Page 163 of State of Suspense

“What an accomplishment.”

“I like you,” Sam said, smiling.

“She doesn’t like anyone.”

“Hush, Freddie. Don’t tell all my secrets on the first meeting.”

The judge laughed. “I feel you. I hate people, too.”

“We see the worst of them in our line of work.”

“Yes, we do, and the older I get, the more I crave peace, quiet and time with my loved ones. Anything else is so far down the list of priorities, it’s like it doesn’t exist.”

“I think we might be sisters from another mister.”

“I would love to be your sister from another mister. My friends will die when I tell them I met you.”

“No way.”

“Way.”

“She has no idea how cool she is,” Freddie said.

“I’m going to mute him.”

“You two are entertaining.”

“We’ve been told that a time or two.”

“I can see why.”

“So, listen, Your Honor…”

“Call me Cori. I think we’re going to be friends.”

“I’d like that, Cori. But you may not want to be friends with me after you hear what I’ve come to ask you.”

“Lay it on me.”

Sam liked everything about her, which was such a rare thing that it took her by surprise. “Harlan Peckham is a professional criminal, described by his stepmother as ruthless and violent. He has no cell phone, has never had one, and knows how to stay out of sight until he sees his chance to come for you.”

Cori swallowed hard. “Are you trying to ensure I won’t sleep tonight?”

“Not at all, and I’m sorry to have to scare you, but this guy is legit.”

“So what do you want to ask me?”

“How would you feel about being the center of an operation to draw him out of hiding?”

“Are you asking me to be the bait in this operation of yours?”

“‘Bait’ is not the word I’d use…”

“What word would you use?”

“The incentive?”

“The bait.”

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