Nick watched as Christina signaled to the others to step out of the office. When the door shut behind them, he said, “I thought you were going to stay away from him.”

“I never mentioned the rape.”

“Well, that’s good of you. You stuck to the letter of our agreement. I appreciate that.”

“You’re pissed.”

“You knew I would be.”

He heard her release a deep sigh. “I needed to ask him about my father’s shooting.”

“And look at where that got you—yet another trip to the ER, the week of our wedding, no less.”

“The last time wasn’t my fault. You’ll recall that the gang members were gunning for us.”

“I don’t appreciate you making light of this, Samantha.”

“I’m not making light. I have to go. We’re almost there. I’ll see you at home.”

“I’m coming to get you. Don’t move from that hospital until I get there.” He ended the call before she could put up an argument.

For a long time he sat there, riveted by overwhelming anger and impotence. There wasn’t a goddamned thing he could do to keep her safe. He thought he’d accepted that new fact of his life, but apparently he hadn’t. Not if the fury he was experiencing at the moment was any indication. The last thing they needed the week of their wedding was a big, fat fight, but as he left the Capitol and headed for the GW Emergency Room, he feared that’s exactly what was going to happen.

Freddie leaned in for a closer look at the cut on Sam’s head and winced. “I feel so bad. I never noticed the rock.”

“Since you probably saved both our lives, I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“I saw the gun move and just reacted.”

“You did good. I heard you were like a superhero out there.”

“Nah,” he said, brushing off the compliment. “Nick’s gonna be pissed at me for getting you hurt this week.”

“I imagine he’ll join me in thanking you for making sure I didn’t get killed.” She looked up at her ashen-faced partner. “Tell me you’ve got Gardner in custody.”

“On his way to HQ as we speak.”

“Is Captain Malone here?” Sam asked.

“In the waiting room.”

“Go get him for me, will you?”

“Sure.” Freddie reached into his coat pocket, withdrew Sam’s phone and handed it to her. “Found it after the paramedics carted you away.”

“Oh good. I was wondering where it was.”

“I’ll send Malone in.”