“I know. And I also know that I’m not cleared for much of what you both do, but I have learned a few things.” She added quickly, “And please let me add my thanks to that of my husband for your service to the country.”
“Thank you,” said Robie, while Reel nodded.
“I shared a few things with Tommy about you both. Nothing classified, just things. And that only heightened his regard for you both.” She looked at Reel. “And I have been told something of your recent travails, Agent Reel. I’m relieved that you are, well, out of that situation.”
Reel said nothing to this, but kept staring curiously at the woman.
The First Lady was nervously twisting her hands.
Robie said, “Ma’am, it might be better just to get it out.”
Eleanor laughed. “I’m not usually so nervous and shy about a request. I used to be, but, married to a politician, you get really good at asking for things from people.” She paused, collected her thoughts, and said, “The children and I are going to Nantucket for a week. It’s to get away and recharge our batteries and to just spend some time together. Tommy, in particular, I think needs this.”
“The fight at school?” said Reel.
“Among other things. He’s had a hard time adjusting to life here. Very hard. The place where we came from is as different from here as it’s possible to be.”
“A truly unique city,” commented Robie. “And not an easy one.”
“You’re absolutely right about that,” said Eleanor emphatically.
“But what do you want from us?” said Reel.
“Well, let me just come out and say it. I would like you both to accompany us to Nantucket. The president can’t make it and I just thought…well, I just thought that having the two of you there might…help things.” She hurried on. “I know you must think this is crazy. I mean, we don’t really know each other, but Tommy hasn’t stopped talking about you two. I don’t know what it was exactly. Well, I think I do know. You’re heroes and Tommy’s father obviously respects you greatly. And Tommy dearly wants his father’s…well…” Her voice trailed off and she looked like someone who regretted saying too much.
“I’ve only met Tommy once,” said Robie. “But I can tell he’s a good kid. And the fight was because he was standing up for his dad.”
“I know. I both admired what he did and was horrified by it. It hasn’t been an easy time for either of us. I wasn’t sure whether to ground him or give him a medal. The back-and-forth made my head hurt.”
“I can see that,” said Reel. “Not easy being a mom.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask before. Are you a mother, Agent Reel?”
Reel said unhesitatingly, “No, I’m not.”
Eleanor sat back. “So will you do it?”
Reel looked at Robie. She said, “Are the president and the Secret Service okay with this?”
“Yes. My husband is fine with it. He thinks the added security you two will bring is a good thing, in fact. And my protection detail voiced no concerns. They obviously have researched you.”
“And the kids?” said Reel.
“Tommy is over the moon about the possibility.”
“And your daughter?”
“She was put out about going to Nantucket, especially at this time of year, I have to admit. She wanted to stay home and be with her friends. But now she’s looking forward to going.”
“What changed?” asked Robie.
Here, Eleanor blushed a bit. “Um, well, she saw a picture of you, Agent Robie.”
Reel gave him a sideways glance, her eyes twinkling. “Not that that should go to your head,” she said.
“Teenage girls can be quite impressionable,” added Eleanor.
Robie said, “But this is really about Tommy, isn’t it?”
“It really is, yes. But spending some time with my kids, away from this place, maybe it’s about all three of us, Agent Robie.”
“You can make it Will, ma’am.”
“And I’m Jessica,” said Reel.
“So you’ll do it?”
Reel said, “Well, we’re between deployments. I would imagine your request will take priority.”
“So the short answer is, yes, we will. Just tell us where and when,” added Robie.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am about this. I really am hoping for a good outcome from this trip. I think it could make a real difference, especially for Tommy.”
“I’m sure it will,” said Robie. “Anything in particular you want us to do while we’re up there with you?”
“Since the president won’t be joining us, I would hope that you could just spend time with Tommy. I could tell from your initial meeting that he looks