Eric, one of the Secret Service agents, rose as he came into the cabin. “May I have a word, Senator?” He pointed to the empty back of the cabin and let Nick go ahead of him.

Nick was immediately on guard against whatever Eric might have to tell him.

“I received word from a member of your son’s detail that there was an incident at your house this morning involving the Lieutenant and one of her MPD colleagues.”

“What kind of incident?” Nick asked, trying to remain calm. Like there was anything he could do for his wife when he was on his way to the other side of the world.

Eric detailed the confrontation with Lieutenant Stahl.

“Is she okay?”

“She sustained abrasions on her neck and throat, but Stahl got the worst of it. He was treated for a ruptured testicle and a broken kneecap.”

Nick couldn’t help the smile that found its way to his lips. “Good for her.”

“She put a serious hurt on him.”

“How was this able to happen with Scotty’s detail on the premises?”

“With all due respect, sir, they’re there to protect him, not her. You’ll recall that she has repeatedly refused protection.”

“Right, of course. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to imply it was their fault.”

“They provided assistance to her, but she didn’t really need it.”

“I bet she didn’t. She ruptured his testicle, huh?”

Eric winced as he nodded.

“Trust me when I tell you, no one deserves it more.”

“I’ll have to take your word on that, sir.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

“Of course.”

Nick returned to his seat, buckled his seat belt and thought about what Eric had told him. He could only imagine Sam fending off Stahl and taking great pleasure in kicking her nemesis where he lived. But the idea of that guy’s hands on her throat gave Nick the shakes. She’d had yet another close call. Thank goodness she was well versed in how to defend herself, but still...

He hated how close she came to mortal danger and how frequently it happened. He’d yet to fully adjust to that part of his new reality. Hell, he’d probably never get used to learning that the woman he loved had been attacked—again.

Settling into his seat, he also tried to process his conversation with the president, but couldn’t seem to bend his mind around that either. The last year had been a whirlwind of change and unexpected opportunities.