Sam would rather think about that than wonder what Archie might find on Spencer’s phone. She was tempted to look herself, but this had to be done by the book to preserve evidence and the integrity of the investigation.

She texted Tracy, who’d stayed with Angela while Sam went to Camp David. Will you please ask Ang for the code to Spencer’s phone?

Yep.

Sam stared at her phone, waiting for Tracy’s reply.

Ang says she thinks it’s her birthday.

Thanks.

Archie appeared at her door, and Sam waved him in.

“What’re you even doing here? Aren’t you on bereavement leave?”

“I had some stuff to do, which is what I need to talk to you about.” She gestured for him to shut the door.

“What’s up?”

“I think someone sold my brother-in-law bad shit.”

“As in bad shit drugs?”

“Yeah.”

“Did he have an issue?”

“Yes, but I didn’t know that until this happened.”

“Damn. Okay, so what’s the plan?”

“I returned to Camp David today, did a full recon of his room and brought back a ton of evidence and a packet of pills that’s been sent to the lab. I also have his phone, and that’s where you come in.”

“Is this an official investigation?”

“Not technically. Would you be willing to dump the phone for me as a favor to a friend?”

Archie eyed the phone on Sam’s desk. “We need a warrant.”

“What if I have his next of kin sign the permission form?”

He ran his hand over the back of his neck. “I suppose that would suffice. We need a paper trail, Sam, so this doesn’t bite us in the asses.”

“I’ll get the form signed and forward it to you.”

“I’ll take the phone and get started while I wait for the form. Do you have the code?”

“We believe it’s zero-four-zero-five.”

“Got it.”

“Thank you.”

“Sure. I’m glad there’s something I can do to help.”

“I’ll try not to get us both in trouble for this.”

“That’d be good.”

After he left with the phone, Sam called Lilia at the White House. “Hey, it’s Sam.”

“How are you?”

“Hanging in there, but I need a favor that’s outside the purview of your chief-of-staff-to-the-first-lady duties.”

“Nothing is outside that purview.”

Much to her dismay, Sam teared up when Lilia said that. Having such good friends and colleagues at a time like this made all the difference.

“What can I do?”

“I’m going to send over a form via email that I need Angela to sign. She’s upstairs with Tracy. Can you take it to her and then scan it back to me?”

“No problem.”

“Thank you so much, Lilia.”

“Of course. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything else I can do.”

“I will. Watch for the email.”

“I’m ready.”

Sam ended that call and made another to Tracy. “How is she?”

“About the same. She stares off into space for hours at a time. I tried to get her to eat something, but she’s not interested.”