“Why was an ambulance here last night? I tried to get the police report, but surprisingly all I found was a ‘not-needed’ report.” His tone dripped with sarcasm, and she had to give him credit. He was, as always, incredibly well informed and thorough.

“Private family matter.”

“And the senator’s trip to the emergency room?”

Sam scowled at him. “A hockey injury. He’s fine.” She glanced up Ninth Street, hoping Hill wouldn’t arrive until she’d gotten rid of Darren. “Go away, Darren. There’s no story here.”

“Oh, Sam,” he said, laughing. “There’s always a story where you’re concerned. I can see you’re not in one of your rare generous moods today, so I’ll be on my way. For now. I just hope you’re not covering up something.”

“You’re watching too much television.”

“Before I leave you, here’s another interesting thing I heard on the beat... Something about Nelson needing to replace Gooding and your husband being his first choice.”

Sam stared at him.

“Ah,” Darren continued with a smug grin. “I can see this is as surprising to you as it was to me. So the senator hasn’t mentioned this news to you? Word is that Gooding is sick, and it’s serious. He’s going to step down after Thanksgiving. My source tells me that even though Senator Cappuano turned down the president’s offer, he’s still Nelson’s first—and only choice.”

She felt like she’d been electrocuted. Nick had been asked to be vice president, and he’d never mentioned that to her? Forcing herself to focus on the crisis of the day, she scoffed at Darren. “The news is so slow you’re forced to make stuff up now, huh, Darren?”

“I’m not making this up. I got it directly from the guy who covers the White House for us. He said he heard it from a West Wing staffer. If you don’t believe me, ask your husband.”

“I gotta go. Have a nice Thanksgiving.”

“You too. I’m sure I’ll see you before then.”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Walking to the corner, she sent Avery a text asking him to pick her up on the next block. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Darren wasn’t following her, but didn’t see any sign of him.

Her mind whirled with the information Darren had given her. Was it true? Had Nelson talked to Nick about being his vice president? If so, why wouldn’t Nick have told her that? After all his preaching about being open with each other! She’d changed her entire way of doing business to accommodate his need to know everything. Clearly, he wasn’t playing by the same rules.

By the time Avery pulled up to the curb where she waited, she’d gone from shocked to furious. She got in the car and slammed the door.