Page 85 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“Whoa. You said no to the mayor.”

“I did.”

“How’d she take that?”

“She was disappointed. She wants a woman in the top ranks, and she’d made up her mind it was going to be me. Thankfully, the chief and I were able to convince her that I’d be the worst possible person to put in that position.”

“No kidding.”

“It’s okay for me to say that about myself, but you can’t.”

“My apologies,” he said on a low laugh.

“I also pointed out to her that my life wouldn’t be worth living within the department if she bumped me up two ranks, especially since people already think I’m where I am because of my last name, not to mention it happening right as Nick becomes president. It’s the last freaking thing in the world I’d want or need.”

“It would be cool to have your dad’s old job, though.”

“That’s the only part of it that would’ve been cool. The rest would suck. I’d be off the streets, pushing paper, dealing with City Hall and even more department bullshit than I have to contend with now. Ugh, no, thanks.”

“What’d the chief have to say about it?”

“He agreed that my ‘talents,’ such as they are, are more useful in Homicide.”

“That’s a fact.”

“Not to mention I’d die sitting in an office all day.”

“That’s also a fact.”

“I just hate the feeling that I’m fighting on all fronts for my right to do what I do. It’s exhausting.”

“You’re blazing a new trail as the first president’s wife to hold a job outside the White House.”

“I want to live in a world where that’s not big news.”

“It’ll be awesome for you to continue on the job while also using your enormous platform to advance the issues that matter to you.”

“That’s the plan.”

“It’s easier for you to do this because you’re not moving to a new city the way most of them do. So it makes sense that you’re the right one to lead this new movement of modern first ladies—and maybe even first gentlemen, eventually—pursuing their own careers while their husbands—or wives—are in office.”

“I’d be all for leading that movement. Where is it written that the wife has to give up her entire life to support her man?”

“It’s not written anywhere. It’s tradition.”

“Well, fuck tradition.”

“Do me a favor and keep that thought between us.”

“Duh. I’m not about to say that to anyone else. But I do intend to live that as my mantra for the next three years.”

“Looking forward to watching that show.” He finished the first pack of doughnuts, chased them with a bottle of chocolate milk and opened a second package.

“You’re revolting.”

He burped loudly. “Huh? What’d I do?”

“Your diet is disgusting.”