Page 45 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Yes, they are, and they’re also exceptionally good at their jobs. It’s a fine line we walk with that combination.”

“Still… We told them to stand down.”

“I told you Sam called me. We talked about it and agreed to turn what McBride had over to the marshals. Jesse Best blew our cover, but you can’t blame him. He was giving credit where it was due.”

“Yeah, I get all that. What I’ll never understand for the rest of my life is how Stahl faked entire investigations and even filed the paperwork to go along with his bullshit. And then, of course, I wonder what else there is.”

“And that’s the crux of the matter, which is why you need to direct your anger where it belongs—and not at Holland or McBride.”

“I’m pissed about the insubordination, and I’m gonna be for a few days.”

“While you fume about that, I want you to quietly talk to the captains from that time, including Conklin, and find out who helped Stahl hide the paper trail. I want you to personally handle that, with no one else involved.”

“Is this a criminal investigation?” Malone asked.

“Potentially. I mean, why were his fake reports separate from the case files? It makes no sense.”

“How long is this guy going to continue to haunt us, anyway?”

“I’m afraid we’ve only seen the tip of the Stahl iceberg.”

As Sam made her way back to the pit, she encountered Freddie coming toward her. “We’ve got a body in Rock Creek Park. We weren’t sure if you wanted to take that, or if you’re outta here after the press briefing.”

Sam checked her watch and saw it was almost one thirty. Her goal was to be back at Camp David for dinner. “I’ve got some time.” In the pit, she called for Jeannie.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“You’ll be handling the press briefing on Deasly.”

Jeannie’s expression went blank. “Me?”

“Yes, you. It was your bust, and you should get the credit.”

“But the captain and chief—”

“Would like you to do it. The chief will go out with you and field any questions about the past handling of the case.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Just go out and tell them what you did and how you found Carisma. That’s what they want to hear.”

“When do they want me to do it?”

“Now would be good.” Sam had never seen Jeannie look so flummoxed. She handed Jeannie the statement that public affairs had come up with. “I’ll go out with you, too, if that would help.”

“Yes, please.”

“They want you to start with that statement and take it from there.”

“Okay.”

Jeannie gathered notes and reports she wouldn’t need. She knew the case by heart. Sam was certain of that. Cases like these worked their way into your bone marrow, where they would stay forever. As she went into her office to grab her coat, Sam could recall the intricate details of cases she’d worked years ago for that very reason.

When Jeannie was as ready as she’d ever be, Sam said to Freddie, “Be ready to go to Rock Creek Park right after this.”

“Yes, ma’am. Good luck, Jeannie.”

The rest of the squad called out words of support as Sam and Jeannie walked toward the main lobby to meet the chief.