Chapter Thirty-Three
One of Elliot’s office staffers is waiting for us at the portico entrance, along with the NatSec officers and others, when we roll up. I’ve already switched off all my cell phones and tucked the campaign one into my bag with my laptop. I’ve kept a pen and my notepad, in case I need them. I hand off my bag, and Elliot’s laptop bag, to the aide, give him a few instructions for the morning to adjust Elliot’s schedule. and ask a Secret Service agent to go with him to make sure the bags get put in Elliot’s office. If it wasn’t for Elliot’s laptop, I wouldn’t care.
The burner is off and in my bag. Elliot’s work cell and mine are in my pockets and will be handed over for safekeeping when we enter the SitRoom.
“Is President Samuels downstairs?” Elliot asks an agent as we walk.
“Yes, sir. She headed down there a couple of minutes ago when they let her know your ETA.”
Okay, just go ahead and tune my nerves to11, thanks.
We’re escorted downstairs. My stomach knots the closer we get, but I can’t balk, can’t let Elliot see me nervous or upset. My mask must be perfect.
I need to be strong for my boy.
But I see no sign of Leo.
When we enter the SitRoom foyer, the Secret Service detail stays behind. I’m still…gobsmackedthat I am allowed to walk into this room.
FYI—that wordtotallyapplies in this sitch.
I immediately step over to the desk officer to secure our cell phones in the locker before following Elliot inside the briefing room.
Except for one chair, the table is at full capacity. President Samuels is sitting at the head of the table. She looks exhausted and has both hands wrapped around a mug of coffee. She’s wearing a light blue oxford button-up with the Presidential seal embroidered on the left chest. It’s unbuttoned over a black cami top, and from the way her hair’s pulled into a messy bun on her head, and her lack of makeup, I’m guessing she’s not fully awake yet.
The seat on her right is empty, so Elliot heads there. Kevin Markos is sitting on her left. He also appears exhausted. While he’s wearing a suit, it looks like he didn’t shave yet. Totally unlike him.
Bracing myself, I finally glance around the room and do not see Leo anywhere among the assembled staffers, briefers, and others who line the walls.
I don’t know if that relieves or disappoints me.
“Good morning, Madam President,” Elliot says. “Kev. Welcome back.”
She waves him into his seat. “Good morning, Elliot. Sorry our easy morning just turned rough.”
“Not your fault, ma’am.”
She glances my way and sends me a tired smile. “Welcome back, Jordan.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“They told me you’ve been visiting Pecan in our absence to keep him company.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Excellent. I’m sure he missed you, too. Please feel free to stop by when the kids are home from school this afternoon. They’d love to see you. They’ve missed you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I will.” Whelp, that’s as good as an order.
Kev also gives me a tired smirk and a head nod that I return.
I move around the far end of the table and along the wall, where there are several empty chairs for people who aren’t at the table but have reason to be in there.
This morning, I opt to stand, along with nearly everyone else lining the walls. I’m positioned where I can make eye contact with Elliot from across the table, and he can easily summon me when he needs me.
The NSA starts the briefing. Instead of listening to what they’re saying, I opt to focus on Elliot and just breathe. I don’t want to hear the details. I don’t want to know the history of the area. I don’tneedto know any of those things.
This is why I absolutely donotwant to be Elliot’s chief of staff. Besides not being qualified for the job.
