“Yes, sir. No one on the hill was injured.”
I slump back on the seat and resist the urge to cry with relief.
Without Jordan at my side I feel…lost. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was outside the White House without him at my side.
“Are youcertainJordan and Leo are safe?” I call out to the agents.
The passenger talks on his radio again before turning. “Yes, sir. They’re not in the motorcade. They ended up with a support team. The agents are transporting them to Mr. Cruz’s residence.”
Dammit.
I don’t even have my burner with me so I can call Leo. Or my personal cell.
Jordan has them with him, in the messenger bag he carries for me that holds my kit.
“I need a cell phone.” I climb forward, stretching and hold out my hand over the back of the front seat. “I don’t care whose.”
“But, sir—”
I snap my fingers. “Now.”
There are perks to being POTUS, I suppose.
They exchange a glance. Then the passenger digs out a cell phone, punches in a passcode, and hands it back to me.
“Personal or work phone?” I snap.
“Work, sir.”
I call Jordan’s work cell phone because that’s one of the few numbers I have stored in my brain. I also know Leo’s personal and work numbers, and the burner, but calling any of Leo’s numbers on this phone could cause any number of complications for us all if questions are asked later. No one will question me calling Jordan, duh.
I sit back as the phone rings and nearly weep with relief when it’s answered.
“Leo Cruz.”
I glance at the phone. I definitely dialed Jordan’s number. “Leo? Where’s Jordan?”
There’s no mistaking his relieved sigh. “Mister President. He’s right here.” He pauses. “He’s pretty shaken, sir. Hold on, and I’ll—”
My heart sinks. “No, it’s all right. He’s safe? You’re both safe?”
“Yes, sir. We’re both…physically safe.”
“But Jordan’s freaked out.” It’s not a question.
“Yes, sir. He is.”
That makes my mind up for me. “Keep him with you tonight, Leo. Please. He’s going to need you. They’re taking me home. I’ll be fine—donotworry about me.” It sucks to be the one in charge. Heavy is the head, and all that bullshit. “Imeanit, Leo.” I drop my voice. “Pleasetake care of our boy. He needs you right now.”
Solemn resolution fills his tone. “Absolutely I will, sir.”
This charade we play guts me. We should be celebrating right this minute, the three of us. The whole world should be learning my secret by now.
Well, part of it.
Leo and Jordan both should be sitting next to me and soothing my nerves as I wait for my parents to answer their phone so I can tell them the news.
“I love you,” I whisper. “Please tell him I love him, too. Hold him through his nightmares tonight. Kiss him for me.”
