“You’re as cool as I hoped you’d be.”
“That’s nice of you to say. It took a lot of courage to do what you did today, and to live with the horror of your brother’s murder for six long years. How about I take you to meet my friend Lindsey, the medical examiner, who’s offered a place for you to stay for as long as you need it.”
“Really?”
Sam nodded. “She’s the best. Fun fact—her fiancé is my husband’s chief of staff at the White House.”
“What does the chief of staff do?”
“He’s the real boss of the place.”
“Ah, I see. So your husband does what he tells him to?”
“If he’s smart, which he is. Want me to help with your bags?”
“Sure, thanks.” Amara handed the smaller of the two bags to Sam. “It was hard to narrow it down to what I could fit into two bags.”
“We’ll get you into the house to retrieve the rest of your belongings.”
“Really? Th-that’d be amazing. I had to leave my cat…”
“There’s a cat in the house?”
“Yes.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that. Since Crime Scene detectives will be processing the house, we’ll send Animal Control to get it. What’s the name?”
“Sunshine. She’s my baby. My friend was going to sneak in and take her to her house, but I’d so love to have her with me.”
“We’ll make that happen.”
“You’re all so nice. I… I really appreciate it.”
With each of them carrying one of the bags, Sam escorted her down the hallway to the morgue. “As I said, my friend Lindsey is the medical examiner. Do you know what a medical examiner does?”
“Autopsies and stuff?”
“That’s right. Her office is in the morgue.”
“Are there dead bodies in there?”
“I don’t think there’re any at the moment, but it’s okay if you don’t want to go in there.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I can handle it. I’ve been thinking about going into nursing.”
“Lindsey would be a great resource for you. She’s a doctor.”
“That’s cool.”
They walked through the automatic doors to the morgue. “Hey, Lindsey,” Sam said. “I’ve brought Amara to meet you.”
Lindsey popped up from behind her computer and smiled warmly as she came to greet them.
“Dr. Lindsey McNamara, meet Amara Robinson.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Lindsey shook Amara’s hand. “Sam has told me about your courageous testimony today. I’m happy to offer you a place to stay for as long as you need it.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you so much.”
