Page 88 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“He certainly does.”

Chapter Sixteen

They found the doctor’s name in the directory and took the elevator to the fifth floor. “What’re the odds he’s actually here and available?”

“If I had to guess, I’d say the odds are low.”

“I don’t like that answer.”

“Figured you wouldn’t. I suppose we’re working this weekend.”

“Probably. If you can, that is.” She often had to remind herself that the people under her command had lives in addition to their jobs. Not to mention she was eager to spend time with Scotty and the twins. Weekends had become precious commodities since the kids came into her life, but murder stopped for nothing.

She’d ordered ornament-decorating kits for each of the kids as well as her nieces and nephews from an online vendor and was hoping they’d arrive in time for some craftiness this weekend. Yes, it was out of character for her, but she’d made it a goal to try to spend more one-on-one time doing things outside her comfort zone with the kids. Holiday crafts certainly counted as outside her comfort zone.

“I can work Saturday morning, if need be,” Freddie said. “Elin is working, and then we have a birthday party for one of her nieces in the afternoon.”

“If we have to work, I’ll make sure you’re free by then.”

“Thanks, boss.”

“But let’s make it our goal to sew this fucker up quick so we can be done before the holidays.”

“I’m on board for that.”

They stepped into Dr. Markham’s office, which was all but deserted late on that Tuesday afternoon. The shocked receptionist slid open the window. “May I help you?”

Sam and Freddie showed their badges. “Lieutenant Holland, Detective Cruz to see Dr. Markham.”

“Is he expecting you?”

“No, he’s most definitely not expecting us.”

“Could you please hold on for one minute?”

“I can, but that’s about all the time I have.”

“I’ll be right with you.” The woman closed the window and then disappeared into the corridor off the office.

“I appreciate her,” Sam said.

“Why’s that?”

“She obviously recognized me, but didn’t make a red-hot fool of herself, and when I asked for Markham, she asked if he was expecting me. Not ‘do you have an appointment?’ when she knows damned well I don’t. And then she went right off to get him. I give her an A-plus in receptionisting.”

“That’s not a word.”

“I can make it a word. I’m the first lady, you know.”

He rolled his eyes. “So you’re playing that card when it’s convenient for you?”

“When else should I play it?”

Before he could respond to that, the receptionist came through a door to the inner sanctum. “Right this way, please.”

“A-plus-plus,” Sam said to Freddie.

They followed the receptionist past dark exam rooms to an office at the end of a long hallway. The second Sam caught her first glimpse of Dr. Tyler Markham, she realized why his name was familiar. She’d once come to him for fertility treatment while married to Peter. If he recognized her as anything other than the first lady, he didn’t let on. The sight of his face instantly transported her back to one of the most difficult times in her life, and she had to fight through the swell of emotion that came with those memories so she could stay focused on the job she was here to do.