Nick shook his hand. “Just a husband and uncle today.”
Trulo looked to Sam. “Is there any news?”
“Nothing yet. Big meeting at eight with the Feds.”
“I spoke to my daughter. She apologized for not getting back to us yesterday. She’s had sick kids all weekend. She’ll call you this morning.”
“That’s great, thank you. Sorry to hear about the kids.”
“I guess it was a stomach bug kind of weekend.”
“Yikes.”
“How’re you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m freaked out and super anxious, but doing what I do and trying to help where I can. I’ve been sidelined from the official investigation due to the family connection.”
“Ah, I see, well, I suppose that’s understandable to everyone but you.”
Sam huffed out a laugh. Her friend knew her too well. “I’m on best behavior. Now, anyway. You’d be proud of me.”
“I’m always proud of you. Let me know if there’s anything at all I can do for you or your family. I’m praying for your nephew’s safety and that of the other missing children.”
Sam went around her desk to hug him. “Thanks, Doc. You’re the best.”
“Hang in there, kiddo.”
“I’m hanging. Just barely.”
After the doctor left, Malone appeared in the doorway. “Avery is here with his team. We’re about to get started in the chief’s conference room.” His was twice the size of the one in her pit.
“Is it okay if Nick sits in with us?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“We’ll be right there.”
Malone left the door open when he turned to walk away.
As Sam gathered her notebook, pen and an unopened water bottle, Nick stopped her with a hand to her arm. “I want to remind you that you’re under no obligation to attend a meeting that’s apt to be upsetting to you.”
“Everything I do is upsetting. This is just more so than usual.”
“This is intensely personal, and no one expects you to digest every awful detail.”
“I hear you, and I appreciate the reminder, but this is the one thing I’m good at—digesting the awful details and figuring out what to do about them.”
“If the details are too awful in this case, I want you to remove yourself from the mix. There’re other people here who can do what you do—not as well, of course…”
“Of course,” she said, smiling. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
“That’s why I’m here, because you never look out for yourself when someone else needs you.”
“Love you.”
“Love you more.”
“I already won that fight.” Sam took him by the hand to lead the way to the meeting. As they walked along the corridor, they passed numerous people who did a double take at the sight of the president. “I’m old news around here,” Sam said quietly to him, “but you’re the shit.”
