“It’s all hers. We had nothing to do with it, so yes, it should be enough.”
“What about for those who say I should’ve known what my vice president was doing?”
“Your job isn’t to monitor her activities, sir.”
“I’d like to know how Sergei slipped past our intelligence.”
“Teresa is working on that as we speak and promised a report by the morning briefing.
“Mr. President, we’re waiting to relocate you to the bunker,” Brant reminded him.
“No bunker, Brant. With a major threat to my presidency looming, I have to stay here and deal with it.” To Terry, he said, “Let’s make that statement to the media.”
“Yes, sir.”
After Terry left to set things up, Nick said to Brant, “I’m sorry to put you in this position, but I hope you understand…”
“I always understand, sir, but my job is to keep you safe and alive. Our requests are always one hundred percent related to that goal.”
“I know, and I appreciate all you do.”
The door to the Oval opened, and Scotty stuck his head in. “I was told you wanted to see me the second I got home. It happened about thirty seconds ago, so don’t be mad that your orders weren’t followed to the second, Mr. President.”
For the first time in hours, Nick smiled. “Come in here.”
“I’ll be right outside, sir,” Brant said.
“Why’s everyone so serious today?” Scotty asked.
“Something happened, and before I say anything else, Mom and the twins are fine.”
“Okay… What happened?”
“MPD headquarters was bombed.”
Scotty’s eyes went wide with shock. “Is this why they wouldn’t let me look at my phone on the way home?”
“Yes, I asked to be the one to tell you what happened so I could also assure you that Mom is safe. Uncle Joe is hurt, and we haven’t heard yet how bad it is, but Mom said he’s alive. Jeannie was trapped by debris for a time, but the baby was moving when they took her to the hospital. Four people were killed.”
“Do we know them?” he asked tentatively.
“I don’t think so. Mom didn’t mention any names.”
“Damn. Who’d do that?”
“We have a pretty good idea, but that’s a long story that I’ll tell you later. The other thing you need to know is that I’ve requested the resignation of Vice President Henderson.”
“Whoa, and I thought my day sucked.”
“Why did your day suck?”
“Algebra. That’s all that needs to be said about it. I’m sorry about the VP. That must be upsetting for you to have to ask her to resign.”
Nick always appreciated that his son’s empathy for others ran deep, but especially on days like this. “It was rough.”
Scotty came over to the Resolute Desk and leaned in to hug Nick. “Figured you could use one.”
“I could, and your hugs are the best. Sorry about the algebra.”
