Memphis wished she could glare at them both at the same time. “Are you two done?”
“Nah, baby, we’re just getting started,” Alberta said, “and we aren’t leaving until we’re sure our girl is making good decisions for herself—and the career she worked so hard to have.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Memphis said under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s what I thought you said.”
She wanted to remind them that she was thirty-three years old and a fully grown adult in charge of her own life and could decide who was important to her. But she’d never say that out loud. They’d raised her to respect them, and she did. Most of the time, anyway. When they weren’t trying to run her life the way they had when she’d lived at home. Leaving for college had been the best thing to ever happen to her, even if she’d missed them fiercely.
How long would Jesse be gone this time, she wondered, and what would he have to say when he returned? And could they go back in time to when she first woke up from surgery, when he called her baby and was about to cry with gratitude because she hadn’t gone and died on him? That’d be nice.
* * *
“Babe.”
Nick’s whispered word and the soft kiss to her cheek roused Sam from the deepest of deep sleeps.
“Mmm. Not yet.”
“You’ve got to wake up. Social media is on fire over Ethan and the murder of Luna Ahern.”
Sam’s eyes flew open so fast, it was a wonder she didn’t sprain her eyelids. “What?”
“People are speculating about what happened, saying he was probably involved, but we’re covering it up to preserve his reputation or some such nonsense.”
Groaning, she said, “Come on. We already said he was a victim, not a perp.”
“You have to say it again—and soon. It’s already spinning out of control.”
Her phone rang with a call from Malone.
“Wonder what he’s calling about,” she said as she reached for the phone. “Hey.”
“Are you seeing the stuff online?”
“Not yet, but Nick just told me about it. What’s the plan?”
“We need to issue an update ASAP to put a stop to the speculation. We’re prepared to announce we’re charging Asher and Brecken Mayfield with kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment and felony murder. Brecken will be charged as an adult, even though he’s only fifteen. The statement will also reiterate that neither Ethan Hogan nor Tomas Cambra was involved in the kidnapping, sexual assault or murder of Luna Ahern. Does that work for you?”
“Yes, that’s fine. Thank you for handling it.”
“We’ll get it right out and put a stop to this shit.”
“I hope that does it.” She glanced at Nick. “Do you mind if Nick’s team puts out a statement after yours?”
“Do whatever it takes to shut this shit down.”
“Thanks, Cap. If it’s okay with you, I think I’ll take a personal day today.”
“It’s fine with me. Take tomorrow, too.”
“Tell Gonzo to call me as needed on the Carver case.”
“We’ve got it. Take a much-needed break and be with your family.”
