Page 4 of State of Bliss

“No problem.”

The chief sat across the table from them. “Are you all right, Lieutenant? We know this news is difficult for you, in particular, to hear.”

“I’m fine. Are you?”

They both looked exhausted, as if they’d been awake for days. Maybe they had been.

“I’ve been better,” the chief said. “I’m mad as hell that this guy keeps besmirching the reputation of this department and the hardworking men and women who show up and give it their all every day.”

Sam glanced at Malone. “I assume the tip is from a credible source…”

“One of my longest-standing informants was told by someone he trusts that Stahl was well known for looking for women who wouldn’t have anyone sounding the alarm if they went missing, which they always did.”

Sam shivered as she contemplated the pure evil it would take to do what he was accused of doing. “Can you tell me what specifically you were told?”

“That we should look at Stahl for any missing-women cases over the last twenty years.”

“God, twenty years…”

“Our thoughts exactly,” Farnsworth said. “We’ve worked for forty-six hours straight to make a list of missing women and figure out a plan to deal with this latest nightmare he’s brought to our door.”

“Do you think he did it?” Sam asked.

“Before he wrapped you in razor wire and threatened to set you on fire, I would’ve said no way,” Farnsworth replied. “But now we know he’s capable of anything, even mass murder.”

“After everything that’s happened, it shouldn’t shock me,” Sam said, “but still… It does.”

“Us, too.”

“We were going to give you a heads-up,” Farnsworth said, “but we know you don’t like special treatment.”

“No, I don’t, so thanks for that.”

“The others were looking for your reaction,” Malone said. “They saw the shock.”

“How can he still shock me? How is that even possible?”

“Trust me,” Farnsworth said. “We get it.”

“We’re going to ask your squad, in conjunction with Special Victims and Crime Scene, to head up the investigation with Gonzo taking the lead to avoid any potential conflicts of interest,” Malone said.

He meant because she was the victim in the two crimes that had already put Stahl away for life.

“That’s a good idea. Gonzo is more than ready for something like that.”

“We agree,” Farnsworth said.

“Where’s Jeannie?” Sam asked, referring to Deputy Chief McBride. “I thought she’d be at the commanders’ meeting.”

“She’s preparing for the all-hands,” Malone said.

“Okay.”

“We’re sorry to ask you to work during your vacation,” Farnsworth added.

“It’s no problem. I can knock it out in an afternoon.”

“You don’t have to stay for the all-hands since you’re on leave,” Malone said.

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