Page 137 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“We can work around that, but thank you for letting me know—and congratulations.”

“Thank you. We’re excited, and now this is happening.”

“Does that mean you accept my offer?”

“I believe it does.”

“Excellent! We’ll hold a press conference at city hall in a day or two to announce the news. In the meantime, tell the people you need to tell so they hear it from you. The deputy chief works closely with me and my office, and in the wake of the FBI report, it’s safe to say we have hard work to do. I’m looking forward to doing that work with you, Deputy Chief McBride.”

Hearing that title attached to her name for the first time would go down as one of the most amazing—and surreal—moments of Jeannie’s life. “Thank you for your faith in me, ma’am. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise, and please, call me Monique. I’ll be back in touch about swearing you in, and in the meantime… Jeannie, you might want to see about acquiring new uniforms.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you again.”

“My pleasure.”

Jeannie ended the call and sat for the longest time in her car, trying to process that this was really happening before she remembered Michael was waiting to hear from her. She pressed his name at the top of her Favorites list.

He answered on the first ring. “So?”

“How does Deputy Chief McBride sound?”

“I think it sounds wonderful. Aw, baby, I’m so proud, I’m bursting.”

“There’ll be a swearing-in ceremony at city hall in the next day or two. Can you be there with me?”

“I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sam called Freddie into her office. “I want to start over—again—with this investigation, and I want you to help me do it.”

He eyed her skeptically. “Help you how?”

“Let’s hit the streets with Vernon and Jimmy driving us. Let’s do what we do while we wait for FDS, which can take months. We don’t have months with this guy raping and murdering women right under our noses. He’s brazen. He does this in a public park where anyone might hear them scream for help. That tells me we’re looking for someone who’s fearless, who thinks he’s unstoppable and untouchable. Let’s go find him.”

“I hate to be the one to remind you that you’re on desk duty and not allowed to work in the field.”

“I don’t need to be reminded of anything, Detective. We’re going to walk out of here like we always do, and you won’t say or do anything to draw attention to what we’re doing. You got me?”

“Playing devil’s advocate, but what if someone comes at us, and my partner is unable to defend herself or me? What then?”

“We’re going to talk to the families and friends of the victims. Who’s going to come at us?”

“Someone is always coming at us.”

“Go get your stuff and be cool. I mean it. Don’t tip anyone off, or I’ll partner up with someone else for this mission.”

Rolling his eyes, he turned to see to her orders.

They were leaving the pit when Jeannie came in, looking wide-eyed and amazed.

“I talked to her,” Jeannie said to Sam. “And I accepted.”

“Yes!”

“What’s happening?” Freddie asked, his gaze darting between them.