Page 13 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

Sam partook in the proceedings with a surreal feeling and sympathy for the late president’s family. Derek had told her that the image of the late president’s wife standing next to the new president would provide assurances to the country and the world that a smooth transition of power had occurred.

“Thank you,” Gloria said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue Collette handed her.

“We’re sorry for the loss of your father,” Nick said to her daughters.

“Do they know what happened?” Camille asked.

“I haven’t heard anything yet,” Nick said, “but due to national security concerns, there’ll be an autopsy.”

“Yes, we need to know,” Gloria said. “The country needs to know.”

“We’re taking care of everything, ma’am,” Hanigan said.

“Oh, Tom.” Gloria hugged their old friend. “You must be heartbroken too.”

“We all are, ma’am.”

They were escorted by Hanigan, Derek and other staffers Sam didn’t recognize back to the East Room, where Chief Justice Byron Riley waited for them. Also in the room were Terry O’Connor, Lilia Van Nostrand and her partner, Dr. Harry Flynn.

Sam was surprised to see her friend and aide and went to hug Lilia and Harry. “Thank you for being here.”

“Your husband thought it might help,” Lilia said.

“He’s the best, and so are you.”

“Everything will be okay.”

Sam released the other woman, who had been such an asset to her as second lady. “Promise?”

“I promise.”

“You got this, kid.” Harry gave Sam a warm smile that displayed his adorable dimples. “I know this isn’t what you’d had planned, but you’re going to be great. I know it.”

Sam took a deep breath and let it out slowly, giving them a bug-eyed look that made them smile. They might’ve laughed if Mrs. Nelson and her daughters hadn’t been there. It wouldn’t do to show any sort of frivolity in the face of their tragic loss.

Nick held out a hand to her. “Samantha?”

For a second, she was frozen, unable to move or think or breathe out of sheer panic, the likes of which she hadn’t felt in quite some time. But then his earnest hazel-eyed gaze collided with hers, calming and centering her the way no one else could. She went to him and took his hand.

The White House photographer arranged them the way he wanted them with Riley in the center, Sam holding the Bible for Nick with Scotty at her side. Gloria Nelson and her daughters were to their right. A camera crew recorded the event on behalf of the White House press corps. The footage of the swearing-in would be released along with the news of Nelson’s death, all of it carefully choreographed.

“If you’d place your right hand on the Bible and repeat after me,” Riley said. “I, Nicholas Domenic Cappuano, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.”

After Nick had repeated the oath, Riley shook his hand and then Sam’s and Scotty’s. “Congratulations, Mr. President, Mrs. Cappuano, young Mr. Cappuano.”

“Thank you for being here, Justice Riley,” Nick said.

“My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family as you rise to this occasion, Mr. President,” Riley said.

“Thank you so much.”

After Riley left, Hanigan and Terry approached them.

“Is it okay to release the news, sir?” Hanigan asked.

Nick had agreed to the wording of the release before the swearing-in, but this would tell the rest of the world that the United States of America had a new president. “Yes, please go ahead.” The release would mention that he’d be addressing the nation at eight p.m. Eastern Time. It would also report that he’d already been briefed on several pressing issues and had been given the preliminary information he needed as the new keeper of the nation’s nuclear security codes.

“I’d like to get Sam and Scotty home to bed if there’re no objections.”