Michelle’s gaze was on Tuck. Jane Cox’s brother sat next to his sister, shooting nervous glances around the room. He held a mixed drink that had been brought to him by one of the White House attendants. He gripped it so tightly his fingers were white. The guy probably wanted to light up, but the White House was a no-smoking zone, much to the chagrin of many stressed-out folks who labored there.
“How are John and Colleen doing?” Jane asked.
“Not great.”
“We can have them stay here, Tuck.”
“It wouldn’t matter, sis. It’s not the place.”
“I know.”
Tuck looked around the spacious room. “And this house doesn’t really seem geared for kids.”
“You’d be surprised,” said Jane. “Remember Dan Jr. had a birthday party in the State Dining Room when he turned sixteen. And lots of small children have lived here. Teddy Roosevelt’s family. JFK’s.”
“It’s okay, sis, really.”
She glanced at Sean. “Thank you for making it to the funeral.”
“I told you we’d be there.”
“We left things in an awkward way the last time we talked.”
“I thought I was pretty clear, actually.”
Her mouth set into a frown. “I’m trying to handle this as professionally as possible, Sean.”
He sat forward as Michelle and Tuck watched him nervously.
“And we’re trying to find Willa. I don’t really care whether we accomplish that professionally or not so long as we get her back. I hope you don’t have a problem with that.” He glanced at Tuck. “Either of you.”
“I just want my daughter back,” Tuck said quickly.
“Of course,” said Jane. “That’s what we all want.”
“Good, I’m glad we have that settled.” He gave Tuck an encouraging nod.
Tuck opened his mouth. “So… is Dan around?”
Sean rolled his eyes and sat back while Michelle just stared at Tuck like he was the biggest loser she’d personally ever seen.
“Working in his office. Then he’s flying to the West Coast late tonight. I’m to join him there tomorrow, but my plans are up in the air right now, as you can imagine. I doubt that I’ll go now.”
She eyed Sean. “Have you got anything to tell me?”
“No, but I think your brother does. That’s why we’re here, in fact.”
She glanced at Tuck. “What is it?”
Tuck swallowed the rest of his drink so quickly, he nearly choked. When he recovered he still didn’t say anything.
An exasperated Michelle said, “Tuck saw Agent Betack meeting with Pam about a month before she was killed. Agent Betack denies that happened. We wanted you to have him come in here and settle the issue once and for all. We know he’s at the White House. We followed him here, in fact.”
Tuck’s gaze was glued to his shoes as his sister first looked at Michelle and then over at Sean.
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Why not?” asked Sean.