“Why?” he asked again, his face still slack with shock. He had a bullshit job at a lobby firm that his father had gotten for him, but otherwise his prospects had been slim since his once-promising political career flamed out following the DUI.

Nick took a step closer to the other man. “John was my best friend, my brother as much as he was yours.”

“No question about that.”

“I think he’d approve of you helping to ensure that all his hard work wasn’t in vain, that what he started here continues. And I could use someone with your political acumen on my team.”

“You mean it?” Terry asked, his expression wary.

“Yes, I mean it, but I have a condition.”

“I should’ve known there’d be strings.”

“No strings, just a condition—thirty days in-patient alcohol rehab, followed by daily AA meetings. This is a one-shot deal, Terry. One screw up, and you’re out. I may not have any illusions of a career in politics, but I won’t stand for anyone disgracing me, John or this office.”

Terry jammed his hands into his pockets and appeared to think it over.

“So what do you say?”

“Don’t you need someone now?”

“Christina can handle it for a month. We’ll hold the job for you if you want it.”

Terry was silent for another long moment, during which Nick wondered if he’d asked too much.

“Yes,” Terry finally said. “I’d be honored.”

“Great. I’m sure your doctor can refer you to some treatment facilities. If that doesn’t pan out, let me know, and I’ll have someone here look into it for you.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll work it out.” He extended his hand to Nick. “Thank you.”

Nick nodded. “I hope this’ll be a whole new start for you, Terry.” He paused. “There’s one other thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Sam.”

Terry’s expression hardened. “What about her?”

“She’s in my life to stay. You’ll be running into her.”

“Yeah, so?”

Nick didn’t care for his tone but let it slide. “Can you handle that?”

The woman Terry had been with the night John was murdered eventually come forward to cement Terry’s alibi, but not before Sam reduced him to a shell of a man in the interrogation room.

“If I have to.”

“I’m going to need better than that,” Nick said. “Either you assure me you’ll treat her with courtesy and respect, or the deal is off.”

“I’ll do my best,” Terry said.

Nick extended his hand to the other man. “Then I’ll see you in a month or so.”

“I’ll be here.” He shook Nick’s hand.

Terry opened the door to find his father approaching.

“There you both are!” Graham said, smiling. “You have a special guest, Senator.” Graham stepped aside to usher Julian Sinclair into the room.