Page 59 of State of Retribution

That’s the plan.

OK, see you when you get here.Love you.

Love you, too.

“Vernon, why does the Secret Service want to meet with us in the morning?”Sam asked.

“I’m not in that loop yet.”

“Can you venture any guesses?”

“Perhaps an update on enhanced security in light of the incident on Monday, but don’t quote me on that.”

“What happens in the SUV stays in the SUV,” Sam said, earning a mirror grin from Vernon.

“That’s right.”

Sam didn’t want to stew over why the Secret Service had asked for a meeting, but the pit in her stomach would stay there until she knew what it was about.She was under no illusions about the threats facing her husband and their family, but if she allowed herself to think too much about the reality of it, she’d go mad.

Monday’s incident was yet another reminder that there were people out there, probably a lot of them, who’d rather see Nick dead than give him a chance to lead the country.

Sam took advantage of the opportunity to text her sisters, her brother-in-law, Mike, her stepmother, Celia, and eldest niece, Brooke, to tell them that she and Nick were arranging for the ramps to come down on Ninth Street before tenants moved into both houses.

Dr.Trulo is trying to find new homes for them, which Dad would approve of.I wanted you guys to know so you wouldn’t be shocked to see them gone if you go to Ninth.

Thanks for handling that, Sam,Celia replied.I appreciate it, and you’re right.Your dad would want them to go to someone who needs them and maybe can’t afford them.

Ugh,Tracy said.The hits keep on coming, but you’re right.It’s time.Thanks for handling that for us, Sam (and Nick).

Sam thought about how delighted her dad had been to be able to come down the ramp at his house and roll over to hers for a visit.Nick had seen to that for them, and the ramp at their house and her dad’s regular visits had become such a source of joy in an otherwise difficult situation.

Her ringing phone drew her out of the rabbit hole of poignant memories she’d fallen into.She sat up a little straighter when she saw the name of the twins’ school on the caller ID.They would be home by now.

“Sam Cappuano.”

Freddie gave her a curious look at her use of her married name on the job.

“Mrs.Cappuano, I’m so sorry to disturb your work.This is Beatrice Reeve, head of Northwest Academy.”

“Hi, Mrs.Reeve.Is everything okay?”

“Yes, the children are fine, but we’re a little worried about Aubrey.She’s been unusually withdrawn and fearful since the incident at the White House, and we wanted to make you aware that she’s expressed some concerns for your safety and that of President Cappuano.”

Sam’s heart sank at the thought of her precious little girl being afraid.“Oh no.I’m so sorry to hear that.Is it possible for her to see Alden when she’s upset?They take great comfort in each other.”

“Yes, we’re aware of that, and we brought him into her classroom today for a visit that seemed to help.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Perhaps a conversation at home about how well protected you both are might help.”

“We’ll definitely do that.Thank you for letting me know what’s going on.Those poor kids have been through so much.I hate to think of them being afraid of it happening again.”

“It’s only natural that they’d worry.I think they would no matter who stepped up for them after their parents were murdered so senselessly.”

That might be true, but Sam knew there was much more for their children to worry about because of what she and Nick did for a living.“We’ll talk to them and consult with their therapist.I appreciate the heads-up.”

“Let’s stay in touch about this.”

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