Page 40 of State of Suspense

Outside the chief’s office, Sam stopped to speak to his admin, Helen. “May I have a minute with him?”

“He’s got a meeting in ten, but he’s free right now.”

“Thanks, Helen.”

“You’re welcome.”

Sam knocked on the door to Chief Farnsworth’s office and went in to find him stretching behind his desk.

“One meeting after another today.”

“Not sure how you stand that.”

He huffed out a laugh. “I can’t stand it. I miss doing what you do.”

“And you wonder why I never want to be promoted?”

“I don’t wonder why. What can I do for you, Lieutenant?”

“I’m in a bit of a pickle.”

“What now?”

“You say that like I’m always in a pickle.”

His amused expression said it all. “What’s the pickle this time?”

Sam took a seat in one of the chairs by his desk. “I’m picking up the scent of the Attorney General being part of the Forrester case.”

“As in the Attorney General of the United States?”

“The one and only.”

“Damn. When you do a pickle, you do it up big.”

Sam smiled at her beloved, honorary uncle. “You know my motto. Go big or go home. I’m honestly not sure how to proceed with this. There’s an obvious conflict of interest with me being involved with the investigation of my husband’s AG.”

“The pickle of all pickles.”

“Indeed.”

Farnsworth picked up his desk extension. “Would you please ask Jake to come in? Thank you, Helen.”

“What’s your thought?” Sam asked.

“To let Jake take the lead on paper while you continue to work the case.”

“I like how you think.”

“I figured you would.”

Malone came in, seeming annoyed.

“What’s wrong?” Farnsworth asked his friend.

“If people would just do their freaking jobs, nothing would be wrong.”

“Who’s pissing you off?”

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