Page 125 of State of Alert

“I’ll get it to a judge.”

“Thanks, Cap.”

Sam returned to her office, reread what she’d written and sent it to Freddie for proofing. Once he made the needed corrections, he would forward it to the captain, so he could work his magic with a judge. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take long to get the warrant and the data.

As she went to notify him that it was on the way, a Patrol officer arrived with Frank Myerson, who was rumpled and visibly annoyed.

“Thanks for coming in, Mr. Myerson.”

“Like I had a choice.”

“Officer Smith, please escort Mr. Myerson to interview one and stay with him until we’re ready to talk.”

“How long are you going to make me wait?”

“Not long.”

Smith gestured for Mr. Myerson to head toward the interview rooms.

“What’s that about?” Malone asked.

Sam hadn’t seen him approaching. She turned to him. “He’s pissed about being brought back in for another conversation.”

“If, God forbid, my wife had been murdered, I’d be camped out in the lobby waiting for updates. I’d want to help in any way I could.”

Sam considered what he’d said. “I’ll mention that to him when we’re in the room.”

“You’re not liking him for being part of this?”

“I wasn’t until you said what you did about his attitude. I’m trying to imagine being annoyed with the people trying to figure out who killed my husband. And, my God, I hope I never have to say that sentence for real.”

“I felt the same way with my rhetorical example. It’s unthinkable.”

“Yes, it certainly is, unless you knew it was going to happen, and now you just want to get on with your new life without your wife causing so much strife.”

“It’s an angle.”

“Which means I need to advise him that he should request that his lawyer join us ahead of our chat.”

“Go to it, Lieutenant.”

“Can I just say… I love the way we all work together here, how we come up with new angles on a case through a passing conversation. It’s pretty cool, and to be honest, it’s the number one thing that keeps me here when I guess I don’t technically have to be anymore.”

“You do have to be. I don’t want to do this job without you doing yours. Besides, I’m only sticking around for you as it is, so don’t you dare quit on me.”

He and the chief had recently brought her to tears by telling her they intended to put off retirement until Nick left office so they could be there to run interference for her as needed. Because that’s what her dad, their best friend, would’ve wanted them to do.

“Haha, I won’t. Off to make Frank Myerson’s day by suggesting his attorney be present for our next discussion.”

“Keep up the good work, Miss Congeniality.”

Laughing, she said, “Will do.” She went to the interview room, nodded to Officer Smith and entered.

Myerson sat up a little straighter when she came in.

“I’d like to advise you that you have the right to an attorney being present for our discussion. Would you like me to call Mr. Dunning for you?”

“I thought you just wanted some more details about Elaine’s life. Why do I need him here for that?’

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