Page 144 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Heels make no sense to me in general, but I sure do love what they do for my wife’s spectacular legs.”

“Ew.”

“What? My wife’s legs are in fact spectacular.”

“Knock it off.”

“You started it.”

“Is everyone staring at me, or does it just seem that way?”

“They’re all staring.”

“Awesome. Where’s that hostess?”

Sam went around the hostess stand and made her way to the back of the restaurant, where the hostess was conferring with a dark-haired young woman. “Are you Cassie?” Sam asked the woman.

“I am.”

“Get lost,” Sam told the hostess, who gave her a testy look.

“Do it,” Freddie said. “You don’t want to make her mad.”

During the long weeks on the sidelines, Sam had forgotten how fun this job could be with him as her wingman.

Sam introduced herself and Freddie to Cassie. “Is there somewhere we can talk?”

“Is this about Ling?”

“Yes.”

“Will you keep an eye on my tables?” Cassie asked another waitress.

“Sure,” she said, eyeing Sam.

Cassie led them to a break room and closed the door.

“We spoke with Lily at your apartment, and she mentioned an outing for your birthday at which a guy named Shane was hassling Ling. Do you know where we might find him?”

“I don’t really know him.”

“Lily said he came with guys you know.”

She nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Can you please ask them where we might find him, only don’t tell them who wants to know?”

“Of course.” She went to a locker and retrieved her cell phone.

An older woman came into the room. “What’s going on here? Is she in trouble?”

“No, she isn’t. As I’m sure you know, her roommate was murdered. She’s helping us with something, so leave us alone.”

“Make it quick,” the woman said.

“Pleasant,” Sam said after the woman left the room with a loud slam of the door.

“She’s a real joy to work for,” Cassie said sarcastically. She thumbed through her phone and sent a text. Her phone chimed a few seconds later.