Page 74 of The First Gentleman

Faulkner’s furry eyebrows lift. “The Grand Bargain?”

Pearce nods. “Things are reaching the critical point, sir. We need to make sure you have all the help and support you need. All the right people.”

Faulkner rests his hand on Pearce’s. “Don’t worry. The doctors here are great. Nurses too.” He smiles. “The best a nine-hundred-billion-dollar military budget can buy.”

“I’m talking closer to home, Chief.” Pearce leans in. “I’m just here to help you reach the right decision.”

CHAPTER

71

Brooklyn, New York

My iPhone chimes with an incoming text. I look down.

Sorry to hear about Garrett’s death.

A Brother

I’ve been getting condolence calls and texts all week from everyone I know. Even Burton Pearce expressed his sympathies. I was touched by the outpouring of messages. This one pisses me off. I sit down on my bed and text back:

Who is this, you son of a bitch?

So far, this has been a one-way communication. I’ve never responded until now. I don’t know what to expect.

Within seconds, there’s a reply.

You’re still in danger. Suzanne. Amber. Garrett. You could be next.

A warning or a threat? Either way, I’m over it.

No more texting. Meet me in person.

I send it and wait. My head is throbbing, and my heart is pounding. This better be good.

It is.

Grand Central. Today, 3 p.m., the information booth clock. Alone.

I throw open my bedroom door and stomp into the kitchen. “Mama, I changed my mind.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m going back to work.”

“You mean teaching?”

“No. I mean the book. I’m going to finish it myself.”

CHAPTER

72

Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan

When I was little, train rides put me to sleep.

Today, I’m wide awake.

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