Sam followed the young woman through a maze of cubicles so recently renovated that the new-carpet smell was overpowering. When, she wondered, would her own beleaguered pit get a much-needed face-lift? She made a mental note to take that up with Chief Farnsworth. After she’d closed three high-profile murder cases in short order, he owed her a few favors.

Detective Ramsey was in his mid-fifties with a salt-and-pepper crew cut and a no-nonsense demeanor. “What can I do for you, Lieutenant?”

“I’m interested in an old case of yours, a sexual assault. Darius Gardner was charged but never tried.”

His no-nonsense expression became stormy. “Because AUSA Faith Miller totally screwed me over. And then my vic refused to testify. I’ve always suspected Miller said something to her.”

That part was news to Sam. Faith had never mentioned advising the victim not to testify. In light of what Faith had told her, Sam demised that it was far more likely that Garner had threatened his victim. “Would it be possible to get your file and notes on the case?”

“For what purpose?”

“I’m looking into a cold case, and his name came up.”

He thought it over. “Give me a minute.”

“That’s about all I have. Should I come back tomorrow?”

“I have it handy. I’ll be right back.” He returned and handed her the file. “You’ll get it back to me?”

“Absolutely. Appreciate the courtesy.”

“If you wouldn’t mind, keep me in the loop. What happened with this one… it stays with you, you know?”

Sam thought of Quentin Johnson. “I do know, and I’ll be happy to keep you informed.”

“You’re quite the little star around here.”

Taken aback by his tone, Sam weighed her words carefully. “If you say so.”

“Must be nice.”

Okay, there was no denying the snide that time. “Something on your mind, Detective?”

“No, ma’am.”

Sam made a mental note to look into Ramsey’s career trajectory—or lack thereof. She was easily twenty years younger and outranked him by two grades, which she suspected was one reason for his derision.

“Congratulations,” he said, seeming to make an effort to be more conciliatory. “On your wedding.”

“Thank you. Speaking of that, I’m late. Thanks again for the information.”

He nodded, and she felt his eyes—and those of everyone in the division—on her as she made her way through the maze of cubicles.

Well, that was pleasant. If there was one thing about her new life with Nick that Sam couldn’t bear it was all the press scrutiny of their relationship. It was relentless and had brought her far more attention than she wanted or needed as a cop. She put up with it because she knew it furthered Nick’s campaign and career, but it didn’t do much for hers.