Page 10 of State of Suspense

She hoped it didn’t.

The Forresters lived in a gated community with stately brick homes. “Where were the wife and kids when they were taken hostage?” Sam asked.

“At home.”

“How’s that possible in a gated neighborhood?”

“While you’re talking with the family, I’ll double back on the security people,” Freddie said.

Vernon used his Secret Service credentials and Sam’s badge to gain access to the neighborhood. He stopped the SUV at the curb of one of the larger brick homes on the street. It had third-floor dormers, black shutters and an elegant look to it.

As they got out of the vehicle, Sam noted a driveway full of cars, which meant the word was out among Tom’s family and friends.

Sam glanced at Faith. “We’ll need to speak privately to his wife—and daughters if their mother agrees.”

“I’ll do what I can to make that happen.”

Freddie took off at a jog toward the security facility at the entrance to the neighborhood.

Sam, Faith and Gonzo were met at the door by a middle-aged man who looked like he’d been crying.

Faith took the lead. “Conlon Young, meet Lieutenant Holland and Sergeant Gonzales.”

“Come in.” Young led them to a formal living room. “How can we help you, Detectives?”

“We’d like to speak with Mrs. Forrester,” Sam said.

Young was shaking his head before she finished saying the word Mrs. “She’s not available for that right now.”

Sam bit back the urge to snap at him. “Mr. Young, as I’m sure you’re aware, the initial hours in a homicide investigation are the most critical. Since Mrs. Forrester and her daughters were caught up in something involving her husband’s work, it would be extremely helpful if we could talk to them.”

“They’re distraught. We all are.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?”

Taken aback by his tone, Sam said, “As a matter of fact, I do.” She stared at him without blinking. “Believe it or not, family members and close friends are always distraught after the murder of a loved one. We still need to talk to the people closest to the victim as soon as possible.”

Young obviously didn’t care for her comment, but thankfully, he didn’t argue the point. “Give me a minute.” He left the room.

Faith grimaced. “I’m sorry. He’s upset.”

“I understand.” The guy had immediately rubbed Sam the wrong way, and not just because he’d objected to her request. As someone who worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he’d know better than most how these things worked.

They waited a long time, long enough that Freddie returned from checking in with the neighborhood security personnel. “They said they aren’t allowed to talk to us directly. He gave me a card for the main office.”

“Let’s request a warrant for last week’s logs and any footage they have,” Sam said.

“I thought you might say that, so I called Malone to get that moving.”

“You’re the best.”

“I know, right?”

“While you’re basking in the glow of your own glory, see what they have here at the house for security and request a warrant for any info we can get from there, too.”

“I, uh, already did that, too. There’s a sign out front with the name of the security company.”

---