“Huh, is that right? What’re you hearing?”

“It’s actually Sam who’s been getting the questions from two reporters now—Darren Tabor from the Star and a TV reporter this morning during a press conference on the MacArthur murders.”

“I’m not aware of any nefarious plots to shame you into accepting the president’s offer, if that’s what you think is going on.”

“I’ve got to be honest. That’s sort of how it’s starting to seem to me.”

“Fair enough. I’ll do some poking around and get right back to you with what I find out.”

“Thanks, Derek. Oh, and Sam wants to make sure you and Maeve have plans for the holiday.”

“We’re going to my parents’ house for dinner, but tell her thanks for thinking of us.”

“I’ll do that. We’ll be home all day—or at least I will and so will Scotty. Can’t ever guarantee Sam’s presence. If you want to stop by, we’d love to see you both.”

“I might take you up on that. I’ll see how Maeve is doing after a day of sugar and cousins.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll call you back shortly.”

“Great, thanks.”

Nick kept his phone with him when he went upstairs to change to take the kids to lunch and then to the ice rink. He didn’t feel like doing any of it, but he wanted to get the kids out of Skip and Celia’s house to give the grandparents a break for a while. And it would do Scotty some good to get more skating practice.

His skating was coming along, but he had a long way to go before he’d be as good as the other kids his age who’d been skating and playing hockey since they were old enough to stand up. Nick was determined to help his son catch up before he got to high school. He wanted Scotty to have the same experience he’d had playing high school hockey. The sense of camaraderie and friendships had lasted a lifetime for him, and he wanted the same for Scotty.

Nick’s phone rang and, expecting it to be Derek, he took the call without checking the caller ID.

“Hey, it’s me. Your dad.” Leo Cappuano’s awkward greeting made Nick smile. They’d come a long way toward a genuine relationship in recent years, but they still struggled from time to time.

“Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”

“Good, but I got a strange phone call just now from a reporter asking me if it’s true you’re going to be the next vice president. What’s up with that, Nicky?”

Nick groaned. “Oh, jeez. Sorry about that. Who was it? Do you know?”

“I didn’t catch his name, but I think it was the CBC station there in the District. Is it true?”