Page 6 of The Presidents Shadow

BACK AT HOME we try to relax, but it’s impossible. After the tragedy of Jericho’s destruction, the wild, unusual graduation speech, and the terrible catastrophe of the drug bust gone wrong, it feels as if nothing will ever be the same. Peace and comfort will never show up.

Maddy and Jessica go to their bedrooms. Margo is brewing tea.

I sit alone in my office. No screens, no gadgets, nothing. I stare straight ahead, searching for clarity.

Then the door opens and Margo walks in, a steaming mug in her hand. “Am I disturbing you?” she asks.

“How can I be any more disturbed than I already am?” I retort, then regret my tone when I see her searching for the hint of a smile on my face.

She doesn’t find it. There’ll be no joy in this house tonight. She lets a few seconds pass and then speaks.

“Listen,” Margo says. “I overheard what you said to Maddy. I just wanted you to know that I think you handled it really well.”

“Thanks, I guess,” I say.

“That was a tough conversation,” Margo says.

“And a worse situation,” I tell her. “Maddy’s got to learn… she’s got to learn so many things if she is going to help me straighten things out in this tough world. The powers she’s being trained in are both a blessing and a curse. She’s got to proceed with speed and caution.”

“Speed and caution are not always the best partners,” Margo says.

“I appreciate your concern,” I say. “Maddy has so much potential. I just want it all to develop properly. Today was clear proof that she’s not ready.”

There is silence. Margo reaches out and holds my hand. My fingers wrap around hers, and I finally find a small amount of comfort, but I don’t want to mislead her into believing that everything is better now.

“I need to tell you something,” I say.

Need. To Margo, that’s a frightening word coming from me. Someone who presents himself, even to those I love most, as private. Thoughtful and strong.

“What is it?” she asks.

“I will never get over Jericho’s death.”

Another silence. All she can do is hold my hand even tighter.