Nick took Sam by the hand, put her coffee on a table and led her around the corner from the waiting room, where he put his arms around her.

She slid her hands inside his suit coat and held on. “This was exactly what I needed.”

“I had a feeling.”

Breathing in the scent of starch and cologne and Nick, Sam tried to let go of some of the tension. No matter what happened with her dad, she would find a way to cope with it, and Nick would be right there with her. That was the only thing she knew for certain today.

“Sam.” One word from Tracy conveyed a world of meaning.

Holding Nick’s hand, Sam followed her sister to the waiting room, determined to face whatever happened next with the grace and courage her father had instilled in her.

The neurosurgeon had waited until they were all there to give his report. “It went as well as we could’ve hoped, but it was a complicated surgery and we have no way to really know right now what to expect in the way of recovery.”

“From the surgery or the paralysis?” Sam asked.

“Both.”

“So he could still die?” Angela asked.

“He came through the surgery, which is part one. The rest is out of my hands.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Celia said. “We appreciate that you gave him a chance.”

“We’ll let you know when we’ve got him settled in a room.”

Sam left her family to follow the doctor. “Doc, about the bullet.”

“Yes, we’ve got it bagged as evidence. What would you like us to do with it?”

“I’ll have someone come to pick it up shortly. I’d consider it a personal favor if you could make sure nothing happens to it until we’re able to arrange for pickup.”

“I’ll keep it in my possession.” He handed her his card. “Call me when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.” He walked away, and Sam made the call to Agent Hill, who answered on the first ring. She told herself that didn’t necessarily mean he’d been waiting for her call. “My dad is out of surgery.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“Thank you.”

Avery arrived a short time later and found them in the waiting room. As soon as Sam saw him, she called the doctor, who promised to be down shortly.

“Thanks for coming,” Sam said to Avery.

“No problem. How is he?”

“He survived the surgery. We’re told that’s part one.”

“Glad to hear it went well.” To Nick he said, “Senator, I understand congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you. I think.”

Everyone laughed at Nick’s reply, which was a much-needed relief from the tension.