Page 173 of State of Alert

“Also, Lieutenant Archelotta had asked me to look into whether either of the daughters were true-crime fans, and on the original phones, I learned that Zoe listened to numerous true-crime podcasts and followed about a hundred true-crime accounts on TikTok.”

“There it is.” Sam’s entire body lit up with the buzz that came from closing in on a killer. “That’s how she planned this whole thing. One how-to podcast at a time. This is very helpful, Sergeant. Thank you.”

“Happy to help.”

Sam closed the phone and relayed the update to Freddie as they headed outside.

“What’re you thinking about Jada’s involvement?”

“She wasn’t part of it,” Sam said, feeling certain now. “This was all Zoe and possibly Zeke.”

“Why’d they take her with them when they ran?”

“Maybe to make it look like she was in on it, too?”

“Our interview with her will be key to the whole thing.”

“Yep. Drop you at the Metro?”

“Sure. Columbia Heights is nearby.”

When they pulled up to the Metro station a few minutes later, Sam said, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Call me if anything breaks in the meantime. I can come back if need be.”

“Hopefully, we can get a night at home before we wrap this one up tomorrow.”

“That’d be good. Later.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

After Freddie had jogged off toward the station, Sam sat back in her seat, trying to decompress before she switched into mom mode. She felt ridiculous for being depressed that Nick wouldn’t be there when she got home. It was two freaking nights, for crying out loud.

Thinking of Angela and how she had to spend all the nights remaining in her life without Spencer made Sam feel even worse for lamenting a two-night absence. She sent her sister a text.Checking in to see how you’re doing. Thinking of you all the time.

Angela didn’t respond immediately, probably because she was in the thick of dinner and bath time with her kids and doing it all on her own while eight months pregnant.

Sam texted Tracy.Hey, just checking in. Angela came to grief group the other night and was upset about being angry with Spence for putting her through this. I think the group was helpful, but it was a tough one.

Tracy wrote right back.She told me, and she said it did help to talk it out. She was glad you were there. I think she’s doing as well as can be expected. Not sure how she’s going to deal with two little kids AND a baby, but she’ll figure it out, and we’ll help her.

Yes, we will. I hate this for her. I’m over here moping bc Nick is away for two nights, and then I think of her, and it’s just unbearable.

Sure is. She posted this on Instagram today: “I miss your smile. I miss the feel of your hand in mine. I miss the way you loved our babies and the way you loved me. I miss you more every day. When I think it isn’t possible to miss you any more than I already do, I discover there’s more. A deep well of ache for you. Sometimes I’m angry that you left, but I know you didn’t leave because you wanted to. I love you forever, and I can’t wait to see you again.”

Oh God… I can’t bear it for her.

I know. It’s heartbreaking. I wish there was something we could do to make it easier for her, but there just isn’t.

No, there isn’t. I’m hoping the weekend at CD won’t suck. I almost can’t bear to go back there, but Nick needs the time away from the WH so badly.

Go and make new memories there. You can do it.

Hope so.

Mom brought the Easter outfits for the kids over today, and there’re bags in your closet for Easter baskets.

What would I ever do without you?

---