Page 18 of The First Gentleman

“Maddy, you need to be careful. Even in this place, I hear things.”

“Like what?”

Faulkner eases back down onto his pillow. “Someone might be trying to sabotage you. Someone who wouldn’t mind if your first term was your last.”

CHAPTER

14

An agent holds the door open for the president. Unsettled by Faulkner’s warning, Maddy steps into the corridor and immediately runs into another problem.

Rachel Bernstein.

Bernstein is the VP’s chief of staff, formerly his campaign manager, and one of the people who believe that Ransom Faulkner was cheated out of his rightful destiny.

“Hello, Rachel,” says Maddy. “Nice to see you.” A harmless lie.

“Madam President,” Bernstein replies curtly. Behind her are two young staffers and a Secret Service agent from the VP’s detail.

“I just saw the chief,” Maddy says. “How’s he doing, really?”

Citing HIPAA requirements, Bernstein says, “Unfortunately, unless you’re a family member or have written permission from the vice president, I can’t tell you a thing.” She waits a split second before adding, “Ma’am.”

Maddy knows HIPAA doesn’t apply here, since Bernstein isn’t part of Faulkner’s medical team, but she nods as if she believes her. “Well, then,” says the president, “I’ll get on that.”

Bernstein heads for Faulkner’s door. Maddy grabs her arm and pulls her back. “The vice president is resting,” she says firmly. “Let him be.”

“Is that what the doctor said?” asks Bernstein.

“No,” says Maddy. “That’s whatIsaid. Remember me? I’m the person you serve at the pleasure of.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Bernstein says.

Maddy turns to her two Secret Service agents. “Let’s move.”

Hospital personnel step to the side as the agents clear a path to the elevators. The lieutenant with the football follows close behind Maddy.

Four years ago, in that New York City convention hall, Maddy and Ransom Faulkner had stepped into a private holding room and made a deal: When her two terms were up, she would fully support his run for president. Rachel Bernstein knows about the deal, and Maddy is aware that she can’t wait for it to happen.

But after seeing the vice president today, Maddy’s not sure it ever will.

CHAPTER

15

Dartmouth College

Campus is just as we remember. It’s easy to locate the operations and maintenance department.

Judd Peyton’s office is near the Geisel School of Medicine. The janitor is wearing scuffed work boots, jeans, and a khaki uniform shirt stitched with his name and the Dartmouth Lone Pine. His gnarled, callused hands, thinning black hair, and lined face suggest he must be close to retirement age.

Peyton’s face lights up when he sees Garrett. “Hey, Mr. Bestseller,” he says.

I introduce myself. “Brea Cooke, Garrett’s researcher and coauthor. Also his classmate. Fellow alums. I remember you from when we were students.”

“Sure, sure, of course!” says Judd, smoothing over any awkwardness. He sits down in an old office chair patched with duct tape and stares at me for a second, and I see the light bulb go on. “You used to study at Baker-Berry Library.”

The machine smell inside the building reminds me of the place where my pops worked—the MTA’s overhaul shop in uptown Manhattan. The office wall is lined with technical certifications. In the midst of them is a single photo: a smiling young soldier in full battle rattle. Next to it is a folded American flag in a triangular glass and wooden box. Garrett told me all about Judd’s son Henry, killed in action in the Middle East. That explained Judd’s interest in the military themes ofStolen Honor.

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