Page 17 of State of Retribution

“Yeah, I get it, and I’m here for whatever you need.As always.”

“There’s tremendous comfort in that, believe me.I’ve got to do the briefing and take care of a couple of other things, and then we’ll go see the families, okay?”

“Sounds good.Well, except for the part about visiting the grieving families.”

Sam smiled.They both hated having to do that part of the job.

“Let me know what I can do to help.”

“Will do.”

She went to her office and pored over the reports from the weekend incidents.They were filled with heartbreaking details, such as how Lorraine Sweeny was weeks away from retirement and Nate Andrews’s wife had recently given birth to their second child.In the latest report, she learned that Alexa Prescott had grown up in foster care and was putting herself through college on a full scholarship.

Sam made note of these details so she could take them with her to the podium.

Captain Jake Malone appeared in her doorway.“Hey, welcome back.How’re you doing?”

“Having the absolute time of my life.You?”

“Same.How’s Nick?”

“He’s coping.We’re coping.What else can we do?”

“Nothing, I guess.I hear you’re giving the briefing.”

“As soon as I’m up to speed.”

“The media is ravenous, particularly since it’s cold outside.”

“What’s with this weather?It was seventy yesterday and forty today.”

“Mother Nature is in a mood, per usual around here in the spring.”

“I guess so.What’s your thought on these random attacks?”she asked.

“Not sure what to make of it yet, and we’re not getting much help from surveillance in the areas where the attacks occurred since they happened in poorly lit areas.”

“I’ll make a note of that in the briefing.”

He stepped forward and handed her a sheet of paper.“Some talking points I worked up with Public Affairs.”

She gave him a skeptical look.“You don’t need their help with that.”

“I like to make them feel needed once in a while.”

Her snort of laughter was rather inelegant, if she said so herself.“Give me five minutes to review it all again, and then I’ll brief.After that, Cruz and I are going to see the families.”

“You don’t have to do that, Sam.”

“I know, but I’m going to anyway because I’m the boss around here, and they need to know I’m engaged in their cases and that I care.”

“They’ll appreciate your involvement.”

“Even if they don’t, I’m on it, and I’m going to stay on it until we get them some answers.”

“I’ll leave you to do your thing, but please know I’m thinking of you and Nick and your family right now.We all are.”

“Thanks, Cap.We appreciate the support.”

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