“I guess if you heard about this, that means the word is out,” Nick said, overhearing the conversation with Dr. Anderson.

“It’s all over the news that a member of your family suffered a medical emergency at Camp David,” Anderson said.

“Angela,” Nick said, “I hate to ask you this, but we might have to issue a statement because the press has caught wind of an emergency at Camp David.”

“Do whatever you need to,” she said.

What did she care about a statement when her husband was brain dead?

“Are you all right with us saying who it is?”

Angela nodded.

“Before that happens, you need to notify anyone who shouldn’t hear it from the news.”

“I’ll help you with that,” Tracy said. “Give me your phone and tell me who to call or text, and I’ll take care of it.”

While they did that, Nick called Trevor, his communications director, speaking softly into the phone as he conveyed the news to him and the American people, through his team. “For now, just say his condition is grave and his family is with him,” Nick said. “Give us an hour to notify everyone who needs to know before you release it.”

Spencer’s parents and sisters arrived, compounding the heartbreak with their agony. His brother’s family was in Italy but had been notified.

Celia called Sam, looking for an update. “Jack is asking for them. I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s not good.”

“Oh God, Sam. Really? How is that possible?”

“Angela told us he’s been battling a painkiller addiction. After the doctors cut him off, he turned to acquiring them illegally. We think he might’ve gotten laced meds.”

“What?” Celia asked on a gasp. “How long had that been going on?”

“Awhile. They kept it private.”

“Oh my Lord. Poor Angela. And the kids…”

“I’m going to talk to Nick about getting you guys home.” As she said the words, he stood and went to confer with his lead agent. “Nick is talking to Brant. Just bring everyone to the White House, and we’ll be there when we can.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

“None of us can.”

“Angela…”

“Is destroyed. I don’t know, Celia. I just don’t know.”

“Tell her I’m taking good care of her babies and not to worry.”

“That’ll help. Thank you.” Sam realized they needed to tell their mother what was happening. This surreal day brought back so many memories of the morning last October when her dad passed.

“If there’s anything else I can do, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Thank you.”

“Tell Angela I love her.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“Ang,” Sam said. “Celia said she loves you and she’s taking good care of Jack and Ella.”

“That’s good.”

“Do you want me to call Mom?”

“Yeah, I guess we should.”

Sam placed the call to her mother, Brenda.

“Hi there. How’re things at Camp David?”

Sam realized she hadn’t seen the news. “Mom.”

“What?”