Page 131 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Because you found someone you liked better than me.”

“That didn’t happen until after we were done. I was honest with you when I told you I wanted out. I’m not going to change my mind, and your harassment is only making me wonder what I ever saw in you in the first place.”

“Don’t say that,” Jaycee said, tears spilling from her eyes. “You don’t mean that!”

“Yes, I do. This has to stop. We gave you a huge break the last time, and you still came back for more. My boss is considering felony charges because you attacked my house knowing there were police officers inside. You’ll do years in jail if she pursues those charges. Is that what you want?”

“What I want is you. What I want is what you promised me.”

Cameron took a deep breath and held it for a second before releasing it. “Then I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything to help you. Detective Cruz will call your lawyer if you let him know who you’d like to represent you.”

“I don’t need a lawyer.”

“Yes, Jaycee, you do.” Cameron walked out of the room, ignoring her cries for him to come back.

Sam left the observation room and went to meet him in the hallway. “You did everything you could—more than she deserved.”

He looked at the floor, seeming defeated. “What’re you going to do?”

“Since she’s unable to see reason and unlikely to stop this, I recommend we ask the USA to file felony charges. But only if you agree.”

“I hate this. I hate everything about it, especially having you involved.”

“It isn’t your fault.”

“Why does it feel like it is?”

“It’s not. You were straight with her. She didn’t like it. That’s on her, not you.”

“I’d never consider felony charges if it wasn’t for Gigi.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re right to be concerned about her.”

“If anything happened to her because of me…”

“It wouldn’t be because of you, Cameron. Tell me you know that.”

“I do, but…”

“Let me talk to the AUSA and see what they want to do about charges. In the meantime, I want you to go home and get some rest.”

“No, that’s okay.”

“That wasn’t a request, Detective. Go home. We’ll take it from here.”

He stood up straighter. “I’m sorry about all this.”

“No apologies needed. Take care of yourself, get some rest, shake it off and come back in the morning.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

Sam nodded and watched him go, noting the unusual hunch to his shoulders.

“That was well done, Lieutenant,” Malone said when he joined her in the hallway.

“Were you eavesdropping, Captain?”

“As a matter of fact, I was.”