Page 13 of State of Alert

“Thanks.”

Sam popped into the morgue to check in with Lindsey, who had Juan’s body on the table, thankfully covered by a sheet at the moment. “What’ve you got, Doc?”

“He suffered severe injuries throughout his body. I’m trying to narrow down which one killed him.”

Sam fought through a tsunami of emotions as she listened to Lindsey. The person who’d killed Juan had made sure he suffered. Until his killer or killers were brought to justice, the Metro PD worked for Juan—and his family.

“I’ll get you something as soon as I have it.”

“Thanks, Linds. His mother and family will be eager for answers.”

“I’m on it. Uh, I hate to mention this when we’re both busy with far more important things…”

“Mention what?”

“Bridesmaid dress fittings.”

It took everything Sam had not to grimace. She forced a smile for her close friend. “Of course. When do you need me?”

“Thursday around six p.m. at Shelby’s studio in Georgetown?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Should I remind you again closer to the day?”

“That would be very wise.”

Lindsey smiled. “Will do. I know this is the silliest, stupidest thing ever, but?—”

Sam put a hand on her friend’s arm. “There’s absolutely nothing stupid or silly about your wedding to the love of your life. It’s my great honor to be one of your bridesmaids.”

“Thank you. I’ve got my fitting this afternoon. I’m unreasonably excited to see my dress again.”

“Enjoy every minute of this, Linds. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

“I’m trying. Thanks for being part of it.”

“My pleasure. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“I’ll be here.”

After Lindsey’s recent health scare, Sam would never again take her friend’s presence down the hall for granted. Following the sudden, traumatic losses of her dad and brother-in-law in recent months, Sam had gotten painful reminders of how precious life was and how critical it was to be there for the ones you loved.

She loved Lindsey.

Did she love being a bridesmaid? Absolutely not, but since there was nothing she wouldn’t do for Lindsey, she’d happily wear whatever dress her friend chose and stand by her side for the biggest day of her life and Terry’s. They were a great couplewho deserved all the good things. Nick was excited to be his chief of staff’s best man.

Their wedding was something to look forward to this summer, but before they could get to fun in the sun, they had to figure out who’d killed Juan—and why.

Sam stepped into her pit, which was a beehive of activity with Detective Cameron Green standing over Gonzo’s shoulder as he pointed to the screen of Gonzo’s computer. Freddie stood off to the side, listening to Cam and Gonzo while Matt O’Brien sipped a soda in his cubicle.

“What goes on, gentlemen?”

They startled at the sound of her voice, which gave her great pleasure. Not that she’d ever tell them that.

Freddie used his chin to gesture to her office. “NCIS is getting impatient.”

Sam rolled her eyes. Playing nice with others would never come naturally to her.

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