By the time they had parked in front of her father’s Capitol Hill home, Nick was the captain’s new best friend. They’d bonded over their shared concern for Sam’s safety as well as their passion for the Redskins, politics and imported beer. If Sam hadn’t already been on the verge of puking, she would be now for sure.

She suspected they were using the small talk to mask the underlying tension that surrounded them all as they contemplated what could have happened that morning and the staggering array of implications they were left to contend with. For that reason, and that reason only, she decided not to kill Nick for defying her.

Her stomach clutched when she saw the chief’s car parked on Ninth Street. No doubt he and her father were in there concocting a plan to lock her up somewhere until she testified.

As they approached the house, Sam glanced at Captain Malone. “Um, sir, could you give us just a second?”

“Sure. I’ll see you in there.” After he had gone inside, Nick turned to her. “I know what you’re going to say, but I was just trying to make conversation—”

She went up on tiptoes to plant a kiss on him.

Startled, he said, “What was that for?”

“Just wanted to.”

“Are you intentionally trying to keep me off balance?”

“It’s not intentional, but if it’s working…”

“I figured I was in for another tongue-lashing—and not the good kind.”

She smiled. “I just wanted to tell you that my dad has some feeling in his right hand, so when I introduce you…” She shrugged. “If you wanted to squeeze his hand, it’d mean something to him. And to me.”

Nick put his arms around her, drew her in close and kissed the top of her head. “Thank you for telling me.”

“He’s going to be all wound up about the bomb and stuff, so he might not even notice you. Don’t be offended by that.”

“I won’t.”

“I hope you didn’t use up all your charm on the captain,” she said, rubbing her belly, “because my dad’s the one who counts. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do. It’s going to be fine, babe. Don’t worry or your stomach will start up.”

She eyed him with amusement. “Starting to see the pattern?”

“Yep. Let’s get this over with before you work yourself into a full-blown episode.”

“Might be too late,” she muttered. Taking one last deep breath, she led him up the ramp to the front door and stepped into a room full of cops.

Celia pounced on her. “Oh my God, Sam!” Her tears dampened Sam’s cheek. Stepping back to run her hands over Sam as if to take inventory, Celia said, “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She did a little spin. “See? Everything still attached and working.”