Page 25 of State of Retribution

“It’s how I do my job.”

“Do people call you because of your other job?”

“No one has yet, but if you wanted to, you could do that any time.”

“Aw, go on, I wouldn’t do that.”

“You could, if you needed to.Also, when you’re ready, there’s a grief group at MPD headquarters for victims of violent crime that you may find helpful.When the time is right.”

“I read about that,” Walter said.“Never imagined I might need it.”

“Call me when you’re ready.I’ll give you the info.”

Freddie took down their names and phone numbers, and then they stood to leave.

The family walked them to the door.

“Thank you for your kindness and sensitivity,” Celeste said.“In the midst of the darkness, it’s been a treat to meet you.”

“I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances.I’ll keep you posted on any developments.”

“Thank you,” Walter said.“For all you do.”

“I wish I could say it was a pleasure, but…”

When he gave her a small smile, that felt like a victory of sorts.

Vernon led them to the SUV, where Jimmy held the door for her.

Once they were inside the vehicle and on the way to Adams Morgan to see the Andrews family, Vernon glanced at Sam in the mirror.“That was exceptionally well done, Sam.”

“What was?”

“I don’t get to see that part of what you do very often, as we tend to wait outside, but how you handled that family… It was a master class in kindness, grace and compassion.”

“Oh, jeez, you’re going to make me cry.”

“Just calling it like I see it.”

“You’re very good with the victims’ families,” Freddie said.“Always.”

“Aw, does this mean you’re not pissed with me anymore for telling tales out of school?”

“Nah, I’m still pissed at you for flapping your fat mouth.”

“The insubordination around here!Are you guys taking note of this for when I write him up?”

“Please,” Freddie said disdainfully.“Who does all the writing for you?”

“My grasshopper is out of control today.”Sam sent Freddie an admiring smile.He was definitely coming along nicely, cruising toward ruination at her hands.

Despite the frivolity, her heart ached with sorrow for Lorraine’s family as they began the long journey through grief and all the things that came with being victims of violent crime.

Law enforcement interactions they never asked for, a trial or trials, sentencing, appeals… That’sifthey caught the person who killed Lorraine.When the police were unsuccessful in apprehending a suspect, victims’ families had to live with the question ofwhyfor the rest of their lives.

Answering the question posed by that three-letter word was what motivated Sam and her team to work so hard to get answers for their victims’ families, so at the very least they’d know who’d taken their loved one from them.Sometimes, however, even with an arrest, they never got closure on the question of why.

“Are there any developments in the drone investigation?”Sam asked Vernon.

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