“Did he say anything about the Russian Embassy?”
“Only that they were pricks and wouldn’t leave him alone when he had every right to move about freely.”
“What did he mean about not leaving him alone?”
“Everywhere he went, someone from the embassy showed up.”
“Did they confront him?”
“No, they just stared at him, making sure he knew they were watching him.”
“They must’ve loved when he stopped by your place and spent the night. I’m sure the Kremlin was on the highest alert, seeing as how the U.S. government appeared to be conspiring with the person trying to overthrow their government.”
Yes, he was screaming at her—again—but what the hell did she expect? She’d created a fucking nightmare for him—and now for Sam, too.
“At least four people are dead after the bombing. The chief of police, who Sam considers an uncle, is in critical condition. The deputy chief, another close friend of Sam’s, is pregnant and was buried under debris for more than an hour.”
Gretchen’s sobs did nothing to soften his anger toward her.
“My wife and the people closest to her outside of family could’ve been killed today, all because you decided it was no big deal to entertain a fucking Russian activist at your official residence. I’ll never be able to wrap my mind around your staggering lack of judgment.”
“Mr. President, please… I never intended for any of this to happen. Sergei was my close friend at school, and I… I so admired his work. He was trying to get his country back from an authoritarian ruler…”
“I fully support his work and the cause of freedom, but you were the vice president of the United States, and I shouldn’t have had to tell you that you couldn’t take meetings with any Russians that aren’t part of your official duties. Now we’ve got the Kremlin thinking we’re actively working to overthrow Petrov, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Would I like him gone? Hell yes, but what I don’t need is him thinking we’re conspiring to make that happen!”
“I understand the optics are bad.”
“Bad,” Nick said with a chuckle. “Try catastrophic.” To Director Monroe, Nick said, “Has she finished her statement?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What’s the next move?”
“She’ll be thoroughly debriefed and possibly face criminal charges, depending on what the investigation uncovers,” Monroe said.
“What?” Gretchen was incredulous. “Charges?” Gretchen appealed to Nick. “You can’t let them do this to me! He’s my friend. Please, Mr. President. I made a mistake. That’s all this was.”
“This may be the only way I can save my presidency from what you’ve done.”
“My God. But, Mr. President… My children…”
“You should’ve thought of them before you allowed your good friend Sergei to spend multiple nights at your official residence. That’s all.”
Realizing she’d been dismissed, Gretchen said, “By treating my association with him like a crime, you’re squandering the best chance you might ever get to be rid of Petrov.”
“I’m not interested in that project. I have far more pressing concerns right here in this country.”
“Please come with me, ma’am,” Monroe said.
Nick appreciated that Sally didn’t refer to Gretchen as Madam Vice President. He glanced at Terry. “I need to announce her resignation.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nick was shaken by the day’s events. Just when he’d thought he had things under control… “Will it be enough?” he asked Terry.
“Sir?”
“To pin this on her?”
