“He was the best,” Trulo said.“Everyone loved him, and we all miss him.”
“That’s nice to hear.I can’t believe it’s almost six months already.”
“The first year is rough,” Trulo said.“Especially considering the year you’re having.”
“It’s been a year and a half, and it’s only April,” Sam said.
They pulled up to Archie’s building a few minutes later.Vernon asked them to wait while he, Jimmy and other agents who’d been called to the scene did a quick sweep.
Dr.Trulo watched the activity through the window.“Interesting to watch them at work.”
“A thrill a minute, but I appreciate what they do to keep me—and my family—safe.I just hate that we need it.”
“It’s a major adjustment, but unfortunately, it’s the reality with which we live.”
“I dislike that reality.”
“I do, too.”
“I dislike that it’ll be our reality for the rest of our lives, but at least the agents are amazing people who’ve become friends.”
“There is that.”
“Vernon and Jimmy are like family after all the time we spend together.”
“I love that for you.”
“They’ve become my agents and my therapists.”
“Hey, you’re not replacing me, are you?”
“No one could replace you.”
“Phew.”
Vernon returned to the vehicle fifteen minutes after they’d arrived.“We’re clear, Lieutenant.Right this way.”
“Thank you.”
Sam, Freddie and Dr.Trulo followed Vernon inside while Jimmy trailed behind them.Several other agents were positioned outside the building.
“Is this the way it’ll be now?”she asked Vernon.
“For the time being, until we know more about the drones.”
Sam knew she was lucky they hadn’t completely sidelined her, but the added security felt like overkill to her.No one knew where she planned to be on any given day, so the possibility of being found on the job was low.At least in her mind.Who knew what they knew that she didn’t?
It was probably better that she didn’t have the details behind the Secret Service’s various actions, or she’d never sleep at night.
Archie lived on the second floor of a nicely kept modern building that suited the IT commander—in her opinion, anyway.
She knocked.
Her friend came to the door, looking tired and maybe a little stressed.
“Come in.Welcome to my humble abode.”
“We’re sorry to intrude at such a difficult time,” Sam said as they followed him into a well-lit, contemporary space while Vernon and Jimmy stayed outside the door.
