Page 50 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“You’re being a serious smartass today.”

“No, I’m not,” he said, laughing. “It just surprises me that you’re still shocked when people mention your so-called ‘side hustle.’”

“How long is that going to go on?”

“Still rhetorical?”

“Shut up and eat another doughnut.”

“Is it lunchtime yet? I know some good places here in Del Ray we can hit.”

“It’s nine o’clock!”

“Never too early for first lunch.”

“Where is this woman? I’m getting annoyed.”

“You hit annoyed the second the receptionist said, ‘first lady.’”

Sam went to ask the receptionist where the boss was and nearly collided with an older woman who was coming into the room. Somehow she managed to avoid crashing into her, avoid falling and stick the landing all in one smooth move.

“I’m Joyce Dougherty, the CEO.”

“Lieutenant Holland. My partner, Detective Cruz. Could we speak in private, please?”

“Of course.”

Chapter Ten

They stepped back into the room, and Sam took great pleasure in shutting the door on the nosy receptionist.

“What is this about?” Joyce asked.

“Pam Tappen.”

Joyce’s expression immediately turned stormy. “That woman is dead to me. Do you have any idea what her incompetence has cost me? My board is outraged at the lack of professionalism she demonstrated by failing to appear at a conference she was paid in advance to manage.”

“I’m sorry to tell you that she is actually dead.”

Joyce’s face lost all expression. “What?” she asked on a long breath.

“She’s been murdered.”

“Oh my God. Are you sure?”

“We’re very sure. She was found bound and gagged in her minivan miles from her home. The medical examiner believes she was there for as long as two days before she died. We’ve placed the time of death around six p.m. on Sunday.”

“Good Lord.” Joyce dropped her head into her hands. “I just can’t believe this.”

“Where was your conference held?”

“Baltimore.”

“And when was Pam due to arrive?”

“Friday evening to set up for registration and a welcome reception the next morning.”

“What did you do when she didn’t arrive?”

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