Page 37 of Campaign Season
Ryan ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket, scanning the shadows along the property line. Safeguarding a president meant having eyes everywhere, all the time. Having to keep eyes on your own team? That was more than problematic.
Alexandria, Virginia
Michelle shook her head for the third time, studying Jameson as if she were trying to solve a riddle.
“What?” Jameson asked.
“How did Mel talk you into this hippo brigade?”
Jameson shrugged. “The kids love it.”
“I’m serious, JD. Hippos? Couldn’t we just be ghosts or something? I can already see the memes tomorrow—Hippo Homos on the loose from the White House.”
Jameson laughed. “Eh, more likely they’ll start a rumor that we were all high.”
“Not funny, JD.”
“It was pretty funny.”
Michelle tried to suppress a smile. “How was Mom when you left?”
“After she stopped laughing at me? She seemed good. Why? Did something happen that I don’t know about?”
“I don’t know. Did something happen? Why does she want me to come over tomorrow?”
“I think she just wants to talk to you about next week.”
Jameson didn’t intend to darken the evening. Candace had already shared her plan to move the family holiday to Thursday so Jonathan could be home by the weekend. Jameson hadn’t needed to ask why—the answer had been written in Candace’s eyes. No one could predict how long Jonathan would hold on. Whatever he’d said had left Candace convinced his time was near. But tonight wasn’t for sorrow. Tonight was for ghosts, goblins, witches—and hippos. For Amanda and Brody squealing with excitement, for porches glowing with jack-o’-lanterns, for costumes that made little ones giggle. Candace’s talk could wait another day. The best antidote to loss was living.
“Why does she need to talk to me about next week?” Michelle pressed. “Don’t tell me she wants us to bring tents.”
Jameson rolled her eyes.
“You and Mom should’ve dressed up as a priest and a nun,” Michelle teased.
“And you’re worried about hippo memes?” Jameson asked.
“Hey, I could spin that. I’d just tell everyone you were preparing for a tour of the Bible Belt.”
“Only you, Shell.”
“Jay!” Brody called, scrambling to catch up. “Look!”
Jameson grinned. “A king-sized candy bar?”
“They must be rich!” Brody declared, racing off to show Amanda and Melanie at the next house.
“Thanks for letting me tag along,” Jameson said.
“Thanks for not making me saunter behind as a lonely hippo.”
Jameson laughed so hard she snorted.
“Sexy, JD.”
“I was serious.”
“So was I.”
