Page 169 of State of Alert

“Do you have the phones?”

“No, just the numbers.”

“That’ll take longer because we have to go through the carrier to get the data. They tend to resist giving out that info about their customers.”

“Even when we have a warrant?”

“Even then.”

“How about when lives might be at risk?”

“I can pass along that info, but in my experience, using the word ‘critical’ doesn’t help to expedite things.”

“What word would help to move it along?”

“I’ve yet to discover that word, ma’am.”

Sam wanted to scream with frustration, but she couldn’t do that there. “We’ve got two young people suspected of murder on the run. We need to find them.”

“I’ll get right on it and do what I can.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

“Is everything all right with Lieutenant Archelotta? It’s not like him to run out of here without a word to any of us.”

“He found out a friend has been injured. I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon.”

“I’ll text him to let him know not to worry about things here.”

“I’m sure he’d appreciate that.” Sam handed him her card. “Call me if you have any luck with the phone company.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you, Sergeant Walters.”

“My pleasure, Lieutenant.”

Sam went back downstairs, collected Freddie and hurried toward the morgue exit, hoping to get to the Myerson home, do what needed to be done and then get home for dinner with her kids since Nick wouldn’t be there.

Those words,Nick wouldn’t be there, were enough to send her mood plummeting as Vernon drove them to Crestwood.

Her phone rang with yet another call from a number she didn’t recognize. “Holland.”

“This is Jillian Danvers. I’m a, um, friend of Juan Rodriguez’s. Your, um, partner gave me your card.”

“You’re the friend from the coffee shop?”

“Yes, that’s me. No one will tell me anything about what happened to him, and now people are saying he’s alive, and… I haven’t known him that long, but…” Her voice broke. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Let me make a few calls. I’ll have someone get in touch with you.”

“Do you promise someone will call? Juan always said you and your husband were good people…”

“I promise someone will call you.”

“Thank you very much.”

Sam slapped her phone closed. “This goddamned situation with NCIS is making me crazy.”

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