Page 94 of State of Suspense

“If the person is hampering a homicide investigation, you absolutely can.”

“How am I hampering a homicide investigation?”

“You’re failing to answer the most basic of questions. Let’s try this one more time… What is your name?”

“Tell her,” Cox said from the doorway to his office.

Sam hadn’t noticed him there.

“Henry Allston.”

“How long have you worked for General Cox?”

Henry glanced at his employer, who gestured for him to tell her.

“Eight years.”

“Thank you. I hope that wasn’t too difficult for you. Let’s go, Detective Cruz.”

“That was amazing,” Freddie whispered while they waited for the elevator.

“What was?”

“You. In there and then with the assistant. Face-to-face with the AG with no effs to give.”

“Did you just kinda swear?”

“Maybe, but damn, Sam. I wish we’d recorded that.”

“Don’t be too impressed. I just made a powerful enemy of a man who answers to my husband, not to mention he could cause big trouble for us and the department.”

They stepped into the elevator. “Why’d you do it?”

Sam pressed the L for Lobby. “Because I wanted to know if he was feeding us a load of bullshit.”

“And?”

“He isn’t telling us everything he knows. That’s for sure.”

“Wouldn’t it be in his best interest to help figure out who killed one of his USAs as fast as we can?”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you?”

“Did you tell Nick you were meeting with him?”

“He knew, but we didn’t talk details. We’re keeping it separate.”

“I suppose that’s for the best. What’re you thinking with the assistant?”

“I’m not sure, but him not being willing to share his name put up some red flags.”

“I’ll take a look at him later today.”

“That was going to be my next request.”

At security, they reclaimed their weapons and headed outside, where a squad of Secret Service agents kept about thirty reporters from pouncing on them. The minute they saw Sam, they started screaming questions at her.

“Why are you meeting with Cox?”

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