Page 181 of State of Suspense

“I understand you’re upset but think about it. How stupid would he have to be to come anywhere near me?”

“I don’t want to find out if he’s that stupid.”

Her gaze took in the captain and chief. “If we overreact to this, we may miss our chance to figure out why he’s so intent on keeping us from investigating Henry Allston. I want to see that through. If you remove Cox, Allston goes with him, and who knows if we’ll ever find him? I’d rather keep them both at Justice, sweating out whatever they’re trying to hide. We’ll find it.”

“How am I supposed to hear that one of my cabinet secretaries has threatened my wife and do nothing about it?”

“Your wife is fine. She’s surrounded by world-class security and top-notch police officers. Let me do the job. You can deal with him after, okay?” He was silent long enough that Sam began to wonder if he was still there. “Nick?”

“I’m here.”

She walked away from the others. “Talk to me.”

“You know how I feel about you being in danger. To think that one of my people is putting you there is intolerable.”

“I know, and I’m sorry you’re upset, but I honestly believe he was flexing his muscles more than anything. Don’t worry, okay?”

He huffed out a laugh. “What? Me worry?”

“Vernon and Jimmy won’t let anything happen.”

“They’re the only reason I can sleep at night.”

“The only reason? Clearly, I need to do a better job of wearing you out.”

“You’re doing just fine, babe. Be safe and get home to me soon.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“What’d he say?” Freddie asked when she returned to the conference room to deal with the other men in her life.

“He wants to hang the AG out to dry, but I convinced him to stand down. Before we quit for the day, I want to see Bryant. I have an itch, right here…” She scratched the back of her neck. “We’re missing something in this Cox-Forrester-Bryant Bermuda Triangle, and I want to know what it is.”

“I’ll ask him to come in for a chat.”

“You think he’ll come?”

“I’ll tell him it’s in his best interest to cooperate with us.”

“What’re we doing about the AG?” Malone asked.

“Nothing for the moment. He was looking for a big reaction, and I don’t want to give him that satisfaction. Instead, I’m digging deeper into what he’s so eager to keep hidden from me and the rest of the world. And once I figure out what that is, I’m going to nail him.”

Damien Bryant had lost some of his swagger since Sam last saw him at the state dinner. His complexion had taken on a waxy appearance, and he had huge bags under his eyes. When Sam walked into the room, he scowled.

“What now?”

“Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“Old friend. Right. You’re out to ruin me.”

“Not hardly. We wouldn’t even know each other if you hadn’t been breaking the law for quite some time now.”

“You can’t prove anything. I came in when you called. What do you want now?”

“Who’s Henry Allston?”

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