Page 48 of State of Retribution

Freddie rolled his eyes.“Was that necessary, Dr.Trulo?The rest of us have to deal with her all day, every day.”

Trulo laughed.“My apologies, but I only speak the truth.”

Sam sent her partner a smug grin.“I’m a delight to have around.”

“Sure you are.”

“Ask Vernon and Jimmy.They agree with me.”

“I will not ask them.They’re being paid to agree with you.”

“Hey now,” Vernon said.“That ain’t in the job description.”

The tomfoolery helped to reset her emotions after her thoughts had taken a sad turn.

“How’re you holding up after the chaos yesterday?”Trulo asked.

“Hanging in there.Is it weird that I’m starting to get used to stuff like that?”

“Yes, it’s weird.You shouldn’t have to become accustomed to that level of fear.”

“No one should,” Freddie added.

Sam took a few minutes to update Dr.Trulo on the situation with Harlowe.

“Nice of him to step up for her this way.”

“He seems rather smitten.”

“Good for him, but it’s a tough situation.”

“Will she get her memory back?”

“Hard to say.Amnesia can be a post-traumatic response to a brain injury.It’s often temporary, but there’re cases in which the memories surrounding the event never return.That can be both a blessing and a curse.”

“I can see how both would apply.”

Sam took a call from Roni Connolly, her communications director at the White House.“Hey, how’s it going?”

“That’s what I wanted to ask you.How’re you doing?”

“I’m fine as long as everyone else is.That’s what matters.”

“So unbelievable.At an event forchildren.”

“Best time to cause maximum outrage, I suppose.What’re you hearing about Alaska?”

“Rescuers are making progress in getting to the school building.They’re holding out hope because the structure seems to have mostly held up.”

“Well, that’s some good news.”

“Indeed.I was also calling to remind you that we have the photo shoot scheduled for this Saturday with you and the kids.”

Sam had forgotten all about that and wanted to moan at the thought of spending half a day being photographed for upcoming social media use by her first lady team.“Right.”

“You’re thrilled.I can tell.”

“I am indeed thrilled.”

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