“I think some cousin time might be just what Ethan and Abby need—and I could use some sister time.”
“We’ll be over after lunch.”
“See you then.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Sam was coming out of the shower an hour later when her phone rang with a call from Faith Miller.
“Hey.”
“Heard you were taking a personal day, and I’m sorry to bother you.”
“No worries. What’s up?”
“First of all, how’s your nephew and your family?”
“We’re hanging in there, avoiding the internet and doing what we can to stem the damage.”
“It’s outrageous. People with no information whatsoever are speculating wildly about eleven-year-old boys being complicit in murder, all because one of them is related to the first couple. Absolute madness.”
“Yes, it is. I heard you’re charging the Mayfields.”
“Charity is at their arraignment now. We’ve all seen a lot, but that case is seriously disturbing.”
“It certainly is.”
“So, I’m calling to remind you of two upcoming court dates. You said you wanted to be notified of anything having to do with Thomas O’Connor, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Not only had he murdered his father and Nick’s former boss, Senator John O’Connor, but Thomas had also killed several of the women his father had dated—and the husband of one of them—while pretending to be faithful to Thomas’s mother.
“There’s a hearing next week to discuss next steps. His defense is still aiming for an insanity defense, but I have to tell you, we’re not on board with that recommendation. We think it’s possible he’s faking it to try to avoid prison.”
“What makes you say that?”
“The fact that the doctors at the psych hospital haven’t witnessed a single thing that would lead them to believe he’s insane or in any way diminished mentally. If anything, they’ve found him to be a well-spoken, articulate young man who gets along well with the other patients and participates in individual and group therapy while seeming to enjoy the interactions. Most of our younger defendants tend to be deeply hostile toward therapy. Thomas loves it. Other than the murders he committed, there’s simply no evidence to support an insanity defense.”
“I see. Thank you for explaining that. Have you been in touch with Senator and Mrs. O’Connor?”
“They’re my next call.”
“I assume it’s okay to tell my husband the hearing is coming up?”
“Yes, of course. Secondly, as you’re certainly aware, the Christopher Nelson trial begins a week from Monday. I wanted to check in to make sure you’re set to testify the first day.”
“That’s the plan.” The son of the late president had conspired to discredit Nick, his father’s popular vice president, to further his own political aspirations. Among other things, Christopher had tortured and killed Sam’s ex-husband, Peter Gibson, who’d refused to give up dirt that could be used against Sam and Nick.
“Do you have any questions or concerns for me?”
“No questions. Many concerns about reopening the wound of my ex-husband’s murder, as well as the countless reasons he was my ex-husband.”
“I’m sorry to put you through it.”
“It’s fine. Goes with the territory. And in case you were wondering, I do hate how often this stuff strikes too close to home for me.”
“I give you credit for rolling with it all.”
“What choice do I have? I can’t give up. I’ve got kids watching me.”
