Page 184 of State of Retribution

“I will.”

Sam closed her phone, feeling overwhelmed with sadness for her friend and Harlowe.What’d been done to her—and to him by extension—was outrageous.She hoped they’d be able to rise above to continue what’d begun to seem like a significant relationship for both of them.

She got a text from Freddie.Check your email.All-hands message from the chief that you’ll want to see before it’s released to the media.

Will do.Thanks for the heads-up.

She sat on the bed and opened her laptop to read the email from the chief.

To all,

Today, FBI and ATF agents as well as U.S.Marshals arrested Dylan Offenbach with the assistance of the Virginia State Police and our MPD team.Needless to say, I’m disgusted and disheartened by the role two now-former members of this department played in a series of unspeakable crimes, the latest in a series of unspeakable crimes committed by current and former members of this department.

The disgrace of Stahl, Conklin, Hernandez, Ramsey and Offenbach belongs to me and to all of us to a certain extent.They were on our team and were supposed to be defending the law, not breaking it.It sickens me to have worked with people capable of these crimes.

Let me be clear: The Metropolitan Police Department has zero tolerance for criminals in our midst.Anyone found to be violating the law or their oath to protect the citizens of this great city will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.I’ve had enough of people hiding behind the badge and collecting a paycheck from the city while living as criminals.

That ends right here and now.In consultation with union leadership, we’ve reached an agreement that anyone accused of a crime—misdemeanor or felony—will be suspended without pay until the matter is adjudicated.If you’re found guilty, you’ll be fired, and any accrued pension/benefits will be donated to charity.I will not rest until the pensions of the above-named officers are revoked and redirected to their victims’ families.

Working here is a privilege, not a right.Please treat it as such.If you’re incapable of serving this department and this city with honor and distinction, find another line of work.You’re not wanted here.

Joseph Farnsworth

Chief of Police

Sam wanted to stand up and cheer after reading the chief’s statement.Let that be a lesson to anyone who’d dare to commit crimes while wearing the badge.

Amazing, she said in a text to Freddie.

Agreed.Well done.

Let’s hope we’ve seen the last of this shit.

Yes, please.Also, they tied Offenbach’s DNA to Harlowe’s rape kit, and the bullet taken from Jimmy was a match for others they found in his possession.

Horrifying all around.It’s hard to believe he went to these lengths to get retribution for something HE caused.Did he honestly think he wouldn’t be caught?

I think he fully expected to get away with it.

Yeah, probably.Go enjoy the rest of your weekend.Thanks for everything.Love you.

Back atcha.

She also sent a message to the chief.Your statement was perfect.Thank you for your tremendous support and leadership.

After stashing her laptop, Sam went into the closet to pick out stretchy black pants and a peach silk blouse to wear on her date with Nick and was dressed by the time he emerged from the shower.

He gave an appreciative whistle.“My date is the hottest gal in town.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so, and I’m the president.”

“I love how you trot that out when it’s convenient for you.”

“That’s the only time it’s useful to me.”

Smiling, she said, “I’m going to check on the kids while you finish getting ready.”

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