State of Affairs

by Marie Force

  “He’s part of it,” Nick said, glancing at her with warmth in his eyes . “He’s always with us, and we both carry his words of wisdom with us as we move through the challenges we confront on a daily basis. He’s very much a touchstone to our entire family.”

  Damn if he didn’t nearly move her to tears with those words.

  “I want to thank you again for sitting down with us tonight for your first network interview since becoming president and first lady. I know I speak for so many when I wish you Godspeed and good luck. Your success is our success, and we’ll be rooting for you.”

  “Thank you, Peter,” Nick said. “We appreciate that very much.”

  “And we’re out,” the producer said.

  “That was wonderful, Mr. President, Mrs. Cappuano.” Wagner shook both their hands, and Sam tried not to wince from the pain that caused her. “I’m deeply honored to be your first interview.”

  “Thank you for having us,” Nick said. The minute the TV people were out of earshot, he said to Sam, “Let’s get the hell out of here. I want to see my kids.”

  “I’m with you, Mr. President.”

  Chapter Twenty-FIve

  Because Sam had ridden home with Nick in The Beast the night before, Vernon and Jimmy drove her to the White House to pick up her car the next morning. She’d helped Nick get the kids up and ready for school and had breakfast with them before leaving the house and was trying not to think about how “off” the twins had been since she’d broken the news to them about the impending move. She planned to check in with their therapist to figure out how they could support them through this latest disruption.

  As she headed for HQ, Sam put through a call to Gideon Lawson while navigating heavy Monday morning traffic.

  When he answered, she said, “This is, um, Sam Cappuano.”

  “Mrs. Cappuano,” Gideon said. “How lovely to hear from you.”

  “I can’t help but wonder how long you’ll be saying that.”

  Gideon laughed. “If I may say so, ma’am, I do love a good bit of snark. I suspect we’ll be the best of friends in no time.”

  “Snark is my middle name. Sarcasm is my first name.”

  “A highly entertaining combination.”

  “I like you, Gideon, and others in my life will tell you how rare it is that I like anyone.” In fact, she’d been liking a lot more people than usual lately, which was a rather revolting development.

  “I’m pleased and delighted to have made the cut. What can I do for you today?”

  “I talked it over with Nick, and I’m sorry, but I have to call him that.”

  “I understand,” he said, chuckling.

  “We’d like to accept your generous offer of staff to help with our move. We’re both crazy busy—even crazier busy than usual, that is—and just have no time to devote to it. We understand, however, that the Secret Service wants to get it done as soon as possible.”

  “Say no more. We’ll get right on it. Whom shall we contact to gain access?”

  “Shelby Hill, our personal assistant.” Sam gave him Shelby’s phone number from memory. “I spoke with her last night about what furniture we’d like to bring. We’re packing light since we’ll be right across town if we need anything.”

  “Understood. We’ll take care of everything for you. Mrs. Nelson plans to return to South Dakota for the local services on Thursday after the funeral service here in DC. We could move you in as soon as Friday, if that works for you and the president.”

  “Um, well, I guess that works. Is it okay to confess to my new best friend that I still can’t believe this is happening?”

  “I totally understand that the shock hasn’t worn off yet. It might not for a while. We feel the same way here. A few days ago, we were working for a perfectly healthy President Nelson, and now he’s gone. I’ve been here for twenty years, and this is the first time I’ve experienced the aftermath of a president dying in office. It’s been rather jarring for everyone.”

  “Yes, and I’m well aware that it’s not just about us.”

  “It’s mostly about you and your husband. Our entire focus is on ensuring a seamless transition and helping to make your family comfortable in your new home.”

  “Thank you, Gideon. I mean that sincerely. I appreciate your help more than you’ll ever know.”

  “I’m looking forward to working with you, ma’am. I’ll be in touch if we have questions.”

  “I’ll do my best to take your call.”

  “May I say…”

  “Anything you want. Let’s keep it real, shall we?”

  “I like you too, ma’am, and I just want to say how amazing we all find it that you’re intending to keep your police job while you’re first lady. You have no idea how much that’ll mean to so many women.”

  “That’s so nice of you to say. I feel like half the world thinks I’m insane, but the job… The job is who I am.”

  “We’ll do everything we can to support your efforts to be Superwoman.”

  Sam laughed. “If you could find me a cape and some superpowers, that’d be awesome.”

  “I’ll dig around in the warehouse and see what I can find.”

  Yes, she liked this guy a lot. “There’s a warehouse?”

  “A gigantic one full of priceless treasures, in Maryland. We can take a field trip someday, if you’d like, to see if there’s anything you want to use in your White House.”

  “That’d be awesome. I’d love to do that. Incidentally, I still have a storage unit from when I was between marriages. Finding out there’s also a warehouse is a bit daunting.”

  “No need to be daunted by any of it. You have your own army of people here to make it easy for you.”

  “And I’m eternally grateful for that. I’ll be in touch.”

  “I’ll look forward to speaking to you again soon, ma’am.”

  Sam ended the call and realized she was smiling after talking to her new friend. After four of the most overwhelming days of her life, she took a deep breath and let it out, realizing she didn’t have to do it all. She was surrounded by an incredible staff both at work and in her new home, and she would learn to delegate to those better equipped to take care of whatever challenges might arise.

  She never had gotten a chance to speak to Celia about moving to the White House with them. Hopefully, she’d get to do that later.

  As she took the final turn before arriving at HQ, she was astounded to see the largest-ever media presence outside the public safety building. The entire street was lined two deep with satellite trucks bearing the logos of every major network. What the hell? Did something happen she hadn’t heard about? And then it occurred to her that they were there for her. She had happened.

  She moaned. “For fuck’s sake.” Why did they still show up to stalk her at work when they knew they weren’t going to get anywhere with her? Her colleagues must be incredibly annoyed by the disturbance, a thought that spiked her anxiety. Massive media presence outside HQ was the last thing she needed.

  She drove around the building to the morgue entrance, hoping she could avoid having to deal with them. To her extreme dismay, a cadre of reporters was camped outside that door too. That was one of her worst nightmares come true. After parking, she glanced over at Vernon, who’d parked next to her.

  He held up a finger, telling her to wait a minute.

  Because she didn’t ever feel like dealing with the media, especially now, she took the minute so he and Jimmy could clear the way, fuming all the while that the press was keeping her from getting to work. She fired off a text to Nick on the BlackBerry. Holy media at HQ, Batman.

  She had no idea if she’d hear back from him, or if he’d even see the text right now.

  When her phone chimed with a text, she smiled, knowing she shouldn’t be surprised that even in his new job, he was still available to her.

  Are Vernon and Jimmy dealing with it?

  As much as they can. It’s a mob scene.

  I can ask abo
ut sending over more SS to clear the area if you want.

  I hate to say it might be necessary. My colleagues already have enough reasons to hate my guts.

  We can talk to them at the meeting today.

  “Fucking hell.” She’d forgotten all about that meeting. To Nick, she typed, Remind me what time that meeting is…

  LOL, I knew you’d forget.

  I didn’t forget. I forgot the time.

  Liar. Pants on fire.

  That’s not very presidential of you.

  It’s at two. Afterward, we can have an after-nooner in my study.

  You have a study? Something to look forward to.

  I can’t wait. Love you. Be careful out there.

  Always am. Love you too.

  She’d no sooner sent the last text when Vernon knocked on her window, gesturing for her to come along.

  Once inside, she stopped first at the morgue to see Lindsey McNamara.

  “Good morning, Doc.”

  “There’s the woman of the hour. How’re you doing?”

  “Just ducky. I’ve got the goddamned media stalking me even more than they used to, a detective in the hospital, a dead body on ice, a traumatized rape victim in the hospital and an unexpected move to coordinate this week. Other than that…”

  Lindsey’s green eyes twinkled with laughter. As usual while working, her long red hair was captured in a high ponytail. “I can’t believe you’re here like it’s any other workday.”

  “It is any other workday, except this one will include a meeting at the White House about how the Secret Service will accommodate my desire to remain on the job.”

  “Is it okay to say as your friend and colleague that I’m so freaking proud of you for sticking to your guns and staying true to yourself?”

  “It’s okay to say, and thank you for that. Part of me wonders if I’m crazy to think I can pull this off.”

  “If anyone can, you can.”

  “I guess we’ll see.”

  “How’s Dominguez?”

  “She’s doing better physically. The emotional part is going to take a while. The boyfriend is undergoing a mental health eval at a hospital in Richmond.”

  “I’m glad she’s on the mend. I heard you did an awesome job in Fairfax the other night.”

  “I’m just relieved it ended without anyone getting hurt. What’ve you got for me on Eduardo Carter?”

  “Step into my office.” She led Sam into the morgue, where Carter was on her table, the distinctive Y-shaped incision on his torso the sign of a recently completed autopsy. Lindsey pointed to the small but distinctive stab wound on his chest. “One fatal blow that severed his aorta. He was dead instantly. I noted bruising on his arms and chest as well as abrasions consistent with road rash.”

  “What about the tox screen?”

  “Clean.”

  “Interesting. We have information that he’s had addiction issues in the past. He’s estranged from his parents because he beat up his mother when she wouldn’t give him money for drugs.”

  “What a nightmare. Those poor parents.”

  “I know.”

  “Are you really doing okay?”

  “I’m just taking it a minute at a time. How about you? What’s new with the wedding plans?”

  “Nah, we’re not doing that. It’s all about you for the next little while around here.”

  “I’m sick of it being all about me. I really want to know how the wedding is coming along.”

  “Everything is great, thanks to Shelby, the miracle worker, who makes it so easy that all I have to do is point and say, ‘That one.’”

  “She really is the best.”

  “That party for the twins was epic. Thanks for including us.”

  “Of course we included you. You guys are family to us.”

  “Likewise, Sam. If I can do anything for you—anything at all—please ask. We’re all so damned proud of you both and eager to help where we can.”

  Sam gave her a hug. “Thank you. Very much appreciated. I’ll let you know. In the meantime, shoot me the report on Carter.”

  “Already done.”

  “See you later, Doc.”

  Sam left the morgue and was on her way to the pit when she nearly ran smack into Detective Ramsey, the person she least wished to see.

  “Well, look who it is. Little Miss I’m Going to Keep My Job No Matter How Disruptive It Is for My Colleagues.”

  “Get the fuck out of my way, Ramsey.”

  Sam moved past him, but he kept talking.

  “Everyone is talking about you today, Holland, how you ought to do the right thing for the rest of us and step aside to focus on your fancy new life at the White House. I’ve even heard the union is taking up the disruption of your continued presence here at the next meeting. You’re not wanted, you selfish bitch.”

  She told herself he was full of shit, as usual, but that didn’t take the sting out of the harsh words. “Consider the source,” she muttered to herself as she stepped into the pit, where her detectives were hard at work.

  “Bring me up to speed,” Sam said, startling her team with her sudden presence. She loved when that happened.

  “We have the five suspects involved in the rape and murder in custody,” Freddie said. “Each of them is pointing the finger at the others on the murder. Hopefully, we’ll get the DNA report today from the rape kit so we can start matching it to the samples we took last night.”

  “We’ve probably got enough to charge them all with felony murder and sexual assault,” Sam said. “Let’s get one of the AUSAs over here to lay it out.”

  “I’ll make the call,” Gonzo said, getting up to leave the room.

  “Which one of them had the connection to Calvin Worthington?” Sam asked Freddie.

  Freddie put a photo of a Hispanic man on the table and pushed it toward her. “Javier Lopez.”

  “What do we know about him?”

  “Sealed juvie record, got snagged for an armed B and E nine years ago and did three years at Jessup. He was a year ahead of Calvin in high school.”

  “Did we ever talk to him about it?”

  “Interestingly enough, we never talked to any of the classmates who were in trouble at the time.”

  Lieutenant Stahl had been the lead detective. His partner at the time, Detective Morse, left the department in the ensuing years.

  “Let’s track down Stahl’s partner. I want some insight before I talk to Lopez.”

  “I’ll work on that,” Jeannie said.

  “Captain, can you lean on the lab to get that rape kit processed?” Sam asked Captain Malone, who’d come in a minute after she did.

  “I did this morning. They promised me something by noon.”

  “In the meantime, Cam and Matt, work on filling out the board with what we know about our five suspects,” Sam said to Green and O’Brien, “and shoot me anything that pops. Let’s get out and work the case.”

  As her detectives saw to her orders, she signaled for Malone to remain for a minute. She led him into her office, turned on the lights and gestured for him to close the door. “I had an interesting conversation with Hill yesterday.” Sam went around her desk and faced the captain.

  “About what?” Malone asked.

  Sam forced herself to make eye contact with her mentor, boss and friend. “Hector Reese.” She gave him a minute to think about how he knew that name and watched his eyes widen with recollection. “Hill asked me who else knows about what went down in the interrogation room. I dodged the question, but I wanted to give you a heads-up that he’s on that scent.”

  “Probably helped along by someone with an agenda,” Malone said bitterly.

  “No doubt. If it comes out, I’ll take the full blame. I did it. I shouldn’t have. I knew it then, and I know it now. My only excuse is that I was running on emotion over finding the person who’d shot Freddie and the possibility of a break in my dad’s case.”

  “I won’t let you take the fall alone, Lieutenant.
I knew what you were going to do, could’ve stopped it and didn’t.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to a fall for either of us. Had a run-in with my BFF Ramsey just now. He says the union is going to take up the disruption of my continued presence here at its next meeting. Apparently, and I’m quoting him, I’m not wanted here.”

  “Which, of course, you know is complete bullshit.”

  “The media is a huge problem. I understand it’s pissing people off. It’s pissing me off. Nick said they can send more Secret Service over here to clear them out.”

  “The chief has Patrol on it too. Try not to worry. It’ll die down when they realize they aren’t getting anything from you.”

  “How can they still hope that’s going to happen? I’ve never once given them anything about Nick. Why do they think I'm suddenly going to get chatty with them now that he’s president?”

  “Hope springs eternal.”

  “I could never do that job, stand around all day waiting for something that’s not going to happen.”

  “Luckily, you have plenty to do in this job and don’t need to change careers.”

  Sam wouldn’t have thought she could laugh just then, but leave it to the captain. “What’re we hearing about Dominguez? I tried to call her last night, but her voice mail picked up. I also left a message for Carlucci.” It was odd that Carlucci hadn’t called her back yet, which she should’ve realized before now.

  “Apparently, Gigi was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and went home to her mother’s place to recuperate.”

  “Have you heard anything from Carlucci?” Sam asked.

  “Not since yesterday.”

  “That’s odd. Now that I think about it, I called her twice yesterday and didn’t hear back.”

  “What’re you thinking?”

  “I don’t know what to think. Ask Green to come in here, will you?”

  Malone went to the door and summoned Detective Green into the office, closing the door when he was inside.

  “What’s up?” Green asked Sam.

  “I promise I’m not trying to bust your balls, but I assume you saw Gigi yesterday?”