Page 144 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

Lenore returned a few minutes later with two framed five-by-seven photos. “This is Calvin, and this is D’Andre. Sorry they’re dusty.”

Sam took the photos from her and studied the two young men, noting the family resemblance. “They look a lot alike.”

“My husband and his brother were often mistaken for twins. The boys favored their fathers.”

The further she dug into this case, the more she began to believe that Calvin might’ve been a victim of mistaken identity. The cousin who closely resembled him in age and looks had been in a lot of trouble. Had that trouble cost Calvin his life? After hearing what D’Andre had come to mean to these women, she hoped the case didn’t go in that direction.

“Who else was close to Calvin in the year before he died who might be able to shed some light on things for me?”

“Clarissa,” Ayana said. “She was his girlfriend from eighth grade on. I swear those two would’ve gotten married if he hadn’t died. They were so crazy about each other.”

“Where is she now?”

“Still in the neighborhood, married with three little ones.” Lenore recited an address a few blocks away. “We still see her. She’s remained very faithful to us and Calvin’s memory.”

“Will she mind if I stop by to see her?”

“I can’t imagine she would. She wants justice for him as much as we do.”

Sam glanced at the clock over the stove. “I have a stupid meeting at the stupid White House in thirty minutes.” When she realized she’d said that out loud, she grinned. “Please don’t tell anyone I said that.”

“We never would,” Lenore said, smiling.

“I’ll stop to see Clarissa after the meeting. Would you mind telling her I’m going to stop by? But make sure she doesn’t round up all her friends to meet the first lady or anything.”

“We’ll let her know,” Lenore said as she stood to walk Sam out.

“Thank you for lunch and the information.”

“It helps me to help you. Anytime you’re in the area and hungry, my door’s always open to you and your cute partner.”

Sam gave her a quick hug. “I’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll pray for you and your husband, and I’ll pray for guidance for you to get us some answers.”

“Thanks. I need all the help I can get on both fronts.”

“You’re going to be a wonderful first family. I have no doubt.”

“I’m glad you don’t,” Sam said, leaving Lenore laughing.

Vernon and Jimmy were waiting by her car.

“To the White House.” She grimaced at the realization that she’d have to drive by Clarissa’s house on the way. Meetings were such a hideous waste of time, especially when they were with groups of men who thought they knew what was best for her.

“Ah, yes, the big meeting about keeping our new first lady safe,” Vernon said with a smile.

“If you enjoy this too much, I’m going back to disliking you.”

“I didn’t know I’d graduated to you liking me.”

“You’re on the bubble. Could still go either way. Your performance in this meeting will make or break you.”

He held her car door for her. “Good to know.”

“You don’t have to hold my door.”

“Humor me.”