Page 15 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Perhaps I could, and that of course would lead to yet another suspension for the detective. They’re starting to add up.”

“At what point will there be enough to get rid of him?”

“Not soon enough. He has ‘rights,’ you know.”

Sam rolled her eyes. “I was going to come find you. I assume you heard what’s going on in Des Moines.”

“I did. It’s horrifying.”

“I was thinking I should go to be with Nick. I know I’m on duty, but…”

“No, you should go. We’ll take care of things here today.”

“Thank you for understanding. I’ll make up the time.”

“We owe you more time than you could make up in a lifetime.”

“I guess that’s a good thing, since I’ve got this other part-time gig going on.”

Malone snorted with laughter. “Is that what you’re calling it? A part-time gig?”

“I’m still not sure what to call it. I’m figuring it out on a day-to-day basis.”

“You’re doing fine. Go support your husband and the country during this horrific tragedy. We’ve got things covered here.”

“Thank you for the support, Captain. It’s appreciated. I know this is a unique situation—”

His bark of laughter cut her off. “Unique. That’s one word for having the first lady of the United States heading up our Homicide division simultaneously. Public Affairs is being bombed with requests for interviews about how you’re handling the dual roles, how we’re managing it, etc.”

Sam was appalled to hear that. “Tell them I’m sorry for the added workload and to deny all interviews on my behalf. I’ll never understand why the media thinks they should have unfettered access to my every move.”

“You don’t understand that? Really?”

“Well, I do, but I hate it. Right now, I need to go be with Nick as he handles a massive tragedy.”

“Go do that. We’ll hold down the fort here.”

“Thanks, Cap.” Sam headed for the morgue exit and ran into Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsey McNamara, who was in tears.

“It’s the most awful thing,” Lindsey said, hugging Sam.

“It is.”

“Are you going to the White House?”

“I am. I figured Nick could use the support.”

“Terry texted me that everyone there is a mess.” Lindsey’s fiancé, Terry O’Connor, was Nick’s chief of staff. “And right before Christmas. I just can’t handle it.”

“I know. It’s horrific. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“I’ll be here, and I’ll be praying for you both as you lead the country through this.”

“We need all the prayers we can get.”

“You’ll do it beautifully. I have no doubt.”

“Thank you.” Sam left her friend with a sad smile as she headed out into the blustery cold, wishing she had as much confidence in herself as Lindsey did. The eyes of the entire world would be on Nick, and her by extension, as they tried to console a grieving city and nation. No life experience or education could prepare anyone to deal with something like this.