Page 100 of State of Suspense

“I think it’s amazing,” Jimmy said.

“What is?” Sam asked.

“That someone like you would ever be worried about what people think or about messing up at the state dinner. Everyone who knows you thinks you’re incredible.”

Sam was unreasonably touched by the young agent’s kind words. “Thank you, Jimmy. That’s very sweet of you to say, and for the record, not everyone who knows me thinks I’m incredible.”

“We do,” Freddie said. “And Nick does. Your kids certainly do. Your sisters, nieces, nephews, many friends…”

“That’s more than enough.” She released a deep breath, feeling better about how this day might unfold after what they’d said. “Means a lot to me to have your support, guys. It really does.”

“We’re here any time you need a boost,” Vernon said. “And personally, I can’t wait to watch you shine tonight.”

That was something Skip Holland might’ve said once upon a time. “You’re going to make me weepy. Knock it off.”

Vernon chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

They pulled up to the guardhouse in Forrester’s neighborhood a few minutes later.

Vernon spoke to the guard, and they were allowed in.

Sam was glad they hadn’t had to argue about it. She had no time for that nonsense today. As they passed Forrester’s home, Sam noted a driveway full of cars and was glad to know the family was being well supported in their time of grief.

The Sellers home was bigger than Forrester’s, with twice as many third-floor dormers as well as a huge front porch. The brick façade had been painted white, and wood shutters adorned the windows. Sam preferred that look to the red brick that was so popular in the area.

Vernon followed her and Freddie up the sidewalk to the front door.

As expected, the doorbell was ridiculously over the top.

“Why? Just, why?”

Freddie grunted out a laugh.

The sound of dogs barking nearly drowned out the doorbell, but not entirely.

Sam took a step back, intimidated by the dogs, who sounded huge and vicious.

The woman who came to the door appeared to be in her midforties, with graying blonde hair and blue eyes that immediately widened when she recognized Sam. “May I help you?”

Sam and Freddie showed their badges. “Mrs. Sellers, I’m Lieutenant Holland, and this is my partner, Detective Cruz. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“This isn’t really a good time.”

“We can do it at our place, if you’d prefer.”

Sam took great pleasure in watching her meaning register with the woman.

“I, uh, just give me a minute to secure the dogs.”

“That’d be good.”

The door closed.

“‘We can do it at our place, if you prefer,’” Freddie said with a laugh. “Did you see her face when she realized what you meant?”

“I enjoyed it very much.” Sam leaned in to look into the window on the side of the door. “I’m giving her two more minutes to get her ass back here before I start robo-ringing that hideous doorbell.”

“Is that a thing? Robo-ringing?”

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