Bernadino has given several interviews since her son became vice president, but each time, the vice president has reaffirmed the fact that he’s not in contact with her. Last night’s statement was the most pointed one yet on the topic of his mother.
“In other news, after the announcement from the vice president that shook Washington’s halls of power yesterday, the Democratic National Committee finds itself back to square one with the party’s assumed frontrunner out of the race. We’ve got DNC chair Brandon Halliwell with us for an exclusive interview. Mr. Halliwell, when did you find out the vice president had decided not to run in the next election?”
“A little before the rest of the world heard the news.”
“Was it a surprise to you?”
“Not completely. In hindsight, the vice president has been indicating for some time in private meetings and other deliberations that he might not run. I’ll admit that I and others within the party leadership had fervently hoped he’d change his mind. That said, I do respect his reasons for sitting this one out.”
“Did you expect the outpouring of disappointment and even anger since the vice president released his statement yesterday?”
“That didn’t surprise me. I already knew how popular he has become, which is why I was so excited about his potential run. I was disappointed that he decided not to run, so I get why others are too.”
They went on to talk about other potential contenders for the Democratic nomination, and Sam could almost feel the lack of enthusiasm in Halliwell’s voice. She understood how he felt. No one but Nick Cappuano would do for her either. With her beloved husband in mind, she flipped open her phone and, while stopped dead in traffic, put through a call to Avery Hill. She hadn’t yet figured out how to use the Bluetooth to make an outgoing call, but didn’t want to admit that to anyone, especially Freddie. He’d take too much pleasure in mocking her.
“Good morning. Don’t tell me you’re blowing me off this afternoon.”
“I reserve the right to blow you off later if my day spins out of control, but that’s not why I’m calling.”
“What’s up?”
“I need an inappropriate personal favor.”
“I’m a married man now, Sam. I don’t give out those kinds of favors to other women anymore.”
Sam snorted with laughter at how his suggestive words were dipped in the sweetest of honey thanks to his accent. “Very funny. This is about Nick’s mom. Did you see her bullshit interview last night?”
“I might’ve caught part of it.”
“We have to do something about her. If you could see what it does to him when she slithers out from under her rock… It’s unbearable.”
“Ugh. That sucks. What can I do?”
“Find her, send some agents to talk to her, put a scare on her?”
“Hmm, well, that might be considered an inappropriate use of government resources.”
“Not if you’re using your resources to protect the vice president.”
“That’s true.”
“So you’ll do it?”
“Where is she?”
“Last I knew, she lived in Cleveland, which is why I called you. I don’t have federal jurisdiction like you do.”
“I’ll look into it. I can’t promise you anything, but I will take a look.”
“Thank you.”
“Regardless of Nick’s standing as the VP, this still counts as an inappropriate personal favor.”
“Understood. I’ll owe you one.”
“Nah, it’s fine. It’ll be fun to scare her into shutting her mouth.”
“Trust me when I tell you, almost no one I know is more in need of a scare from the FBI than she is.”
“I’ll see what I can find out and get back to you.”
“Thanks, Avery. How’s Shelby feeling? I haven’t seen her in a couple of days.”
“The mornings are rough, but the rest of the day, she feels good. She’s just really tired. Her sister told her to expect this pregnancy to be tougher than when she was expecting Noah because she has to take care of him too.”
“I’ll check in with her to make sure we’re not working her too hard.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you this afternoon. Don’t blow me off.”
“I’ll try really hard not to.”
He laughed. “You do that.”
“Thanks again, Avery. Seriously. I appreciate this, and I know Nick would too.”
“We’ll do what we can. Talk to you in a bit.”
“Have a good one.” Sam slapped the phone closed and zipped between two cars to gain access to the lane that was actually moving, earning her a horn blast and a middle finger from the driver she’d cut off. “Sorry. It had to be done.”
Her phone rang, and she took the call