IN THE KITCHEN, Nick kept an eye on the goings-on in the other room. He trusted Sam’s instincts about people implicitly, but he didn’t like having Josh Hamilton in his house and neither did the Secret Service. After hearing about the APB that had been issued for Hamilton earlier in the day, Brant had gone so far as to ask when he would be leaving.

When Nick’s cell phone rang, he withdrew it from his pocket to check the caller ID, and took the call from Christina, his former chief of staff. “Hey, what’s up?”

“I’m sorry to bother you when you’re sick. I’m trying to get in touch with Sam, but her phone is going to voicemail.”

“No worries. I’m much better, and she’s dealing with something for work right now.”

“Oh, um, I don’t know what to do.”

She sounded as if she were about to break down.

“What’s wrong, Chris?”

“Tommy... He—he’s asleep, really asleep, for the first time since AJ was killed. I took his phone out of the room so he wouldn’t be disturbed. I just got out of the shower and noticed that he’d missed a recall to work. He’s going to be furious, especially with Sam suspended, but I can’t bring myself to wake him. He needs the sleep so badly.” Her voice caught on a sob.

“I’ll tell Sam, and she’ll smooth it with the brass. She’s working the case, so let him sleep.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, her sobs echoing through the phone.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m trying to be. It’s been rough. Really, really rough.”

“What can I do for you? Name it. Anything.”

“You’re sweet to offer, but I’ve talked him into counseling. I’m pinning all my hopes on that. We have an appointment tomorrow with Trulo.”

“That’s a good first step. He helped Sam a lot after what happened with Stahl. I don’t know that she would’ve found her way back to work without Trulo.”

“I’m worried about him, Nick. He’s wrecked.”

“It’s going to take some time, but he’ll get through it. He’s tough.”

“Usually, yes, but this... I’ve never seen him like this.”

“If you need us, you know where we are. Always.”

She blew out a deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Do you need some company? I could come sit with you or help with Alex or something.”

“You can’t just come over the way you used to, but it’s nice of you to offer.”

“I can come, and I will if it would help.”

“I thought you were on lockdown with the flu.”

“I know how to escape if need be.”

She laughed. “I love you for offering, but you stay home and get better. I’ll be okay.”