage unit from when I was between marriages. Finding out there’s also a warehouse is a bit daunting.”

“No need to be daunted by any of it. You have your own army of people here to make it easy for you.”

“And I’m eternally grateful for that. I’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll look forward to speaking to you again soon, ma’am.”

Sam ended the call and realized she was smiling after talking to her new friend. After four of the most overwhelming days of her life, she took a deep breath and let it out, realizing she didn’t have to do it all. She was surrounded by an incredible staff both at work and in her new home, and she would learn to delegate to those better equipped to take care of whatever challenges might arise.