No problem at all.
“Is he okay?” Freddie asked.
“Not at all. I asked Harry to touch base with him.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I worry about his head exploding or something equally dire.”
“He’ll be all right.”
“You sound so confident.”
“If anyone can handle this crap, he can.”
“This is a lot, though. Finding out his VP was hanging out with the Russian opposition leader and never thought to mention to Nick that he was an old friend who’d be staying with her, or whatever they were doing.”
“You think they’re romantically involved?”
“I don’t know. She’s divorced from the father of her children and single as far as I know.”
“Why didn’t her friend the Russian come up in the vetting?”
“I’m sure that’s one of many questions Nick will be asking his team.”
* * *
Nick sat behind the Resolute Desk to record a message to the nation. “My fellow Americans, today we announced that Gretchen Henderson would be resigning as vice president of the United States. It has come to my attention that a conflict of interest will prevent her from completing her term. Needless to say, this has been an upsetting and disappointing development, but we’re pressing forward with the search for a new vice president and hope to quickly nominate a candidate for the Senate’s consideration.
“During this time of transition, my administration will continue its work on behalf of the American people with our usual determination and steadfast attention to our duties. Any questions regarding this matter should be addressed to Ms. Henderson, as I will have no further comment at this time. Thank you for your support and patience as we work to find our next vice president. In the meantime, God bless our troops stationed around the world, and as always, God bless America.”
Nick was painfully aware that his statement would create more questions than it would answer, but he couldn’t very well go public with the fact that she’d been spending nights with the Russian opposition leader without causing an even bigger distraction.
“That went well, sir,” Christina said when he finished.
“It’s going to set off yet another media storm, but whatever. It’s done.”
“I’ll stick to the script. Don’t worry.”
“I’m fully confident in your ability to play defense.” All at once, he recalled that she and Tommy were moving into Ninth Street that day. “Today’s your moving day. Go home.”
“There’ll be a ton of inquiries after your statement. I should stick around to deal with that.”
“Let Trevor handle them. Go get your family settled.”
“Thank you, Mr. President.”
“I hope you, Tommy and your children will be as happy at Ninth Street as we were.”
“I’m sure we will. It’s a palace compared to our cramped apartment. We so appreciate you making it available to us.”
“We’re glad to know it’ll be looked after by friends.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Take tomorrow off. We’ll be fine.”
“Oh, well… Are you sure?”
