Page 50 of State of Retribution (First Family #9)
“No, he doesn’t. You haven’t done anything wrong, and you shouldn’t allow him or anyone else to blame you for what these monsters have done.”
“You’re hardly unbiased.”
“I know better than anyone in this entire world how hard you work on behalf of every victim and every victim’s family. You’re relentless, focused, dedicated and determined, and, if need be, I’ll go on every newscast in the world to say that publicly to anyone who’ll listen.”
“Thank you,” she said gruffly. “You’re the best.”
“No, you are, and that’s another thing I’ll tell the world. There’s no one doing this job anywhere in this freaking world better than you.”
Overcome by all the emotions, she waved her hand in front of her face. “Okay, stop now before you make me cry.”
“I’m not just saying it, Sam. It’s the truth, and I’ll tell anyone who needs to hear it. There’s a whole pit full of detectives in there who’ll agree with me.”
“People will say they agree because I’m their boss.”
“That’s total bullshit, and we’d all say as much to anyone who insinuated that.”
“Now you’re swearing, young Freddie.”
“As usual, you drive me to it.”
“I heard what you said and appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. Now, let’s get back to work making sure Offenbach and Ramsey pay for every crime they’ve committed. That’s how we make this as right as we possibly can. By ensuring they go to prison for the rest of their miserable lives.”
Sam returned to her office, closed the door and sat behind her desk, wounded to her soul by Goodman’s accusatory words and uplifted by Freddie’s vehement support. The roller-coaster ride of highs and lows was giving her whiplash.
A knock on the door came before Malone let himself in and closed the door. “What went down with the victim’s father-in-law?”
“Nothing good.” Sam relayed the lowlights of the conversation. “He said we’d be hearing from his attorneys, and if I’m so hated in the department that my colleagues would kill innocent people to try to get me out of here, maybe I should rethink my plan to stay on the job.”
“I hope you told him you’re universally liked around here, except by a few impotent men who can’t deal with a powerful woman who’s also good at her job.”
She shrugged. “I told him we’re four thousand people who have failings just like anyone else, but what does he care when two of our officers have ruined his daughter’s life?”
“They did that, Sam. Not you.”
“I know.”
“Do you? Really?”
“Yes, but come on, Cap. It’s tied to me and their hatred of me. I’m so tired of fighting this uphill battle with men who can’t handle having me around. What did I ever do to deserve all this?”
“First, you were born to Skip Holland, who was a rock star around here, and then you came in and became a rock star in your own right, despite what your detractors would say. That’s the part they can’t handle, because if they had a million years to make it happen, they’d never be what you are.”
“You humble me, Captain.”
“I speak the truth.”
“Cruz is raging to go outside and say something similar to the reporters.”
“He should. Hell, we all should. Maybe that’s how we address this, with a PR campaign of our own. I’ll take it to the chief and let you know.”
“I’d never want it to be said that I requested such a thing.”
“We’ll leave you out of it. Pretend this conversation never happened, in fact.” He seemed happy to have a plan of attack to fight back against the maliciousness being hurled her way.
“Remember our deal.”
“I remember. Not even close to there yet.”
The BlackBerry rang with a call from Nick. “That’ll be the POTUS.”
He shook his head as he chuckled. “Only you, Holland.”
“He’d better be calling only me.”
“You know he is.”
Sam took the call as Malone left, closing the door behind him. “Sam Holland’s office. Sam speaking.”
“Samantha.”
“Yes, Nicholas, I know. It’s terrible. The FBI has found a 3D printer at Officer Offenbach’s home that’s probably the source of the untraceable drones.”
“I heard.”
“We’ve got Ramsey. Offenbach apparently turned on him, shot him and left him hog-tied while he took off.”
“Which means the more dangerous one is still on the loose.”
“Yes.”
“Are you okay?”
“I’ve been better, especially since a family member of one of their victims ripped me a new one over my colleagues hating me so much they’d kill innocent people to get rid of me.”
“Sam, come on. That’s not true.”
“Sometimes it feels like it is. Freddie and Malone are fired up about it and want to make public statements, although I’m not sure what good that’d do.”
“Let them. It can’t hurt anything.”
“I suppose.”
“I’m sorry this is happening. You feel like it’s your fault those people are dead, and I feel like it’s my fault that people there treat you this way.”
“How is it your fault?”
“I had the audacity to become president, and you had the audacity to keep your job, which just gave them all new reasons to hate you.”
“Don’t take that on. They would’ve come up with other reasons simply because that’s what they’re about.” As she tried to convince him, she realized she made a good point that she ought to take to heart as well.
“I saw your statement to the press, and I thought you did a great job. And it was an amazing visual to have your female colleagues and friends standing behind you.”
“That was all their doing, but you’re right. It was incredible.”
“I want you to hang on to the high regard all of them have for you as well as that of your squad, your brass and so many others you work with there. I want you to remember all the families that credit you with getting justice for their loved ones and the grief group you founded with them in mind. You give so, so much, and you should never let anyone make you feel like it’s not enough. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, sir, Mr. President. I hear you.”
“I’m being serious, Samantha.”
She smiled. “I know you are, and I appreciate the pep talk. It was just what I needed when I needed it. That’s another of your many superpowers.”
“I’ll show you a few others when you get home.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
“As will I. Are you going to be all right to finish your shift?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You know what we need to do very soon?”
“What’s that?”
“Take that spa weekend you gave me for Christmas that’s been postponed three times already.”
“Yes, please. I need that, and so do you.”
“Two weeks from now? I’ll ask Brant to set it up.”
“It’s a date.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Me either. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“Thanks for calling.”
“Always a pleasure to talk to my lovely wife.”
“Likewise. Now you’ve got to let me go.”
“Never!”
“Go back to work, Nick.”
“If I have to.”
“You have to, and so do I, but I wish it was you and me in one of those huts over the water in Bora Bora without a problem in sight for six to eight months. With the kids next door, of course.”
“Of course,” he said, laughing. “We’ll discuss our plans to run away when I see you.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye.”