“This isn’t over, Sergeant. I refuse to turn a blind eye to blatant disregard for basic rules by someone who’s gotten where she is because of who she is.”

Her hand rolled into a fist that she’d love to plant smack in the middle of his fat face, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Instead, she pulled her notebook from her back pocket and reached for a pen.

His eyes narrowed. “What are you writing?”

“Just a note to maintenance. They need to do something about the smell in here.” As little red blotches popped up on his fat face, she returned the pad to her pocket. “Good luck in the rat squad, Lieutenant. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.” Turning, she took her leave.

“Watch your back, Sergeant,” he called. “Daddy won’t always be there to clean up your messes.”

She turned around. “If you so much as look at my father with crossed eyes, I’ll personally break your fat-assed neck. Got me?”

He raised an eyebrow. “A threat, Sergeant?”

“No, Lieutenant. A promise.”

Chapter 31

Following the confrontation with Stahl, Sam’s stomach burned as she headed for the morgue exit, anxious to avoid the press and get home to Nick. The prospect of a boisterous Sunday dinner with her sisters and their families was looking better all the time. She was on her way to a clean escape when Chief Farnsworth stopped her in the lobby.

“I’m glad I caught you, Sergeant. You need to give the media ten minutes.”

She groaned.

“In the aftermath of the bombing, you have to show the public you’re alive and actively engaged in the O’Connor case—and you’ve got to let them know you’ve cleared Terry O’Connor before the president himself starts calling for my ass in a sling.”

“Yes, sir.”

“They’ll ask about Nick.”

Rubbing her hand over her gut, she looked out at the media circus that had taken over the plaza. “I can handle it.”

“I’ll be right there with you.”

“Thank you,” she said, knowing his presence would send the signal that the department was firmly behind her.

“You’re pale. Do you need a minute?”

“No.” She breathed through the pain and buttoned up her coat. “Let’s get it over with.” The chief followed her into the maelstrom.

The reporters went wild, screaming questions at her.

Chief Farnsworth held up a hand to quiet them. “Sergeant Holland will answer your questions if you give her the chance.”

As Sam stepped up to the microphone, the crowd fell silent. “Today, we ruled out Terry O’Connor as a suspect in his brother’s murder. We have a number of other persons of interest we’re looking at closely.” She really wished that was true, but she couldn’t exactly tell the media that the investigation had hit a dead end.

“Can you tell us who they are?”