Page 159 of State of Suspense

Sam had done her best to stuff that into the back of her mind so she could function. At his mention, it came roaring back to the forefront. “I did.”

“It’s a lot for everyone to process, but I imagine it’s even more so for you.”

She shrugged, hating being singled out on the job for any reason. “It’s a horror no matter how you cut it.”

“You and me… We’ll never understand what could possibly motivate someone like him.”

“I don’t want to understand what motivates him.”

“What can I do for you today?”

“I’m okay. It was a shock at first, but I’m coping. We’ve got a hot lead in the Forrester case. It helps to keep busy.”

“You and your husband looked marvelous last night. I was so proud.”

“Aw, thanks. We clean up pretty well.”

“Indeed, you do, my friend. I won’t take any more of your time. I wanted to remind you I’m here. I’m always here. If you need me…”

“I know where to find you. Thank you, Doc. Your friendship means a lot to me.”

“Likewise.”

After he left, Sam tried to get her head back into her work, but the latest horrors surrounding Stahl were hard to push aside. She reached for the painkillers she kept in her top drawer and took a couple to ward off the headache she felt coming on.

There was no time today or any day for an emotional setback tied to that monster. She’d worked hard to come back from the nightmare he’d perpetrated on her, and she wouldn’t let him get the better of her again.

She called for Cameron Green.

He came into the office. “What’s up?”

Sam handed him the file George had brought. “Data from Tom’s work phone, compliments of the FBI, which we’re to keep airtight. I’m most interested in his dealings with AG Cox and Congressman Bryant.”

“I’ll get on it right away.”

“How are things?” Sam had learned to check in with her team, especially after something like what Cam and Gigi had recently endured, with Gigi forced to kill his ex-girlfriend to save herself.

“Better.”

“How’s Gigi holding up?”

“She’s taking it a day at a time. Even though she knew it was her life or Jaycee’s, she’s struggling with having taken a life.”

“If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t be the person we know and love.”

“That’s what I tell her every day. We ran away for a couple of nights last weekend. It helped.”

“Glad to hear that. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for either of you.”

“I will, thanks. Last night was an incredible experience. None of us will ever forget it.”

“Thanks for coming. It meant a lot to us to be surrounded by friends.”

“My entire family is green with envy.”

Sam laughed. “No pun intended.”

“That’s right. I’ll let you know what comes of the phone data.”

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