Page 58 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Why?”

“Often, we don’t know why until we know why. Does that make sense?”

“I guess.”

“Do we have your permission to do that?”

“Yes, of course.”

“He can stay with me,” Brecken said. “I’m in an apartment now.”

“Write down your address and phone number. I need Wes’s number, too.”

Brecken provided the info and gave her the notebook.

“Can you give me keys to your home?” Sam asked Wes.

“Ah, yeah, sure. This one is for the vestibule, and this one is for our place.”

Sam wondered how long would it take for him to realize he now lived alone.

“Thank you for your cooperation at such a difficult time. Audrey would be proud of you for trying to help catch the person who did this to her.”

“I hope so,” he said, wiping away more tears.

Sam stepped out of the conference room and signaled for Detective Cameron Green. “Will you please have Patrol give Wes Hambly and his brother a ride home?”

“Yes, ma’am. Also, I wanted to remind you that Gigi is due back to work tonight.”

“Yes, that’s great news. I’ll stick around until she arrives so we can hand off to her and Dani.”

“I’ll line up Patrol.”

“Thank you.” Sam returned to the conference room. “We’re going to get you a ride home, and I’ll check in with you in the morning.”

“Audrey’s mother… She texted that she’s going to come here.”

Sam handed him her card while doubting anyone could get to DC with a blizzard heading their way. “Have her call me when she arrives.”

He nodded.

“I wish there was more I could do for you than tell you we’ll try our very best to get justice for Audrey—and for you.”

“Thank you.”

When the time was right, she’d talk to him about the grief group she’d founded with Dr. Trulo for victims of violent crime.

“Are you okay?” Freddie asked after Sam saw Wes and his brother off with the Patrol officer.

“Another day, another wonderful person murdered in our city,” Sam said, “and multiple lives changed forever as a result.”

“You’re supposed to be on vacation,” Captain Malone said from behind her.

Sam turned to him. “I know, but we caught a new case—”

“That your team is more than capable of handling.”

“Nick and the kids came back to town because of the storm, so I can give it a little time this week.”

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