“You don’t mean that.”

“What if I do? My life would be a whole lot simpler without this job, and I could focus on my duties as a mother and the second lady without having to worry about chasing down killers or people taking me hostage or gunning down my officers simply because they carry a badge.”

“Your squad has had a rough go of it lately. We’re all painfully aware of that. For what it’s worth, I urged Forrester to take that into account as he weighs whether or not to formally charge you.”

“I appreciate your efforts on my behalf, Chief.”

“I also want you to know that Ramsey will face disciplinary action for what he said to you, which was so far out of line it’s not even funny.”

“No, it wasn’t funny, and as far as I’m concerned, a broken wrist and a concussion are the least of what he deserved.”

“On that we may agree, but I can’t and won’t condone this kind of behavior from officers of your rank and stature.”

“Understood. Hopefully, I’ll never again have reason to lay out one of my fellow officers.”

“Let’s hope not. I’ll see you Wednesday?”

“Yeah.”

“Let me know what happens with Forrester.”

“I will.”

He walked her to the door. “Give Nick and Scotty my regards. I hope they feel better soon.”

“Thank you.”

Sam was walking to her car when her phone rang. She took the call from Darren Tabor, prepared to rip him a new one for reporting on her suspension, but she never got the chance.

“Why have you guys issued an APB for the FBI director’s son?”

For a second, Sam thought about telling Darren why they were looking for Hamilton’s son, but the chief’s words echoed loudly in her mind, reminding her she had no right to speak on the department’s behalf. Not today anyway.

“Why’re you asking me? As you’ve already told the world, I’m suspended.”

“But you know why, don’t you?”

“No comment.”

“Is he in trouble?”

Sam could almost hear the young reporter salivating over the possibility of one of the nation’s top law enforcement officers having a son in trouble. “No comment.”

“Come on, Sam, you gotta give me something.”

“No, I actually don’t, especially since you screwed me on the suspension thing.”

“Other people already had it. That was happening with me or without me.”

“I’ve got to go, Darren.”

“How’s the vice president?”

“Better.”

“Can you tell me anything about this situation with Hamilton’s family?”

“Nope.”

“Not even off the record?”

“Nope.”

“You’re killing me, Sam.”