“I’ll reach out to him.”
“Thank you.”
“How are you? And how’s your nephew?”
“He’s safe, thankfully. I’m not sure if there’ll be long-term effects, but for now, we’re very grateful to have him back at home where he belongs.”
“I was very saddened to hear about Luna.”
“We all were. It’s unbearable. What do you know about this incel culture stuff?”
“I’ve read a lot about it and how it’s tied into cases over the years.”
“One more thing for women to be afraid of.”
“Is there anything I can do for you, friend? It’s been a rougher-than-usual couple of weeks for you.”
“Thank you, but I’m okay. I need to get back to work on our other case.”
“Don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one.”
“I won’t.”
“Check in with me.”
“Yes, Doc,” she said with pretend exasperation.
“I mean it, Sam. You just had two now ex-colleagues plot to kill you and a nephew kidnapped in a case that involved the murder of a young girl. Please don’t act like either of those things is normal.”
“I hear you, and I appreciate you. I’ll keep in touch.”
“See that you do.”
Sam would keep her promise to be in contact with him. There was a time, not that long ago, when she would’ve resented his insistence—and his interference. But he’d helped her too much in the past to discount the impact of his involvement in her life and career.
Back in the pit, she found Gonzo consulting with Lindsey McNamara. “What’s up, guys?”
“We have DNA matches for both Mayfields,” Lindsey reported.
“Despite his criminal history, I’d really hoped the kid was just another of his dad’s victims and not as much of a monster as his father is,” Sam said with a sigh.
“I said the same thing,” Gonzo replied.
Lindsey handed Sam a copy of the printed report.
“I’ll get with Charity about updating the charges against both of them. Thanks for the quick work, Doc.”
“No problem.” Lindsey glanced at Sam, her green eyes brimming with tears. “They made her suffer before they killed her. I hope they rot in prison for the rest of their miserable lives.”
“We’ll see to it,” Sam said.
Lindsey nodded and walked away.
“I so don’t want to read this report,” Sam said.
“Me either,” Gonzo said.
Sam had to remind herself that she was the commanding officer in the Homicide division, and it was her job to know the details of what’d happened to Luna Ahern so she could ensure justice for the girl and her family.
