Page 124 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

Sam took a deep breath and tried to calm herself before she said things to her bosses that couldn’t be taken back. “I understand you’re concerned and that you both feel extra protective toward me because my dad is gone, and you were his best friends. But please… Don’t encourage her on this. I’d rather retire than be the deputy chief, and I’m not in any way interested in retiring either.”

“We do worry about you,” Malone said. “More than any other officer on our team. Everyone knows who you are, and you’d make for a very appealing prize.”

“Which is why I have the detail—and a partner. I appreciate the concern. I really do, but I’m fine. Nothing needs to change.”

Sam’s BlackBerry dinged with a text from Nick. Nevins has been arraigned on federal terrorism charges and threatening the life of the president. The ATF found bomb-making materials in his house and tied him to the device that was left at the gates. One less thing to worry about.

That’s good news, she replied, wishing she could tell him her new worry—that the captain and chief would insist on moving her to an admin role that didn’t interest her in any way. But he’d know it was because of him, and he’d hate that. So she kept it to herself, even as the panicky feeling stuck with her. They couldn’t force her to take a job, could they?

That question spiked her anxiety. “What happened with Ramsey and Lucas?” she asked, eager to change the subject.

“She took over his cases after he was fired, and now he wants them back,” Malone said. “Lucas has made progress on them and didn’t want to give them up. He went off on her, and I sent him home.”

“Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. She sat back and let him do what he does and didn’t say a word, according to witnesses.”

“Good for her.” Sam made a mental note to check in with her friend later. “If the mayor wants a great deputy chief, I still say it ought to be her. She’s one of the best officers I’ve ever worked with.”

“I’d hate to lose her in SVU, though,” Farnsworth said. “She’s excellent with the victims.”

“That’s true,” Sam said, regretting she’d mentioned the deputy chief position again.

Fortunately, they arrived at the Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue a few minutes later and parked in a VIP area.

Vernon and Jimmy pulled in behind them, and Vernon got out to accompany her inside.

They secured their weapons at the security checkpoint, were screened by a magnetometer and their belongings put through an X-ray machine.

Heads turned and people expressed surprise at seeing the first lady as they walked to the mayor’s suite. The attention only reinforced the chief and captain’s argument, Sam thought. That’s just what I don’t need.

They were shown to the mayor’s conference room and offered refreshments.

“We’re fine, thanks,” the chief said for all of them. After the admin left them, he said, “That’s the first time I’ve ever been offered refreshments here. They’re dazzled by you, Lieutenant. I need to bring you with me more often when I meet with the mayor.”

“I’m too busy for that stuff.” She read a text from Freddie. At the Patrick house, the mother called her, told her it was an emergency. Waiting to see if she’ll come.

Be prepared for anything, Sam replied. She’s unpredictable.

That’s what Cam said, too. Good luck with the mayor.

Thanks. Waiting for her now.

Mayor Monique Brewster came into the room, thanking them for coming in earlier than planned. To Sam, she added, “Nice to see you again, Lieutenant.”

“You, too, ma’am.”

“It feels strange to have the first lady calling me ma’am,” Brewster said on a laugh.

“You’re still my boss, ma’am.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

The chief chuckled. “As I like to say, ain’t nobody the boss of her.”

The mayor laughed.

“That is just not true,” Sam said. “And the reason we’re here is because we need your help on a case.”