Page 148 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

Laughing, he said, “Not this time, but we’ll play that game after the meeting.”

Sam got up to see what he wanted to show her. Through the door, she found a sitting room and bathroom. “This is so cool. You’ve got your own place to hide out.”

He came out of the bathroom, having splashed cold water on his face. He’d also combed the hair she’d messed up during their make-out session. “They can always find me,” he said, gesturing to the official-looking phone on a table.

She went to one of the fancy upholstered chairs and ran a hand along the back of it. “This one doesn’t have arms.”

“I see that.”

“You know what that’s good for?”

“Maybe you can show me after the meeting.”

She went to him and dragged a finger straight down the middle of his tie, hooking it in the waistband of his pants. “If I have time. The faster the meeting ends, the more time I’ll have.”

“Keep that up, and my problem will be back.”

A knock sounded on the door to the Oval Office.

He kissed her and lingered for an extra second. “Let’s get this taken care of so we can get back to this conversation ASAP.”

“ASAP is one of my favorite acronyms.” She let him lead her back into the office. “As in, get rid of these people ASAP. As in, get me back to work ASAP.”

Smiling at her, he said, “Come in.”

As expected, a group of somber older men in suits came marching in.

Sam was pleased to see one stern-looking woman in a black suit, her hair pulled back into a tight twist that looked painful. She recognized the Secret Service director, Ambrose Pierce, whom she’d met before, and was introduced to each of the others, though she forgot their names as soon as she heard them.

Vernon and Jimmy were among the group that sat in the chairs and sofas around a coffee table where someone had put beverages and snacks.

She had to give props to the White House staff. Their food and beverage game was spot-on. Since this was technically her house, she helped herself to a glass of water and a sprig of grapes. She’d rather have the cheese and crackers, but she needed to watch what she ate if she was going to have twenty-four-hour food service.

“Sam?” Nick’s voice interrupted her private musings.

She looked up to find all eyes on her. “Yes?”

Nick’s eyes danced with amusement, probably because he could tell she’d zoned right out of the room. “Director Pierce was asking how things are going with your detail so far.”

“Oh. Sorry. So far, everything has been fine. Vernon and Jimmy are very good about allowing me to do my thing while they do theirs.”

“They’ve reported that, so far, things are going smoothly, and the three of you are working out a system,” Pierce said. “They’re scheduled to be with you Monday through Friday from eight a.m. to six p.m. to cover your work hours.”

Sam wanted to laugh in the director’s face. “Those are my technical hours. I often start much earlier and end much later, and I work a lot of weekends as well.”

“We’ll provide additional coverages as needed,” Pierce said.

That was better than him telling her she had to work within those hours and those hours only. Fortunately, he didn’t say that.

“We’re planning to assign two additional agents to your workday detail,” Pierce said.

Sam gave him a blank look. “Why?”

“We believe the threat level is high enough to warrant additional coverage.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. In the course of my work, I’m usually accompanied by at least one other Metro PD officer, if not more.”

Pierce consulted his notes. “Earlier today, you were alone when you went to do an interview in the Southeast neighborhood of Congress Heights.” He glanced at her with sharp eyes that reminded her of Skip and how he’d seen right through her even when she’d tried to lie to his face. “Is that correct?”