“And you’re going to believe her over your own deputy director?” Jacoby said with a malicious smirk that Sam wanted to smack off his smug face.

“You bet your goddamned kidnapping, murdering ass I am.”

“You obviously don’t care too much about your career, Agent Hill.”

Hill stepped around the table to face off with Jacoby directly. “Are you still under the illusion that you have any power over me, my career or anything having to do with the Federal Bureau of Investigation? You and Hamilton are a disgrace to everything we stand for as federal agents, and I plan to enjoy every second of your downfall, which will begin when Lieutenant Holland briefs the media in five minutes. She’ll be sharing the security video we have from Hamilton’s house that shows you wielding the golf club that ended his life.”

Sam waved to Jacoby, who stared daggers at her, giving her no doubt that he was more than capable of everything he was being accused of.

“Mr. Jacoby should be given the right to tell his side of the story,” the lawyer said.

“He’ll have his day in court,” Avery said. “After which I’ll look forward to seeing you rot in prison for the rest of your life.”

“Me too,” Sam said. “Looking forward to that tremendously, but now I need to get out of here because the media is waiting and the baby you stole thirty years ago is about to be reunited with his real parents. We’ve got far more important things to do with our time than spend it with the likes of you. Are you coming, Agent Hill?”

“Yeah,” he said, glaring at Jacoby, “I’m finished here.”

Sam preceded him out of the room. “You okay?”

“I’ve been better.”

“You were great in there. I enjoyed that very much.”

The compliment earned her the hint of a smile from Avery.

She handed him a piece of paper.

“What’s this?”

“A check for what I owe you for the Knoxville trip.”

“Oh. Okay.” He stashed it in his back pocket. “Thanks.”

“Listen, Avery... So Nick told me you guys talked on the flight home, and I just wanted to say that I’m sorry if he made you feel uncomfortable or—”

“It was fine, Sam. He said some things I needed to hear and reminded me of how lucky I am to have a woman like Shelby who wants to marry me. It’s all good.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” she said, sighing with relief. “It’ll save me the bother of stabbing him in his sleep.”

Laughing, Avery shook his head. “He sure is a lucky guy.”

“I know. I tell him that every day. Now, what do you say we go make the day of all the reporters who’re waiting for the dirty details of this case?”

“I say lead the way.”

* * *