Page 183 of State of Suspense

“Can I let you know in the morning?”

“Of course. Either way is fine. It’s going to be a long road, so you need to pace yourself. This is just the preliminary hearing.”

“I want to be there for him. These people sold him poison. I want them to see the lives they’ve ruined.”

“You’ll have plenty of chances for that before this case is fully adjudicated.”

“Thanks for all the support. I don’t know what I’d do without you and Trace, Mom and Celia… Everyone has been so amazing.”

“We love you and the kids. We’ll always be right here for you.”

“That means everything to me. Ella’s waking up from her nap, and it’s time for more medicine. I’ll text you in the morning, okay?”

“Sounds good. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Sam closed the phone and took a couple of deep breaths to get her emotions in check so she could focus on what she needed to do so she could get out of there. Her new watch read five thirty.

As she left her office, Faith came into the pit.

“Interview one,” Sam told her.

She followed Faith down the hallway.

When they entered the room, Bryant perked up.

“I believe you know Assistant U.S. Attorney Faith Miller.”

“I’ve had the pleasure.”

“Lieutenant Holland tells me you’re interested in a deal.”

“If I give you Cox and Allston on a silver platter, what’s in it for me?”

“That depends on whether the info you give us is something we can use to prosecute them and is contingent upon your willingness to testify.”

He hadn’t expected that last part. “Testify? Cox will have me killed before that can ever happen.”

“We have ways of keeping you safe.”

“Sure you do, and he’s aware of every one of them.”

“It’s up to you.” Faith crossed her arms. “Either you’re in or you’re not.”

“I’d rather be dead than spend the rest of my life in prison, so I guess I’m in.”

Faith sat next to Sam at the table. “I’m listening.”

“Cox is heavily into gambling. Has been for decades. The first wife left him when he ran them into bankruptcy. The second wife has no idea he’s burning through her money as well as his own.”

“How did this not come up during his confirmation hearings?”

“It’s very well hidden.”

“Hidden how?”

“It’s all done through Allston.”

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