Thunderous applause rose in the press room. Barbara returned to the podium and answered the media’s questions for an hour. The press still shouted questions at her as she and her family exited to their right and headed toward the Oval Office, following President Brown. The McQuaids trailed behind them.
President Brown indicated that Justice and Brielle should make themselves comfortable on a sofa. He and Barbara and Greg sat across from them. Julia Washburn, the eldest daughter, took Noelle, the McQuaids’ toddler, by the hand while their son slept undisturbed in Brielle’s arms. Rosie, quiet and solemn, perched next to her father. The Washburns’ other adult children gathered behind their parents.
“It’s my understanding, Chief McQuaid, that Barbara wants you as the head of her security detail. She won’t consider anyone else, though there are highly qualified Secret Service agents.”
“Yes, Mr. President. Madam Secretary has made her wishes clear to me.”
“And?”
“And I will accept the position on one condition.”
President Brown frowned. “Oh?”
“I won’t work with anyone except Detective Luca Martinelli, Lieutenant David Hutchinson, Captain Owen Dooley, Sergeant Tawny Finnigan, and Officer Miguel Rivera.” He reached for Brielle’s hand. “And my wife, of course.”
Brielle gasped in surprise as she turned toward Justice. “What? When did that enter your mind?”
“I’ve been pondering it for a while now.”
“But, Justice, what about our children?”
Rosie, the McQuaids’ adopted daughter, leaned around Justice to look at her mother. “Mom, you don’t need to worry about us. We can live with Grandpa Cameron and Grandma Brianna on their ranch in Boulder, or with Grandpa Franklin and Grandma Adrienne in Laguna Beach. We’ll be fine.”
“That’s sweet, Rosie, but your brother and sister are too young to be without both of their parents. Justice, really, you shouldn’t have sprung this on me without discussing it first.”
Justice gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Mr. President, whether Brielle decides to join me or not, that’s my condition.”
President Brown cleared his throat. “And have you discussed this with the officers you mentioned?”
“Yes, sir. Right after Hutch, Luca, and Tawny returned from their honeymoons. They’re all in, Mr. President. One hundred percent.”
The President addressed Barbara. “You’re sure this is what you want?”
“I’m sure, Mr. President.”
Satisfied with her answer, he nodded. “Have all of you filled out applications, Chief McQuaid?”
“Yes, sir. Two weeks ago.”
“I’ll order the Director of the Secret Service to fast track the applications. Your start date can be decided between you and Madam Secretary.”
He rose to his feet, the McQuaids and Washburns with him. Shaking Justice’s hand, he said, “Welcome aboard, Chief. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with my Chief of Staff.”
Barbara invitedJustice and his family to dinner at her home in Alexandria. Due to icy road conditions, it took longer than usual for them to reach the red-brick Colonial-style home in one of Alexandria’s wealthiest communities. Julia led the McQuaids past a formal living room to a comfortable family area where the Washburns’ youngest son, a junior at Georgetown University, was stoking a cheerful fire. Julia’s sisters gathered their guests’ heavy coats, scarves, and gloves and disappeared into another room with them.
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes,” Barbara announced. “I put a pot roast in the slow cooker this morning. It’s almost done.”
“What can I get you to drink?” Greg asked.
“Nothing at the moment,” Justice replied over the loud squall his son emitted in his arms. He felt JJ’s bottom and made a face. “Is there somewhere I might change my son’s diaper?”
Julia, a pretty brunette with brown eyes, smiled and beckoned him. “Come with me.”
Justice slung the diaper bag onto his shoulder and followed Julia upstairs to a fully furnished nursery. At the quizzical expression on his face, she laughed.
