“Gee, thanks. That’s what I’ve always aspired to be.”
“I feel guilty making a joke when Ethan is missing.”
“You still have to function, and that’s how you cope.”
“I guess. My coping mechanism seems unsavory at the moment.”
“Do whatever it takes to get through it.”
Chief Farnsworth was talking to Avery Hill outside the conference room when Sam and Nick approached.
The chief’s eyes went wide when he saw that Sam had brought a date. “Sam, Mr. President.”
Nick shook hands with both men. “Nice to see you, Joe.”
“You as well.”
“Avery.”
“Mr. President.”
“Let’s get going,” Sam said. “He’s been missing since yesterday afternoon, and we’re no closer to finding him than we were last night.”
“Sorry you and your family are going through this,” Avery said. “I hope we can help.”
“I hope so, too. Thanks for coming.”
Sam and Nick took seats at the far end of the conference table, while Ruiz and Avery took the lead.
Jesse Best came into the room just as Ruiz was about to get started.
“Marshal Best, thank you for joining us,” Ruiz said.
Jesse nodded. “Whatever we can do to help.”
Sam noticed that he looked tired and strained. One of his closest colleagues had been wounded during the showdown with disgraced Officer Offenbach.
He sat next to her.
“Thank you for being here.”
“Any time.”
“How’s Marshal Costello?”
“Making progress.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Detectives Green, Carlucci, Dominguez and O’Brien came in and found seats.
Sam sent them a grateful smile. They’d worked all night and had shown up now for her and her family.
When Nick reached for her hand under the table, she held on tight, thankful for his presence.
Chapter Twelve
“Thank you all for being here today.” Ruiz went through the information they had so far. “Does anyone have anything to add?”
