Page 14 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“We have one additional piece of business that can’t wait until the morning,” Hanigan said.

“We need about fifteen minutes. Would you like to send your family home, or have them wait?”

“We’ll wait for you,” Sam said to Nick. “Take your time.”

“We’ll get him right back to you,” Hanigan said.

Hanigan led Nick and Terry to the West Wing and the Oval Office. A man in a military uniform followed them into the office carrying a large black bag that resembled an oversized briefcase.

The “nuclear football” was actually a metal briefcase inside a black leather “jacket” that served as a mobile command center to use in times of crisis when the president was away from regular communication centers, such as the White House Situation Room. In addition to nuclear-activation codes, the bag also contained the Black Book outlining options available to the president should retaliation be necessary, another book detailing classified site locations and a binder with Emergency Broadcast System information and procedures.

Nick had traveled with Nelson enough times to know the drill. The football would always be close at hand going forward. He hoped and prayed he’d never have to use it.

“Mr. President, I’m Lieutenant Commander Juan Rodriguez with the United States Navy. It’s my honor to serve a rotation as one of the military aides in charge of overseeing your emergency satchel.”

Nick, who was now the commander in chief, returned the other man’s salute. “Thank you, Commander.”

The phone call from Hanigan informing him of President Nelson’s death had been surreal. Taking the oath of office had been even more so. But this—realizing he was commander in chief of the United States armed forces—made his change in status as real as it got.

After briefing him on what he needed to know about the nuclear codes, Hanigan, Derek and Lieutenant Commander Rodriguez accompanied him back to the East Room, where Sam and Scotty waited for him.

“We’ll pick it up in the morning with next steps.” Hanigan shook Nick’s hand. “The usual protocol would be to put up you and your family at Blair House, but since you live locally and have established Secret Service protection there, the Secret Service has determined that you can remain in your own home until after the funeral. Mrs. Nelson will need some time to oversee the packing of their things.”

“Of course,” Nick said. “We want to be respectful of whatever she needs.”

Nick felt a huge sense of relief at knowing they’d be able to stay at their house, at least for a few more days.

“I’d like to meet with the cabinet tomorrow if you can make that happen,” Nick said to Tom and Terry.

“Yes, sir,” Tom said.

“Let’s bring Secretary of State Ruskin in by videoconference.”

“I’ll see to that.”

“And please keep Terry in the loop on anything we need to know as we make the transition.”

“Will do, Mr. President,” Hanigan said. “We’ll see you in the morning?”

“I’ll be here.”

Hanigan shook Nick’s hand. “Excellent.”

When the other man began to walk away, Nick said, “Tom.”

He turned back, gray eyebrow raised. “Yes, sir?”

“I just wanted to say… I’ve been where you are right now. The chief of staff to a high-ranking official who died in office. Like you with President Nelson, John O’Connor was also my longtime friend. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”

Hanigan seemed momentarily stunned by Nick’s kindness. In a cutthroat town like Washington, kindness was often in rare supply. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Before they left with the Secret Service, Nick and Sam went to the Red Room to say good night to Gloria and her daughters.

“Please let us know how we can help with the funeral and anything else you might need,” Nick said to her.

“Thank you, Mr. President.”

“Call me Nick. Please.”