Page 8 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Indeed it was, which was why we wanted them to have a great party. They’d been through so much, losing their parents shortly before their birthday.” Sam made a clucking sound as she shook her head. “Poor babies.”

“They’re sweet kids. The parents were nice people.”

“Yes, they are and were, which is why I wonder why someone would want to harm the people who are caring for them after their terrible loss.”

His brows came together in an expression of confusion. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Don’t you?” Sam unleashed her unblinking stare on him. As a kid, no one had been able to beat her in a staring contest. That skill had come in handy many times on the job, and now was no exception.

Thorn blinked first. “I, ah, have to get back to work.”

“I know you’re the one who leaked the photos of my husband at the party.”

“What? I didn’t do that!”

“Yes, you did. I have several witnesses willing to testify that it was you, not to mention my IT people are tracing the IP address as we speak.”

He sputtered with outrage. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. I figured I’d stop by to let you know my husband and I intend to fully enforce the legal terms of the NDA you signed when the Secret Service vetted you ahead of the party. You’ll be hearing from our attorneys. I hope the stock market is good to you, because we plan to sue your pants off.”

“You can’t just come into someone’s home and start accusing them of things.”

“Detective Cruz, can I do that?”

“Yes, ma’am. That’s actually a big part of our jobs. We visit people’s homes and accuse them of things almost every day.”

Sam loved him and the way he rolled with her so, so much.

“Here’s the deal, Mr. Thorn. By uploading those photos, you violated the airtight NDA you signed before you entered my home. My husband and I will be filing suit against you imminently, and we plan to make it a doozy.” She looked around him into one of those formal living rooms no one actually used—except when cops came to call. “Detective Cruz, how do you think my sofa is going to look in that living room? Nick and I will need a bigger place after we leave the White House. This would do, don’t you think?”

“The sofa would look great there, for sure.”

“You’ve made your point,” Thorn said on a low growl.

“Have I?” Sam leaned in a little closer. “It was a dick move to try to hurt the people providing love and shelter to two children whose parents were murdered in the most horrific way imaginable. Their murders were among the worst we’ve ever encountered, and we’ve seen it all. Did it make you feel like a big man to get that scoop and make trouble for my husband?”

His mulish look spoke volumes. “I’ve said all I’m going to say.”

“Excellent. We’ll see you in court. Let’s go, Detective. I’ll take the measurements the next time I’m here.”

They walked out of the house, leaving the door open. It slammed shut behind them, making Sam laugh.

“Holy shit, that was fun,” Freddie said.

“I wish I’d recorded it as a training video. You were on fire.”

“So were you.”

“Come for my family, and I’m coming for you.”

“Are you really going to sue him?”

“You bet your ass I am. We need to send a message that we’re not putting up with this shit. He signed the NDA, and now he’s going to feel our wrath.”

“Do you have Archie tracking the IP address—and P.S., I’m shocked that you even know what that is.”

“I know stuff,” she said indignantly, “and yes, he’s doing it for me on his own time as a personal favor.”