Sam returned to the bed to kiss him. “I always am. Agent Q is taking me.”
“I wasn’t going to ask.”
“Look at us, making progress all over the place.”
His smile sent her off with a warm feeling inside. No matter what might be upside down in her life, he was always the one who kept her right side up with his unwavering love and devotion. She’d never forget him calling out to work as president of the United States to spend the day supporting her while Ethan was missing.
Thank God her nephew was back with his family and recovering from his ordeal. She still couldn’t think about the many possible outcomes without her knees feeling weak. So as she went down the stairs to meet Agent Q, she didn’t think about that so she wouldn’t fall. The last thing she needed was another injury when her fractured hip had finally healed.
She felt out of sorts, off her game and emotionally exhausted, but she still wanted to be at work to help out if she could. Doing something about whatever was causing her anxiety always made her feel better.
“Good morning, ma’am,” Q said when he greeted her in the lobby. Even though she’d told him to call her Sam, he’d never do that when the ushers were around.
“Morning, Agent Q, and thank you, Harold.”
The older man helped her into her coat. “My pleasure, ma’am.”
At some point in the last few months, she’d become accustomed to the routine at the White House, having people help her into her coat and hold doors for her. What would it be like, she wondered, to go back to real life without ushers and butlers and room service? She’d miss the ushers, the room service and the other perks, and the kids would probably be ruined forever by these three years in the White House.
But what a way to go, she thought as she slid into the back seat of the warm SUV while Q held the door for her.
“Did you have to ask Vernon’s permission to drive me?” she asked when they were on the way.
He laughed. “No, ma’am. But I’m sure he’s being told as we speak that we’re on a rogue mission without him. This is Agent Lewis, by the way.”
Sam leaned forward to make eye contact with the young agent. She had dark hair and eyes and a serious look to her. “Nice to meet you, Agent Lewis.”
“Likewise, ma’am.”
“Do we need to tell Agent Lewis the rules of the SUV and refresh your memory as well?”
“No, ma’am. I mean, Sam. I told her we’re on a first-name basis in the SUV.”
“Excellent.”
“What’s your first name, Agent Lewis?”
“Vivian, ma’am.”
“Ah, I love that name. I might’ve named a daughter that if I’d had one the old-fashioned way.”
“It was my grandmother’s name.”
“It’s a lovely name. Do you go by Viv?”
“That’s what my family calls me. You should feel free to do so as well.”
“Thank you.”
“I can’t believe we’re supposed to call you Sam,” Lewis said, smiling back at her.
“Well, you’re not supposed to, but I like to keep it real when it’s just us LEOs on the job, you know?”
“It’s an honor to work on your detail. I respect what you’re doing, keeping your job while serving as first lady.”
“Am I serving as first lady, or do I have an amazing staff that makes it seem as if I am? Hmm…”
The agents laughed.
