“He seems quite pleased with himself,” Malone said, smiling.
“It was a good question, and I guess I hadn’t thought to speak to them because I was so focused on the twenty-four-hour deadline.”
“The answer could be sitting right in our jail.”
“That’d save us some time.”
“Your grasshopper is coming along very nicely.”
“I’ve done a fine job with him.”
Malone rolled his eyes. “You’ve tried everything you can think of to ruin him. Unsuccessfully, I might add.”
“He’s coming along on the path to ruination, too.”
“When you finish congratulating yourself, get Hope back here to watch the interview with the mother.”
“Right.” Sam smiled at his sauciness as she made the call to the AUSA, relieved that he was behaving like himself despite the news he’d shared earlier. “Hey, so we’re going to talk to the mother and make her think the stepfather is giving up the details.”
“Oh, I like that. I’ll be right over.”
“See you soon.” She slapped her phone closed. “She’s on her way.”
While she waited to get everything in place, she checked the BlackBerry to find there was no word from Nick. So she texted him. Any updates? Text or call if you need me. Hoping to be home for dinner but may have to come back in later. Love you.
She switched phones to read a message from Shelby. Hi there, hope you’re having a good day. The low-key baptism for Ms. Maisie is on for Sunday afternoon if her beloved godparents are still available that day.
Godparents reporting for duty. Godfather will return from travel Sunday morning. What can I do to help?
Absolutely nothing. I’ve got it covered.
Why did I know you were going to say that, Tink?
Because it’s what I do! Can’t wait for some time together. It’s been too long.
Come for dinner tonight. We miss you guys, and Nick needs the distraction.
We’ll be there. And PS, we still can’t believe our baby girl’s godparents are our very dear friends, the POTUS and FLOTUS.
She can call us Sam and Nick. Love you.
Love you, too.
Sam had stashed the phone in her pocket by the time Freddie returned to tell her Thelma was in interview two. “Did she say anything about a lawyer?”
“Nope.”
“Excellent. We’re just waiting for Hope.”
“I’m here,” Hope said as she came toward them. “I was in the area.”
“Let’s do this,” Sam said.
Chapter Twelve
Malone joined Hope in the observation room as Sam burst through the door of the interrogation room, taking Thelma by surprise. She visibly recoiled at the sight of Sam. Also excellent.
At forty-seven, Thelma had long dark hair and light brown skin. Her eyes were puffy and rimmed with red, as if she’d been crying.
