Page 28 of State of Suspense

“I wish I could say it’s good to be back…”

Lindsey offered a small smile. “Believe me. I get it.”

“And I’m always so thankful for that.”

“Are you still borrowing my morgue for a dress fitting tomorrow?”

Sam cringed when she recalled asking Lindsey to use her office. “That’s the plan.”

“That’ll be a first,” Lindsey said with a smile.

“Appreciate the help at keeping it on the DL.”

“My morgue is your morgue.”

“See you in the morning.”

“I’ll be here.”

When Sam stepped out into the late winter chill, Vernon opened the door and waited for her to get settled.

“Thank you, Vernon.”

“My pleasure.”

The interior of the SUV was warm and toasty as Sam settled in for the ride home.

“How’s it going?”

Sam met Vernon’s gaze in the mirror. “Slow.”

“Are you thinking it’s tied to Bryant?”

“How can it not be?”

“That’s what we were saying, too.”

“While that seems the most obvious, I’ve learned to look beyond the obvious.” After a pause, she added, “The case that brought the twins into our lives is a good example. Their billionaire father was embroiled in a dispute with his former business partner, which had sent him and his family into exile with new identities. After the parents were killed in a home invasion and fire, we looked hard at the partner, but we couldn’t make a case. Turned out a traffic altercation involving the wife led to murder.”

“I remember that case. Jameson and Cleo Armstrong, right?”

“That’s the one. At the beginning of that investigation, if you’d asked me to bet my life the partner wasn’t involved, I’d be dead.”

“We’re all glad you’re not dead, ma’am,” Jimmy said.

“Haha, thanks. My point is we have to look at everything, not just the most obvious things.”

“Agreed,” Vernon said. “Especially in a situation like this one where you’ll be under enormous pressure to get answers quickly.”

“Yes, exactly. Thankfully, Captain Malone took care of updating the media earlier, so I didn’t have to do that today. I’ll be in the hot seat before long, though.”

“What time are we leaving in the morning?” Vernon asked as they drove through the White House gates.

“Six thirty.”

“We’ll be ready.”

“Thank you for working late on a Sunday.”

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