Page 39 of State of Retribution

“Knock it off.”

“Knock what off?”

“We all know the temperature of the room isn’t what took you down.”

“I’m sorry to have caused a stir.The others were right when they said I shouldn’t have attended that meeting, but you know how I hate to be treated like I’m special or different or whatever.”

“In this case, you’re the only commander in this department Stahl tried to kill.Twice.”

“That’s old news.”

“Will it ever be old news to you?”

Sam took another deep breath and forced herself to be kind in the way she spoke to a man who’d been a tremendous friend to her.He was one of the primary reasons she was still able to do the job after what Stahl had put her through.“I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know, but the last thing I want or need right now is to be psychoanalyzed.I overheated.That’s all it was.I’m fine and eager to get back to work.”

He could smell bullshit a mile away, and now was no exception.

But thankfully, rather than pursue the matter, he said, “You know where I am if you need me.”

“I take great comfort in knowing you’re nearby.”

He gave her a warm smile.“Then I’ll let you get back to it.”

“Thanks for caring, Doc.”

“Always, my friend.”

After he left, Sam pulled out the BlackBerry to text Nick.Because we have a deal… I was in a meeting about the new charges about to be filed against Stahl when I apparently passed out.It was hella hot in there.I’m fine, back to work.Nothing to worry about.What goes on there?

Sending that text went against everything she used to believe in about pushing bad or difficult things aside and powering through.Her husband didn’t like hearing news about her issues on the job through the grapevine, which was more than possible with Gonzo’s wife, Christina, serving as Nick’s press secretary.

The BlackBerry rang with a call from him.“Yes, dear?”

“You’re sure you’re all right?”

“Positive.”

“Samantha… Tell me the truth.”

“I swear.I’m fine.It was a weird moment, and it’s over now.I’m back to work.What’s the latest over there?”

“Nothing new to report on the drones, and we’re working on the situation in Alaska.Hope is beginning to fade for survivors.”

She appreciated that he didn’t dwell on her fainting.“No.”

“I know.It’s awful.An entire village of children, not to mention the teachers and staff, as well as others in the area.We’ve sent in everyone who can help.Now it’s just a waiting game.”

“I can’t even think about what all those parents must be going through, some of them with multiple kids in the school.”

“We were just saying that.”

“Do you have to go there?”

“Eventually, but not now when I’d be more of a distraction than anything.”

“I’m sorry you’re dealing with another upsetting thing.”

“Goes with the job, or so I’m told.I’m okay as long as you are.”

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