Page 79 of State of Suspense

“Me, too. How are you?”

“A little better every day.”

Sam leaned in for a closer look at the sleeping baby’s face.

“What happened to you?” Shelby asked.

“Scuffle at work.”

“Did you win?”

“Duh.”

Shelby laughed. “I talked to Lilia earlier. Everything is set for tomorrow.”

“You’re on maternity leave. Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not worried about it with Lilia in charge.”

“She’s the best.”

“Yes, she is.”

“And so are you, Shelby Hill. I know you’ve seen to every detail, and Lilia is following your plans to the letter.”

“I do what I can for my people.”

“That saying is trademarked.”

Shelby grinned. “How’s your case going?”

“Nowhere fast, and lots of high-ranking complications.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Hope so.” Sam leaned in to kiss Shelby’s cheek. “I like having you right upstairs so I can come visit.”

“I like being here, but Avery tells me we’re moving out this weekend.”

“Boo-hoo.”

“I’ll miss my roommates and the room service.”

“They do have a way of spoiling you around here.”

“Indeed. Thank you again for giving us a place to be when we needed it.”

“My home is always your home. Sleep tight, Tinker Bell.”

“You, too.”

When Sam walked out to the living area, Avery stood. “I’ve made Tom’s phone the lab’s top priority.”

“Thanks, Avery.”

“Anything else I can do?”

Sam debated whether she should air it out with the FBI agent who wanted in on her case, but he was her friend first and foremost, so she took a seat.

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