Page 103 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Don’t steal my fun. Railing is one of my favorite hobbies.”

“Rail away,” Vernon said, grinning as he closed the door.

They followed Gonzo through traffic to K Street, passing the lounge where she and Nick had celebrated their promotions to lieutenant and senator two New Year’s Eves ago. What a long, strange trip they’d taken together since then, Sam thought. If she’d known then where it all was leading, would she have still gone all in with him?

Hell to the yes. No question. He was worth every crazy twist and turn in the road that had led them to living in the White House. After ten minutes back with him six long years after she’d first met him, she’d known she’d never be happy with anyone else. He was it for her. The only thing she’d change about these last few years was that her dad would still be alive.

She’d give anything to see him wheeling through the halls of the White House like he owned the place.

When tears filled her eyes, she shook off thoughts of her late father so she could get back into the mindset needed for the victim they were on their way to. The weeks away from the job had made her brain go soft, even as she’d stayed engaged from the sidelines. Though she still had limitations, being back on the front lines beat being unable to work.

Vernon brought the SUV to a halt behind Gonzo’s car and jumped out to give her a hand.

“Thanks a lot,” Sam said.

“My pleasure. Don’t overdo it, kid.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Sure, you wouldn’t.”

Sam appreciated his sarcasm. She made her way slowly and carefully to the tape line being minded by an officer she didn’t recognize.

The young woman lifted the yellow tape for her. “Lieutenant.”

Sam glanced at her name tag. “Thank you, Officer Wisdom. That’s a great name.”

“Thank you, ma’am. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Sam made her way over uneven terrain she shouldn’t have been walking on to where Freddie and Gonzo stood over the body. When they parted to let her in, she noted the half-naked young woman and let out a swear under her breath. “Not again.”

“Afraid so,” Gonzo said, sounding as frustrated as she felt.

“The case for FDS just got stronger,” Freddie said.

“True.” Sam leaned in for a closer look. “What do we know about her?”

“Her name is Ling Woo, age twenty-seven, with a Georgetown student ID and a DC driver’s license. Lives about six blocks from here in a third-floor apartment on Ward Place.”

They took photos and waited for Lindsey to arrive.

“Again?” Lindsey asked as she viewed the body.

“Apparently,” Sam said.

They’d released multiple warnings about a sexual predator targeting Rock Creek Park, but that hadn’t stopped Ling or other women from continuing to live their lives despite the threat. Sam didn’t blame them. Why should they live in fear? It infuriated her that anyone in their city had to live that way, and she was more determined than ever to stop this guy.

A short time later, they made their way back to the cars, stopping to question everyone they encountered, asking if they’d seen or heard anything.

“Someone has to have seen something at one of these scenes,” Gonzo said.

“Since I can’t do stairs, I’ll go back to brief the media and make an appeal for info,” Sam said. “You guys track down her people.”

“I’d rather brief the media,” Freddie said.

“So would I,” Sam said.

Vernon helped Sam back into the SUV. “Where we headed?”