Even though he didn’t agree, Nick said, “I’ll take care of it.” He rested his hand on top of Graham’s. “Try not to worry about anything.”

“You’re going to make an outstanding senator.”

“I haven’t said yes yet.”

“You will.” The older man held Nick’s hand until the EMTs arrived and whisked him away.

The moment they left with Graham, Sam returned to the suite.

“Whew,” Nick said. “That was something.”

A cocky grin lit up her gorgeous face. “Just another day at the office.”

“For you, maybe.”

“You did good—for a rookie.”

“Gee, thanks.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his legs still rubbery. “You called Chicago to check on Patricia?”

“They’re on their way to her house as we speak. Thomas had her credit cards in his wallet.”

“I feel sorry for her,” Nick said. “She’s lost them both.”

“The whole situation is too sad, but his lawyer will probably mount an insanity defense.”

“He was going to kill us all, wasn’t he? That’s why he said all the stuff he did in front of us.”

“I suspect that became his plan when we insisted on staying. I just can’t believe I didn’t figure this out sooner. I was so sure it was a love affair gone wrong.”

“Well, it sort of was when you think about it.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I’m just glad we were here when Thomas confronted Graham.” He shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened.”

“It’s probably better if you don’t think about it.”

Nick slipped an arm around her shoulders. “We need to talk about what happened before Thomas showed up.”

“Later.” She hip checked him. “No PDA in front of the colleagues.”

He slapped her on the ass. “Screw that.”

Sam attempted a dirty look but failed to pull it off.

“We make a good team, you know that?” he said.

“As long as you remember who’s in charge.”

Nick took great pleasure in hooking an arm around her and escorting her down the hallway full of hooting cops. Not even the elbow she jammed in his ribs could detract from his euphoria at having her by his side and John’s killer on his way to jail.

In the elevator, she looked up at him, her clear blue eyes full of love. “Thanks for having my back in there.”

Hugging her closer to him, he kissed her cheek and then her lips. “Samantha, I’ll always have your back.”

Epilogue