Page 56 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Other presidents have referred to it as the gilded cage.”

“That’s an apt description. It’s beautiful, and the staff is amazing, but being walled off from real life and surrounded by security makes for a confining existence even in the loveliest of buildings.”

“I’d go mad,” Freddie said bluntly.

“I would, too. I’m so thankful I can be out and about every day the way I always have been, even with Vernon and Jimmy trailing me. They’re good about not being overly intrusive.”

“That’s working out better than I expected.”

“Because they respect what I’m trying to do. I’m sure there’re agents who wouldn’t be so accommodating, or who’d be put out by the idea of the first lady pounding the pavement.”

“Agents with that attitude wouldn’t last on your detail. I’m sure Vernon and Jimmy were chosen because the higher-ups thought they’d be a good fit for you.”

“Vernon’s sarcasm is definitely a good fit for me.”

“I never had a sarcastic bone in my body until I started spending all my time with you.”

“And look at you now. I’m so proud of how you’re coming along.”

He looked over at her. “Are you? Really?”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course I am. You’re my masterpiece.”

“Means a lot to me that you’re proud of me.”

“Stop being schmoopy.”

“I’m not being schmoopy.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not. It does mean a lot to me that you’re proud of me. That matters to me.”

Sam parked a block away from the address they’d been given for Stella Gregorio and looked over at her young, handsome, earnest partner. “I’m very proud of the man and the detective you’ve grown up to be. I hope you know that.”

“Thank you. And I’m proud of you and Nick and the way you’ve taken on these new roles with such class and dignity. It’s amazing to me that my best friends are the president and first lady.”

“We’re honored to be your best friends and consider you one of ours, too. Now this officially ends the lovefest. Back to normal. Let’s go see what Stella has to say about Pam.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Chapter Eleven

Freddie followed her up the walk to Stella’s front door, which didn’t have a doorbell.

Sam knocked on the door and peered into the side windows to see if anyone was home. “Here comes someone.” She put her hand on her weapon, immediately on guard after having been recently shot at through a closed door.

The door opened to a man with a scowl on his face until he recognized Sam, and his expression became what she thought of as the “holy shit, it’s the first lady” expression as he opened the storm door.

She showed him her gold shield. “Lieutenant Holland, Detective Cruz. We’d like to speak to Stella Gregorio.”

“She’s not doing well. Pam was one of her closest friends.”

“I understand this is a very difficult time, but we’re trying to figure out who murdered Pam. We need all the help we can get from the people who were closest to her.”

“Come in. I’ll get her.” He stepped aside to let them in and gestured to a small sitting room off the foyer. “Have a seat.”

While he went to retrieve his wife, Sam and Freddie sat together on a love seat.