Page 162 of State of Suspense

“No kidding.”

“Her husband is a trauma surgeon, and they have six children, ages thirteen to twenty-five.”

“Wow. Now I’m even more impressed.”

“She’s got nothing on you.”

“Shut up already.”

Vernon and Jimmy chuckled.

At the courthouse, they surrendered their weapons and went through security before being shown to the judge’s chambers, where a deputy stood watch outside the door.

Though he recognized them, he studied their badges carefully. Then he knocked on the door and opened it for them.

Judge Sawyer rose to greet them. She was tall, with brown skin, long curly hair and a warm smile. She shook hands with Sam. “What a pleasure it is to meet you. I’ve admired your career for years, long before the latest developments.”

Sam liked her immediately. “‘Latest developments.’ That’s one way to put it.”

The judge laughed and gestured for them to take seats at the small conference table.

“This is my partner, Detective Cruz.”

“He’s almost as famous as you are.”

That earned her a big grin from Freddie.

“Don’t tell him that. He’s incorrigible.”

Freddie scowled at her.

“It’s so difficult to raise kids these days, isn’t it?” Sam asked.

“Incredibly challenging.”

“I can hear you,” Freddie said.

The two women shared a laugh.

“As wonderful as it is to meet you in person,” Sawyer said, “I know this isn’t a social call.”

“No, it isn’t. You’ve been made aware of our direction on the Forrester murder and Hill shooting investigation?”

“I have, and it’s appalling. I remember the Peckham case. I’ve rarely encountered people who were more devoid of basic human decency, and that’s saying something with the people I meet in this job.”

“That’s a very good description of them. ‘Devoid of basic human decency.’” It applied to Stahl as well, Sam realized. “Your security has been increased here and at home?”

“It has, and I appreciated the heads-up. I just can’t believe retribution would be their first priority after being released from years in prison.”

“We believe their son Harlan could be responsible for Tom’s murder and Avery’s shooting.”

“He’s the one who got off on a technicality, right?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

She frowned. “Such a travesty. He was as guilty as the rest of them.”

“From what Agent Hill and his stepmother told us, he was forever trying to get his father’s approval. Apparently, he was the smallest of their sons, and his father teased him mercilessly about being the runt of the litter. So he turned himself into the most lethal and meanest of them all, and now it seems he’s taking care of his father’s list of grievances.”

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