Page 30 of State of Denial

“I do, and it’s true. No one gets the job done the way you do, but even superstars have their breaking points.”

“How could I look at those kids, dead in their beds, and feel nothing?”

“By asking that question, you’re proving you felt something. It just wasn’t the usual level of outrage.”

“I suppose.”

“Talk to Malone. Tell him how you’re feeling and that I recommend a break. See what he says. I’d be happy to put something in writing to him, if that would help.”

“No, thanks. I don’t want a paper trail on this.”

“Understood. Let me know how I can help.”

“You already have. Thank you.”

“You can thank me by taking care of yourself, my friend.”

After Trulo leftthe conference room, Sam went straight to Malone’s office, fearing she’d lose her resolve if she didn’t do this right now. She knocked on his open door.

“Enter.”

Sam closed the door and leaned back against it.

“How’d it go with Trulo?”

“Good. I think it helped for people to talk about it.” She pushed off the door and took a seat in his visitor chair. “Did you know Charles witnessed her mother’s murder when she was six?”

“I did know that. The case is unsolved.”

“Don’t tell me it’s one of Stahl’s.”

“No, it was one of Joe’s actually. He busted his ass trying to get answers, but it never happened.”

“Is that why he was so protective of her?”

“That’s one of many reasons. He stayed in touch with her and was a mentor to her when she decided to pursue law enforcement.”

“That sounds like him,” Sam said.

“Where are we with the new case?”

Sam updated him on what they’d learned thus far.

“So you’re not feeling it as a murder-suicide?”

“I’m not sure yet. Lindsey reported residue on his right hand, so he either killed the others, or someone wants us to believe he did.”

“Let’s treat it as a homicide until we can prove otherwise.”

“That’s the plan, but I was wondering…”Here goes nothing.“How would you feel if I made Cruz the lead on this one?”

Malone tipped his head to study her, his expression somewhat incredulous. “Why?”

“It’s been brought to my attention by Dr. Trulo that I may need a brief leave of absence to deal with some personal matters.”

“Is everything okay?”

“I’d like to think so, but the evidence is pointing to some concerns in light of recent events that might not have been dealt with properly.”

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