Page 128 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“Luckily, you have plenty to do in this job and don’t need to change careers.”

Sam wouldn’t have thought she could laugh just then, but leave it to the captain. “What’re we hearing about Dominguez? I tried to call her last night, but her voice mail picked up. I also left a message for Carlucci.” It was odd that Carlucci hadn’t called her back yet, which she should’ve realized before now.

“Apparently, Gigi was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and went home to her mother’s place to recuperate.”

“Have you heard anything from Carlucci?” Sam asked.

“Not since yesterday.”

“That’s odd. Now that I think about it, I called her twice yesterday and didn’t hear back.”

“What’re you thinking?”

“I don’t know what to think. Ask Green to come in here, will you?”

Malone went to the door and summoned Detective Green into the office, closing the door when he was inside.

“What’s up?” Green asked Sam.

“I promise I’m not trying to bust your balls, but I assume you saw Gigi yesterday?”

“Uh, yeah. I gave her a ride to her mother’s place and hung out for a bit. Why?”

“Did you see Dani?”

“She was there when we first got Gigi home, but she had to leave for a birthday party for her niece. I haven’t talked to her since then.”

“What time was that?”

“Around three.”

“I’ve left two messages for her since then. She hasn’t returned either one.”

Sam could tell Cam thought that was strange too. On their job, if your lieutenant called, you took the call or returned it right away. “Let’s go to her place and do a welfare check. We need her address.”

“I know where she lives,” Cam said.

“Take backup,” Malone said. “Just in case.”

Sam had a sick feeling in her stomach as she signaled for Cruz to join her and Green as they headed for the morgue exit.

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Cam said.

“What’s going on?” Freddie asked, donning a trench coat as he tried to keep up with her.

Cameron filled him in, saving Sam from having to repeat her concerns.

“Crap,” Freddie said. “That’s not like her.”

“Cam, call Gigi,” Sam said. “See if she’s heard from Dani since yesterday.”

Cameron put through the call. “Hey, it’s me. How’re you doing?” He listened for a second, said a few words and then asked, “Have you heard from Dani since she left yesterday?”

Sam watched him closely.

He shook his head as he continued to talk to Gigi.

Sam’s stomach began to seriously hurt. What the hell was happening, and where in the hell was her detective?