“There goes our element of surprise,” Avery said with a droll smile.

“Sorry.”

He waved off her apology and followed the signs to the rental car area. Twenty minutes later they were headed into downtown Knoxville, the GPS guiding them to Dowell Springs Boulevard. When they arrived, they parked and walked into the office together, badges at the ready. The main door to the office had been outfitted in black bunting in deference to Director Hamilton. A photo of him hung in the main lobby, and it too had been veiled in bunting.

“Let me take the lead,” he said. “These are my people.”

Though she usually hated to cede control of an interview, in this case, he was right. “I’m along for the ride.”

The first person they encountered was one of Sam’s favorite things—a receptionist. Avery presented his badge at the reception desk. “I’m Special Agent-in-Charge Avery Hill, Criminal Investigative Division in D.C. This is Metro PD Lieutenant Sam Holland.”

“Oh, Agent Hill,” the woman said. Sam figured her to be in her mid to late fifties. “We didn’t know you were coming—and with the vice president’s wife!”

Sam wanted to groan and punch her. She did neither. Her days of punching people were over. For now, anyway.

“I didn’t tell anyone I was coming. I’m looking for Danielle Koch. Is she here?”

“I... I’m Danielle. Why are you looking for me?”

“Is there somewhere we could talk? In private?”

“I, um... Sure, I guess. Let me get someone to cover for me.” She made a call and spoke softly to the person on the other end. A minute later, another woman appeared to take Danielle’s place at the reception desk. She eyed Avery with suspicion and Sam with recognition.

“You’re—”

“I know.” Sam followed Danielle and Avery into the office, past cubicles of agents working on computers and telephones, to the conference room located in the back of the space.

“What’s this about?” Danielle asked, the moment the door shut behind them.

“Director Hamilton.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s so awful what happened to him. We’re beside ourselves, especially those of us who knew him personally and worked with him.” She wiped away tears.

“Before we go any further, I need to be assured of your discretion,” Avery said. “Nothing we say here can be repeated to anyone. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “I’m under an NDA, so I get it.”

“We’re investigating the possibility of his son Josh’s involvement in his father’s death.”

Danielle’s face went slack with shock at hearing that. “No.”

“You seem certain. Did you know Josh?”

“Not personally, but the director was such a good man. How could his own son possibly kill him?”

“It happens all the time in families. You should know that after years of working in law enforcement.”