They left through the morgue entrance and were ushered into the waiting SUV by Vernon, who held the door.
Sam gave him the address of the insurance company where Amara’s mother worked, while Freddie put his call on speaker so Sam could hear his conversation with the Patrol commander to request subtle backup.
“We don’t want to tip her off that we’re coming.”
“Got it. Will send two cars your way in about fifteen minutes.”
“Excellent. Thank you.”
“Are you okay, Freddie?” Sam asked after he ended the call.
“Yeah. The story she told was just…” He shook his head.
Sam glanced at her big-hearted partner. “Outrageous.” After a pause, she said, “I was afraid this was going to be another case of Stahl doing nothing because King was a Black kid.”
“I had that same fear. I was glad to see it was investigated before it went cold.”
“Yeah, me, too.” They’d closed a few cold cases recently that went straight back to the racist, disgraced lieutenant who was now in prison for numerous crimes, including murder. “I have a genuine fear of more cold cases coming back to haunt us.”
“For good reason.”
“How’s Elin feeling?” Sam asked, eager to change the subject.
“Pretty good, other than being super tired. She heard that should pass in the second trimester.”
“I hope it does. That must be tough to handle when she’s usually so active.”
“It is. She craves sleep and doesn’t feel like working out, which is so not like her.”
“No, it sure isn’t.” Elin worked as a trainer at a gym and was super fit.
“Tell her to try yoga,” Vernon said. “One of my daughters said it was a lifesaver when she was expecting.”
“That’s a good idea,” Freddie said. “I’ll mention it to her.”
“How’s Jimmy doing?” Sam asked Vernon.
“Much better. Itching to get back to work. Another week or two, he should be cleared to return.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“You’ll be rid of me soon, Sam,” Agent Quigley said.
“That makes me sad, Q. We’ll miss you in the rolling therapy session.”
“I’ll miss you guys, too. I’ve learned a lot on this detail.”
“We aim to educate and enlighten.”
Freddie’s snort of laughter was right on time. “Did he sign the NDA?”
“No NDAs required,” Vernon said. “The SUV is a vault. Nothing gets out.”
“That’s right,” Q said. “Your secrets are safe with me. Every night, my wife wants to hear about my day with the badass first lady, and I tell her it was just another day at the office.”
“Well, that’s kind of insulting,” Sam said. “Our goal is to give you days you’ll never forget.”
“And you do, but she doesn’t need to know that.”
