Page 115 of State of Alert

Neveah’s apprehensive expression immediately softened. “It’s so nice of you to think of that, but I’m okay.”

“Let me know if that changes?”

“I will. Thank you for caring.”

“I do.”

“What’s the second thing?”

“I need a personal favor in between work on the case.”

“Whatever I can do for you.”

“You should say, ‘No, ma’am, I don’t do side jobs while I’m on the clock.’”

“Except you don’t want me to call you ma’am, ma’am.”

Sam laughed. “You’re coming along very nicely, young Neveah.”

“Really? You think so?”

“If you cry, I’ll throat-punch you and then deny it.”

Neveah sputtered out a laugh. “What do you need?”

“You really are coming along very nicely, and I’m thrilled to have you on my team. Do not cry.”

“Not crying.”

“My husband’s dirtbag mother has resurfaced after her recent troubles, represented by a smooth-operator lawyer named Collins Worthy from Cleveland, Ohio. He told me he has three grown children and lost his wife to cancer some time ago. Otherwise, I don’t know anything about him, and I’d like to get the deets.”

“I’m on it.”

“Don’t tell anyone what you’re doing. I shouldn’t be asking this of you.”

“I’ll do it on my own time later, if you’d feel better about it.”

“Sneak in what you can today and finish up at home. I’ll spot you some comp time for whatever time you spend on it.”

“Please don’t worry about that. It’s my pleasure to help you with anything you need.”

“Don’t be like that around here. People will chew you up and spit you out if you’re too nice.”

Her left brow lifted ever so slightly. “Do I need to be worried about that with you?”

“Of course not. I’m just saying that, as a rule, being too nice isn’t the way to be in this place.”

“Got it, but I’m allowed to be nice to you?”

“Honest to God…”

Neveah laughed—a full-throated, whole-body laugh thattook Sam by surprise because it was the first time she’d heard it.

Sam smiled. “I like you.”

“I like you, too.”

“Get back to work, and don’t get in any trouble because of me, or I won’t like you anymore.”

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