Back State of the Union
Chapters (40)
  1. Cover
  2. Chapter One
  3. Chapter Two
  4. Chapter Three
  5. Chapter Four
  6. Chapter Five
  7. Chapter Six
  8. Chapter Seven
  9. Chapter Eight
  10. Chapter Nine
  11. Chapter Ten
  12. Chapter Eleven
  13. Chapter Twelve
  14. Chapter Thirteen
  15. Chapter Fourteen
  16. Chapter Fifteen
  17. Chapter Sixteen
  18. Chapter Seventeen
  19. Chapter Eighteen
  20. Chapter Nineteen
  21. Chapter Twenty
  22. Chapter Twenty-One
  23. Chapter Twenty-Two
  24. Chapter Twenty-Three
  25. Chapter Twenty-Four
  26. Chapter Twenty-Five
  27. Chapter Twenty-Six
  28. Chapter Twenty-Seven
  29. Chapter Twenty-Eight
  30. Chapter Twenty-Nine
  31. Chapter Thirty
  32. Chapter Thirty-One
  33. Chapter Thirty-Two
  34. Chapter Thirty-Three
  35. Chapter Thirty-Four
  36. Chapter Thirty-Five
  37. Chapter Thirty-Six
  38. Chapter Thirty-Seven
  39. Epilogue
  40. About the Author

“Everyone else who was a captain or above at that time has checked out. Process of elimination has led us to Rosa, but now we just have to find him.” Sam ran her hand over his chest absently as they talked. “In other things I’ve been meaning to mention to you, have you noticed anything between Roni and Derek at work?”

“Like what?”

“Just a vibe I’ve picked up on.”

“I haven’t tuned in to that vibe, but I will now.”

“I like the idea of the two of them together.”

“As long as you like it, that’s what matters.”

Sam laughed at the truth of that statement.

Saturday was all about fun and games—sledding, horseback riding for the kids, hiking and playing in the game room until long after the twins’ usual bedtime. Sam didn’t feel confined or cut off or anything else this time, as she gave in to the camp’s relaxed vibe, determined to enjoy every second she could get with her family and friends.

That afternoon, she and Scotty held their long-postponed wrestling match at the Camp David gym, with Elijah serving as the impartial judge. Sam had to admit that Scotty more than held his own, but in the end, he was no match for her.

“Uncle, aunt, grandpa,” Scotty said when Sam had his face pressed to the mat and his arms in a tight hold behind his back.

“We have a winner,” Eli said. “Way to go, Sam, and nice challenge, Scotty.”

“Give me a year,” Scotty said, dusting himself off. “That’s going to go very differently for you, Mom.”

“I look forward to a rematch.”

“Moms are supposed to let their kids win,” he grumbled.

“Oh please,” Sam said. “That’s not how you want to win, and you say I cheat at Candy Land. Do you honestly think I’m going to let you win anything?”

“Obviously not,” Scotty said with a good-natured grin.

“She’s building your character, son,” Nick said. “One humiliating defeat at a time.”

“I’ll be nice and humble by the time she’s done with me,” Scotty said.

“That’s the goal.” Sam gave him a one-armed hug and a kiss on the head. “Even though you’re a wimp, I still love you.”

“Hey!” Scotty said. “Those are fighting words!”

“Enough fighting,” Nick said. “It’s time for lunch.”

Sunday morning, Sam and Nick had an early breakfast with Mike, Tracy, Terry, Lindsey, Harry, Lilia, Shelby and Avery at their Cedar cabin.

The kids watched a movie as the adults lingered at the table, enjoying second cups of coffee and the coffeecake Sam and Aubrey had baked the day before.

“Thanks again for having us,” Avery said. “Camp David is the bomb.”

“You know better than to say that word with the Secret Service within earshot,” Nick said to the man who’d once infuriated him, but who’d since become a friend.