Page 91 of State of Retribution

“I’ll be there.And speaking of the Secret Service, Vernon says Jimmy had a good night and could be released as soon as tomorrow.”

“That’s very good news.”

“Yeah, it is.”Sam slid her fingers over the silk of his royal blue tie.“At this meeting today, I want you to remember the deal we made when we started the White House phase of our journey.”

“I remember.”

“And you’ll fight for me?”

“Always.I’m on Team Samantha.”

“Even if you’d rather keep me under lock and key here where I’d be safe and protected?”

“Even if.”He leaned in to kiss her.“As I’ve said before, I know exactly who I married and what she needs to be happy.I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she gets that.”

“She thinks you’re very sexy when you’re flexing your power muscles.”

His scowl indicated what he thought of that comment.

Sam laughed.“What?It’s true.”

“Be prepared for significant pushback.There’s always a big correction after an incident like what happened yesterday, especially on top of Monday’s events.”

“Still no word on where the drones came from?”

“Not that I’ve heard.I’m hoping for more info in the briefing this morning.”

“I’m bringing Avery and his team in on my theory this morning.”

“That’s not a bad idea, even if it goes against everything you believe in to ask for outside help.”

“There’s no time for ego or pride in a situation like this.”

“Aw, look at you.All evolved and stuff.”

“Haha, underneath it all, I’m still the same feral beast I’ve always been when it comes to calling in the Feds.”

“I love my little feral beast more than anything.”He kissed her again and got up.“I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

“Will you sit next to me at the meeting?”

“Of course I will.When do I ever pass up a chance to hold hands with my best girl?”

Sam smiled.“Well played, Mr.President.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Chapter Eighteen

After Nick left, Sam sent the text to Avery and then sat back against the pillows, feeling unsettled at the thought of working from home while the rest of her team worked on the new homicide.Nothing like being the absent commander.With the distractions and interruptions to her work piling up, was it time for her to step aside to let someone else lead the Homicide division?

The very thought of it broke her heart into a million pieces.If she had her way, she’d spend at least twenty more years in this role before she contemplated retirement.But events outside her control might conspire to move up the timeline.Perhaps that was the goal of this entire thing.

With those thoughts in mind, she called Captain Malone.

“Morning,” he said.“How’s it going?”

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