Page 60 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“You’re right. He’s right. Everyone is right. That’s the problem. I know it’s dangerous for me to be without protection.”

“You’d be one hell of a prize for anyone trying to get the president’s attention. He’s never been shy about what you mean to him.”

“I know,” she said, sighing. “Someone at the party posted a picture of him there, and now it’s trending on Twitter that he’s got time to attend a birthday party when the Iranians are holding the secretary of State hostage.”

“Come on,” Freddie said. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. It was one of those fucking parents. Next time, we’re banning phones and hiring a photographer to take pictures for everyone.”

“You’ll have a White House photographer at your disposal.”

“Huh, well, that’s one perk.”

“Dude, you’re going to have butlers.”

“Not sure how I feel about people waiting on me. Makes my blue collar feel kinda tight.”

Freddie cracked up. “I’m sure you’ll get used to it, and remember, the job of the butlers is to serve the first family. You have to let them do their jobs, and you have to be gracious about it.”

“So I have to be charming and gracious?”

“I’m afraid so, and for what it’s worth, I think you’re going to be a fantastic, beloved first lady.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“I’m not changing my mind about that. People already love you guys, and they’re only going to love you more when they really get to know you.”

“I guess we’ll see. On Monday, we’re reopening Calvin Worthington’s case, so come in ready to dig deep. I promised Lenore we’d get justice for her son, and I fully intend to honor that promise.”

“I’ll be there, and I’ll be there for you and Nick through all of this. I’m so incredibly proud of you guys. My friends, the first couple. It’s unreal.”

“Thank you,” she said, touched by his emotional outpouring, “but if you break into ‘Kumbaya,’ I’m going to throat-punch you the next time I see you.”

“Haha, I wouldn’t offend you by singing. Call me if you need anything before Monday.”

“Dive into the Worthington files. I emailed you a copy of everything I have.”

“I saw that earlier, and I’m going to give it some time tomorrow.”

“Thanks. We’re going to get this done for Lenore. She’s waited long enough for justice for her son.”

“Completely agree. I’m on it.”

“Hey, one more thing. Will you call Devon Sinclair and ask him to check on Ezra Smith in Fairfax County?”

“Gigi’s ex?”

“Yeah.”

“Uh, why are we helping him get a lawyer after what he did to her?”

“Because from all accounts, his recent behavior has been out of character. I think he needs a mental health eval, and for Gigi’s sake, I want to make sure he’s represented. I thought of Devon after we saw him recently.” Devon had played into an earlier case involving his late uncle, Julian Sinclair, who’d been nominated to the Supreme Court before his murder.

“All right. I’ll find his number and give him a call.”

“Tell him it’s me asking.”

“Will do.”