Sam slapped her phone closed, filled with gratitude for Lilia, Roni and the other members of her first lady team who kept the wheels on the bus so her focus could remain on her real job. They always made her look good, even when she was nowhere to be found. She hadn’t completely forgotten about the Top Cops thing. It was more like she’d pushed it to the far back corner of her mind, to be dealt with later. Much later. Although it was now only about three weeks away.
She got a text from Captain Malone that said, Mike pleaded not guilty, and a probable cause hearing was scheduled for two weeks from today.
Damn it. She’d so hoped the charges would get kicked when the judge heard the details of what’d happened. What’s the feeling?
Not sure. Charity Miller is on the case. She might have some insight.
Is it appropriate for me to ask her?
Absolutely not, but I can.
Way to lay a trap for me.
That you walked right into. I’ll mention this to Ruiz so she can address it with you.
You’re very funny today, Cap.
Laughter is the best medicine. See you when you get back.
I’m walking in as we speak.
Thanks for the warning.
When Sam entered the building through the morgue entrance a few minutes later, Lindsey was standing in the hallway with her deputy, Dr. Byron Tomlinson. “What’s up, Docs?” Sam laughed at her own cleverness.
“Haha,” Lindsey said. “I thought you went home.”
“I did. Now I’m back and planning to bring Amara to meet you right away.”
“Ah, okay. That was my next question.”
“Be back in a few.”
Freddie was waiting for her in the pit.
“Where’s Amara?”
“I stashed her in your office, so she’d be close. I told her to lock the door if she needed to feel safe.”
“Good thinking. I’ll take her to meet Lindsey.”
Sam used her key in the door and walked in to find Amara seated behind the desk, with her feet resting on the open drawer Sam used as a footstool. “Pardon me, Commander. May I have a word?”
Amara’s soft giggle touched Sam’s heart. “Sorry to make myself right at home.”
“You’re more than welcome to.”
She pointed to the wedding photo Sam kept on the desk. “Your husband is handsome.”
“I’ve heard that from a few people.”
“Like every woman in America?”
“And quite a few of the men, too.”
Amara laughed again. “From what I’ve seen and read about you guys, he’s only interested in you.”
“I’m very lucky, and it works both ways. He’s the bomb, but don’t tell anyone I said that. The word ‘bomb’ tends to trigger the Secret Service.”
