Page 112 of State of Suspense

“You’re only saying that because you love me. Tell me the truth.”

“That is the truth, and I’m not just saying it because I love you. I’m saying it because it’s what everyone else is saying.”

“Not in the department.”

“Screw them. Who cares what they say? You never have before, so don’t start now.”

“That Animal Control lady?—”

“Is green with envy because she’ll never be a fraction of what you are.”

“He’s right, Sam,” Vernon said. “She wants to be you. Don’t let her get in your head. She’s not worth the brain cells.”

“No, she isn’t,” Freddie said. “Just do your thing. We’ve got you covered at work when you can’t be there.”

“And you promise you’re not going to start to resent me for all the time I’m not there?”

“Promise. How can I resent you when I get to watch my best friends be the president and first lady? When I get invited to state dinners? Do you have any idea how exciting that is for all of us? My parents are losing it that I’m going to a fancy party at the White House.”

“We should’ve invited them, too. Next time.”

“Nah, they’d never come. They’d be too freaked out. It’s enough for them to see Elin and me there.”

“Thanks for propping up me and all my insecurities today, guys.”

“You have no reason to be insecure about anything,” Vernon said. “Imagine how nervous Mrs. Hutchinson must be about having tea with you.”

“No kidding,” Freddie said, laughing. “She’s probably having a panic attack.”

“I hope not! Jeez. I’m a disaster.”

Freddie scoffed. “She doesn’t know that.”

“You were supposed to say, ‘No, you’re not.’”

The three of them were laughing when they stepped off the elevator, reclaimed their weapons at security and headed outside where it was drizzly and cold. She was ready for spring to show up any time now.

Sam glanced at Freddie. “Can you get back to HQ?”

“Yep, no worries.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

“We’ll be there with bells on.”

She handed the evidence bag containing Avery’s bullet to him. “Get this to the lab with 911 urgency and keep me in the loop.”

“Will do.”

He took off toward the Metro while she got into the back seat of the SUV.

She appreciated what he and Vernon had said and how they provided unwavering support as she stretched in all directions at the same time, trying to cover as many bases at home and at work as she possibly could.

Her phone rang with a call from Gonzo. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Animal Control produced the report on the incident with Forrester’s dog and the Doberman. It practically tore that little thing apart. The pictures are gruesome.”

“Oh God, don’t show me.”

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