Page 154 of State of Affairs (First Family 1)

“Part of me thinks it’s too simple to say his cousin was in trouble, so of course it’s related. I’ve been doing this long enough to know to look beyond the obvious. Which is why I’m wondering if there was anything else from around that time that stands out to you. Even the smallest thing can make a difference.”

“The only thing that stands out is that Cal was in a fight for the first time in his life two weeks before.”

Sam felt a tingle in her backbone, which was always a good sign that she was on to something. Her tingles rarely steered her wrong. “What was that about?”

“There was this girl at school who people liked to pick on. We never knew what it was about her that made her a target. She was a really nice girl. This one guy, he decided to play like he was interested in her. He asked her out, made her feel special, treated her nice, and then she found out it was all a big joke. He and his friends were making fun of her the whole time. Calvin was so mad. So, so mad. I told him to stay out of it, but one day at lunch, he was in line behind the guy, and he told him he was a douchebag for treating her that way.”

“What did he say to that?”

“That Calvin needed to watch his mouth. Calvin told him he needed to get some manners, and it escalated from there. Next thing we knew, they were on the floor punching each other. Two teachers pulled them apart. Calvin got suspended for two days for fighting. It was the first time he’d ever been in any kind of trouble. The other kid got expelled because it was, like, his sixth offense that year.”

“Did it escalate beyond that?”

“Lots of chirping, but that was it as far as I knew.”

“Would Calvin have told you if it went beyond that?”

She thought about that for a second. “Maybe not. I was pissed with him for fighting in the first place. I was worried about him doing anything to mess up his chances to go to college. That was all he talked about—when he got to college.”

“Do you remember the name of the guy he fought?”

“Javier Lopez.”

Sam felt like she’d been hit by a taser. No way was this a coincidence. Besides, she didn’t believe in coincidences. “This has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for taking the time.”

“I should be thanking you. We’ve been hoping someone would take another look at Cal’s case for years.”

“I’m sorry again that it took so long. That never should’ve happened. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“You have a lovely home and family, Clarissa. I’d have to believe that Calvin would be proud of you.”

“I hope so,” she said softly.

“I’ll be in touch.”

As Sam got back in her car, she noticed Clarissa standing in the doorway, holding her littlest one. Her heart ached for the people who’d loved Calvin and suffered over his death for so long without the answers they deserved.

Chapter Thirty-One

After pulling away from Clarissa’s house, Sam called Captain Malone.

“Hey,” he said. “What’s up?”

“So, Calvin Worthington…”

“What about him?”

“Cap…” Sam was seized by regret and anger and sadness all at the same time. “I think I might have an idea of what happened. It’s not solid yet, but Stahl… He totally dropped the ball and left these people twisting in the wind all this time. When that gets out…”

“I know,” he said with a sigh. “More bad press for the department.”

“Right. Which is the last thing we need with Feds up in our grill. I’ve spent a half day on it, and I think I know what went down. A half day. I’m so fucking furious right now that these lovely people were forced to wait this long for answers.”

“I’m right there with you. I’m ashamed to say I barely remember the case.”

“I remember it vividly. I was in Patrol and took the initial call. I’ve never forgotten Lenore or her terrible grief, and I’m pissed at myself that I didn’t circle back to this one the first second I was in command.”