“A direct one. If you knew me at all, and I usually think you know me better than anyone, you wouldn’t question my need to run this case.”

“I do question it. Everyone needs a break, even you. We need a break. I’m so freaking sick of the treadmill we live on. I want off for one goddamned week, and I want my wife with me. We had plans.”

“You’re married to a goddamned homicide detective, Nick. You know the drill. How in the world do you expect me to take a step back from this of all cases?”

“I expect you to keep your plans with me.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this. I never would’ve expected this from you.”

“Sam, come on,” he said imploringly. “We’ve had the year from hell with nonstop work and insanity. We’ve been in a car wreck, lost a baby, nearly got blown up in our own house, had numerous injuries—some of them serious—lost several of our close friends, been stalked by the media, ran a campaign, got married and adopted a son. How am I out of line to desperately need a week completely off with my family after all of that?”

“You’re not out of line.” When he recited the list, she couldn’t exactly argue with his logic. “But there’s no way I can relax and enjoy a vacation with six dead kids on my conscience and a niece who’s been drugged and sexually assaulted lying in the hospital when who knows what has been done to her. I’ll go crazy if I can’t work this case.”

“You do what you’ve gotta do. I’m going home to our son. Tell Tracy and Mike I’ll help Celia take care of Abby and Ethan for as long as they need me.”

Sam took hold of his arm, rocked by the rare disagreement. “Nick, come on. Don’t leave mad. Please?”

He kissed her forehead and then her lips. “I’m not mad. I’m fed up. I’ve been living for this time with you, and I need it, babe. I really need it. But I guess it’s not going to happen. I’ll see you when I see you.”

Sam watched, incredulous, as he walked away from her without telling her he loved her or asking her to be careful or any of the things he usually said to her. She could tell by the way he walked that he was in pain, and the set of his shoulders indicated he was angry, too, despite his claims to the contrary.

Awesome. That was just what she needed right now. She took a deep breath and went into the room to speak to her sisters and brother-in-law. “I’m going in to work to try to figure out what went on last night. Will you call me when she wakes up?”