Page 132 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

Sam smiled. “The poor guy. He’s always so professional. Having this invade his workplace is tearing him up.”

“He’ll be all right.”

“After she makes bail, I’d like to temporarily put some officers on him and Detective Dominguez. Just to be safe.”

“I’ll run that up the flagpole and let you know. Were you aware of his relationship with Detective Dominguez?”

“Not only was I aware, but I was also the one who made him aware of it.”

Malone’s brows furrowed in confusion. “How’s that?”

“I saw something happening there he wasn’t fully aware of yet and gave him a subtle push.”

“I wasn’t aware that you were capable of subtlety.”

Amused, Sam said, “I have many hidden talents.”

“I’m not touching that. We have no concerns about an interoffice romance?”

“They work different shifts, neither reports to the other, and both are exceptionally professional. I’m fine with it.”

“Excuse me, Lieutenant?”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Sam turned to find Jesse Best looming in the hallway. “Hey, Jesse. How’s it going?”

“I wondered if I could have a word with you and Detective McBride? You’re welcome to join us, Captain.”

“Sure,” Sam said. “Let me get her. We’ll meet you in the conference room.”

“You go ahead,” Malone said. “I’ll save you some steps and get her.”

“Thanks.”

“How’re you doing?” Best asked.

“Much better than I was, but ready to be rid of the cane that makes me feel ninety.”

“Don’t rush it. My dad had the same injury and had no patience with the rehab and ended up having a second surgery.”

Sam grimaced. “That would suck.”

“It did, and truthfully, he was never the same after that. Do what you’re told, Lieutenant.”

“For once in my life?”

He grunted out a chuckle. “You said that. Not me.”

Sam took a seat at the table across from Best. “Are you okay? You look exhausted.”

“I haven’t slept in three days, but that’s not uncommon.”

Before Sam could express shock at that, McBride and Malone came in and closed the door.

“Detective McBride, I wanted to give you an update on the Carisma Deasly case, which has become the Daniella Brown and Xavier Iker case. We’ve tied them to more than two hundred missing children and young adults. We suspect there’ll be more before we’re done.”

“Jesus,” Sam said on a whisper.

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