I'm still looking for that fabled review. I'll take just one. Either way, I am going to keep writing and hope someone cares to share their opinion (as long as it is not a flame which I will delete)

Chapter Ten:

"Sona la St. Patrick," Redmond said cheerfully.

"St. Patrick's Day is three days away," Miranda said she read her notes on senate term reform.

"But the Prime Minister is coming tomorrow," she said.

"Did you know that four-leaf clovers are exceptionally rare in the wild?" she said.

"I did not know that," she said bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I can't wait to get my craic on this weekend."

"The Irish aren't that fond of the holiday," Miranda said. "They don't like how Americans are now just using it as an excuse to get wildly drunk."

"Are you okay Ma'am?" Redmond asked. "You seem a little on edge."

"I have a meeting with the newly formed Powers that Be," she said. "I expect us to exchange pleasantries, dance around subjects we care about, say good-bye and let the real back room dealing be done by you guys."

"You'll get stuff done," Redmond said optimistically. "I'm sure you will."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Nicole."

"Any time Ma'am," she said.

Miranda looked at her as she left. Redmond had been recommended to her by a friend while on the campaign trail. She had proven to be useful. Now she was questioning all her staff picks no matter how nice they seemed.

She checked the clock, it was time to get going.

Miranda saw a tour group coming and rather than taking an alternate path, she decided to go by them and quickly wave.

The group cheered when they saw her. Then someone shouted:

"Ma'am is your husband here today?"

Out of curiosity, Miranda turned around and saw a relatively frail older woman standing next to a giant of man with a shock of blond hair.

"He's in the East Wing," she said. "Reading books to children on understanding transgender issues."

She looked sad. "Could you give him a message? This is Sammy and we just wanted to come and try to say hi."

Miranda's eyes lit up.

"Sammy the pianist?" she asked.

The woman looked surprised.

"You know of my son?"

"He's the reason my husband loves to play the piano! I know all about you and your bravery!"

Sammy didn't exactly make eye-contact but he smiled.

Miranda motioned to an usher. "Find my husband and tell him Sammy is here."

"You don't have to do all that!" the woman said.

"He wouldn't want to miss you. Finish the tour and my husband will find you then. I'd join you but I have an important meeting."

Miranda noticed the rest of the group was looking jealous.

"Tanya, get Presidential M&Ms for everyone and along with my signed photos,"

"Yes, Ma'am," she said cheerfully.

Miranda turned to the woman. "I'm sorry about your husband and what you went through. I wish you the best and the same to Sammy."

The woman hugged Miranda.

"Thank you," she said tearfully.

"You're welcome."

Miranda turned around and as soon as she was out of eyesight of the group, she began to run.

Everyone stood when she came in.

"Sorry I'm late. I ran into a tour group," she said and sat down. "I just couldn't keep my mouth shut."

Miranda listened and smiled throughout the meeting. She suddenly didn't care if it was just another empty talk. The meeting was a show of good faith. She also ran into the best of humanity and that put her in a good mood.

…

Reid ended up spending lunch with them.

"He's doing well," he said to Miranda over dinner. The kids were both at sleepovers. "He's in this music program where he is actually learning to compose music!"

"That is wonderful to hear dear," she said peacefully.

"His mother met someone who is really good to Sammy. They've also expanded their music store."

"Does he work there?"

"Yes, and everyone loves him. We also played a little music together. He even corrected my finger placement like he did years ago."

Miranda looked up and realized Reid was crying a little.

She touched his shoulder.

"You did a lot of good over the years."

"I know," he said. "It just feels good to see proof of that."

At that moment, Miranda suddenly wanted to tell him everything. About the "drill," the vial, the traitor in her staff. She wanted the support of her husband.

She merely smiled.

"The world is too good for you, Spencer," she said. "It really is."

Later that night, Miranda had a hankering for ice cream. She knew the red raspberry stuff was in the kitchen downs stairs. As usual an usher was standing guard and she waved at him. She pulled out the tub and something seemed to shake inside it. She took off the lid and nearly screamed as she dropped the ice cream.

Inside was a pair of handcuffs.