Page 33 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Yes.”

“Sure, that sounds fun. We can get there in the morning.”

“Thanks. I’m putting the family up at a hotel in the meantime.” She returned to Dominguez’s cubicle to use the phone to call the Patrol commander. “I could use the assistance of one of your people. I’m in the Homicide pit.”

“I’ll send someone to you.”

“Thanks.”

Sam was still watching the detectives working in her office when Officer Charles came into the pit. She was delighted to see the officer who’d done such an amazing job handling the details of her father’s police funeral. The young, Black officer was going to be a star within the department, and Sam was looking forward to watching that happen. “Fancy meeting you here on a Monday night.”

Her pretty face lit up with a big smile. “I picked up an extra shift.”

“Have you heard that I’m trying to poach you from the chief?” Sam asked.

“I did hear a rumor to that effect, and I’d be honored to help you with anything you need.”

“Do you have time to help me? I understand the chief keeps you pretty busy.”

“I have the time, and I’d love to work with you and learn from you.”

Sam gave her a side-eyed look. “Have you been taking suck-up advice from Detective Cruz by any chance?”

Officer Charles laughed. “I haven’t, but I’ll keep in mind that he’s got some expertise in that area.”

“He’s the master when it comes to sucking up.”

“Lieutenant Dawkins said you needed help with something tonight?”

“I do, and I’m thrilled she sent you.” Sam used her chin to gesture toward the conference room. “Pam Tappen was found murdered in her minivan earlier tonight.”

“I heard about that. She’d been there a few days?”

Sam nodded. “I’ve got Bob Tappen and his sons, Justin and Lucas here. His daughter, Molly, is on the way from the Boston area with close family friends. We need to get them set up in a hotel for at least a day or two while Crime Scene goes through their house.”

“I can take care of that for you.”

“Make sure they have whatever they need. The disruption is only making a difficult time worse for them.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you, and touch base with me again soon.”

“I’ll do that, too.”

Sam took Officer Charles into the conference room to introduce her to the Tappens. “You’ll be in very good hands with her,” Sam told them. “I’ll check in with you in the morning and will keep you posted of any developments.”

“Thank you,” Bob said.

With the Tappens in the capable hands of Officer Charles, Sam called Dani Carlucci. “Anything new?”

“Not yet. Still talking to the neighbors, but so far, no one saw anything suspicious over the last few days.”

“We’re working with a time line that could go back as far as Friday. It’s going to be tough to find anyone who remembers anything from that far back.”

“I’ll keep trying.”

“Request backup if you feel you need it.”

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