Page 7 of State of Retribution (First Family #9)

W hen they were settled in the back of the Secret Service SUV, Sam turned to look out the back window and saw a second SUV following them, plus the extra agents she’d spotted at the press briefing.

“This is more than a two-agent detail, Vernon.”

“We hope it’s temporary.”

Sam closed her eyes, rested her head against the seat, took a deep breath and released it.

The last thing she wanted or needed at work was a massive Secret Service detail following her around.

She’d found a way to manage with her two regular agents and had even come to enjoy the time they spent together every day.

But a detail of multiple cars and additional agents was a tough pill to swallow, even if she knew it was for her safety.

“Are you okay?” Freddie asked quietly.

“I’m great. Just when I think it can’t get more complicated…”

“Right?”

“I’m already the hugest distraction, and now this.”

“You’re not distracting anyone who matters.”

“You have to say that.”

“No, I don’t. I’d tell you if I was picking up on that vibe, and I’m not.”

“That vibe would never reach you.”

“Yes, it would. There’re people who’d take pleasure in making sure it got to me.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“There’s no vibe. Most of them are probably glad you keep showing up so they don’t have to do what you do.”

She chuckled. “That’s true. Who’d want this hell job?”

“It takes a very special kind of person to do this, to go to the homes of devastated families and interrupt their grieving for the sake of an investigation.”

“In case you were wondering, there’s no part of me that wants to do that.”

“Trust me, I know, but you’ll do it because it needs to be done, and that’s what makes you unique.”

“Us. Our squad. We’re unique. Right up there with SVU, doing work that most of the people who like to bitch about us couldn’t do.”

“Exactly.”

“Has anyone heard from Archie?”

“Just that he extended his leave by a few days.”

Sam pulled out her phone and called her close colleague, who’d once been a friend with benefits. That seemed like a million years ago now. Sam put the call on speaker so Freddie could listen, too.

“Hey,” Archie said. “I was going to call you today to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m okay. You’ve got me and Cruz. How’re you, and how’s your friend?”

“She’s still having some pain but holding up pretty well. I guess it’s a blessing in disguise that she can’t remember what happened.”

A tingle of sensation traveled down Sam’s backbone. “She was hit on the head, right?”

“Yeah, she was knocked out by a blow to the back of the head. That’s probably why she doesn’t remember any of it.”

“We’ve got three new vics in the morgue who were struck in the head from behind.”

“You think it’s related?”

“I hadn’t thought so until right now.”

“Damn. What’s the plan?”

“I’m on my way now to speak to the families of the other victims. When you think the time is right, I’d be very interested in seeing Harlowe.”

“I’ll mention it to her. When we first met, I told her I worked with you, and she geeked out. She’s a fan.”

“Awesome,” Sam said, her tone full of sarcasm.

Archie laughed. “I knew you’d say that. I’ll let you know when she’s up for a chat.”

“How’re you holding up?”

“I’m a basket case, which is new to me. Not handling it well.”

“You know why that is?”

“Please enlighten me.”

“It’s because she matters . Someone finally matters enough to get emotional over.”

“If this is what that feels like, I’d like to unsubscribe.”

Sam laughed. “You’re getting the hard part first. I promise the good stuff is worth waiting for.”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so. I’m known around the world for being somewhat of an expert on this topic.”

Archie and Freddie groaned at the exact same time, which made her laugh again.

“What? Am I or am I not half of an epic marriage that’s envied the world over?”

“Good God,” Freddie said. “She’s starting to believe her own hype.”

Archie lost it laughing. “I think she started believing that shit a long time ago.”

“What can I say? I am a speaker of truth. I know love, boys, and trust me when I tell you that our boy Archie is on his way to the love boat. I saw it happen with my friend Cruz here. And boy oh boy was that messy.”

Freddie scowled at her. “Shut your mouth.”

“Did you or did you not get shot shortly after the first time you?—”

Freddie’s hand over her mouth ended that thought before she could finish it.

She turned her head to break free. “It was messy. Take my word for it. I’ll expect better of you, Archie.”

“I’ll do my best to make you proud, oh wise one.”

“I’m already proud of the way you’re stepping up for her. That’ll matter to her in the long run.”

“Thanks. I’m trying.”

“Let me know if there’s anything you need. I’ll send Freddie over.”

“Haha,” Freddie said, “but I’m here for you, too, friend.”

“That means a lot. Thanks for checking in, guys. Keep me posted on the investigation.”

“We’ll be in touch.”

Sam slapped her phone closed. “How about that? Another of my little boys is growing up.”

“You have a big mouth.”

“File that under things you shouldn’t be allowed to say to your boss.”

A snort of laughter came from the front seat.

“I can say it if it’s true. Just because you know something about me doesn’t mean you get to tell other people that stuff.”

“You got shot, Freddie?” Jimmy asked.

“He sure did. Ask him how it happened. It’s a good story. One of my favorites, actually, but only because he didn’t die.”

Freddie gave her a filthy look. “That’s ancient history and not a good story at all.”

“I disagree. I’ll fill you guys in sometime when he’s not here.”

“No, you won’t!”

Sam laughed so hard, she had tears in her eyes. After yesterday’s fear and panic, the laughter was medicinal. There was comfort in the normal, the bickering, the banter, the day-to-day grind that was made so much more fun by having Freddie by her side.

“If you tell them, I’ll know.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Children, behave,” Vernon said with a grin for Sam in the mirror.

“What fun is that?” Sam asked.

“She loves to drive me crazy. I bet I could sue the department for workplace abuse at this point.”

“Knock yourself out.”

“You’re the one who knocks yourself out. Regularly, in fact.”

Sam chuckled. “Oh, that was a good one. Well played, grasshopper.”

They pulled up to the home of Lorraine Sweeny and immediately returned to professional mode.

Vernon stayed close to Sam as they made their way to the front door of a brick-fronted rowhouse in Southeast. As they moved toward the front door, a woman approached, carrying a huge, covered platter.

“Hold up,” Vernon said as he put himself between her and Sam.

“Can I take that for you?” Jimmy asked her.

“Oh, thank you,” she said. “That’d be great.” She handed the platter to Jimmy and shook out her arms. “I wanted to bring some food to the family. They’ve been our neighbors for twenty-two years. I can’t believe anyone would harm Lorraine. She was just the sweetest person.”

Moved by the woman’s grief, Sam knocked on the door. When a young woman answered, the first thing Sam noticed was that her soft brown eyes were red and swollen.

Sam showed her badge. “I’m Lieutenant Holland with the MPD. This is my partner, Detective Cruz. We wondered if we might speak to Lorraine Sweeny’s family.”

The woman’s eyes flooded with tears. “My mother would be honored to have you visit our home. I wish she was here to meet you.”

“I do, too.”

“Come in.”

Sam gestured to the woman standing by the agents. “Your neighbor was hoping to deliver some food.”

“Oh, hi there, Mrs. Diaz. Thank you so much.”

Jimmy walked the platter to the door.

“How’s your dad doing, Celeste?”

“Not well at all.”

“Give him our love.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you for coming by and for the food.”

Mrs. Diaz blew her a tearful kiss. “I’ll miss your mama every day of the rest of my life.”

“As will I.”

Sam and Freddie followed Celeste to the back of the house, where she deposited the platter on a table. “Please add Mrs. Diaz to the thank-you-note list,” she said to an older woman seated at the table.

The woman looked up, saw Sam and gasped. “As I live and breathe, is the first lady of the United States of America standing in my sister’s kitchen?”

Sam gave her a small smile. “I’m also the lieutenant in charge of figuring out who killed your sister, ma’am, and I’m very sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances.”

The woman stood and came to hug Sam.

She sensed Vernon go tense behind her, but thankfully, he didn’t interfere.

“Come into the sitting room,” Celeste said.

They stood to the side to let her go by them to lead the way.

“Can we get you anything?” Celeste asked.

“No, thank you,” Sam said. “Again, I wish to convey the condolences of our entire department for the loss of your mother.”

“Do you know who did this to her?”

“Not yet, but we’re working on it. Speaking to the family members is where we usually begin.”

“Not because you think we hurt her, I hope.”

“No, even if that’s the case sometimes. We aren’t here to accuse anyone. We want to know more about your mother, her routine, any problems she might’ve been having with anyone. That kind of thing.”

Lorraine’s sister sat next to her niece and took her hand.

“Let’s start with your full names,” Sam said, notebook and pen at the ready.

“Celeste Sweeny. This is my aunt, Doris Matthews.” Celeste used a tissue to wipe away tears. “I’m sorry, but we’re still in shock, even with a couple of days to process this.”

“Of course you are,” Sam said. “We totally understand, and we’re sorry to intrude at such a difficult time.”

“It’s no problem,” Doris said. “We want you to find out who did this to our Lorraine.”

“You told the responding officers that your mom was coming from work at the Green Acres Nursing Home.”

“Yes, that’s right. She worked the three-to-eleven shift on weekends. She used to say she’d done her share of partying on the weekends, so she took those shifts so the younger nurses could have those nights free.”