“However long it takes.” He tipped her chin up so he could see her eyes. “But there’ll be no more faking.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “How did you know?”

“After experiencing the real thing, there’s no mistaking a fake.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry I filled your head with doubts.” Cupping her breast, he said, “The way I see it, I owe you two.”

Eyes fluttering shut, Sam floated on a cloud of sensation. “Must. Go. To. Work.”

He kissed his way down her neck. “You’ll get there. Eventually.”

Chapter 21

Sam and Jeannie pulled up in front of Devon Sinclair’s swanky Dupont Circle townhouse just after one o’clock. She had two hours before the Internal Affairs hearing and intended to put the time to good use. Through a call to Devon’s law firm, she had learned that he was on bereavement leave.

“Nice digs for an associate,” she said.

“You’re sure you’re up for this, Lieutenant?” Jeannie asked as they climbed the stone stairs. “Tyrone and I could take the lead on this one.” She referred to her usual partner.

“I keep telling everyone I’m fine,” Sam said, exasperated.

“Just asking.”

She turned to Jeannie. “What would you do? If it’d happened to you, would you go home and take to your bed?”

“I’d probably do what you’re doing.”

“Good, so maybe we can drop it now?” She missed Cruz who was a lot more fun to abuse than McBride.

“You’re the boss.”

“Lieutenant Holland!”

Sam spun around and groaned when she saw Darren Tabor, her least favorite reporter from the Washington Star, and several other reporters chasing after her. “Not now, Darren.”

“Just a couple of questions about what happened with Reese.”

“Not now.” She pushed past them and went up the stairs to Devon Sinclair’s townhouse.

“You’re so popular,” Jeannie muttered under her breath.

Sam made a face at her and rang the bell.

Devon Sinclair came to the door. An interesting mix of his parents, he was tall and handsome with close-cropped brown hair and devastated, red-rimmed eyes.

“Mr. Sinclair?”

“Yes.”

“Lieutenant Holland and Detective McBride.” Sam held out her badge for his inspection. “May we have a few minutes of your time?”

He ushered them into a stylish, contemporary living room where another young man was stretched out on the sofa. “My brother, Austin,” Devon said, introducing them. “I assume this is about Julian.”

“Yes,” Sam replied. “Would you mind if we tape our conversation?”

With a weary gesture, Devon granted permission.

“We’re sorry for your loss,” Sam said.

“Thank you.” Devon took a seat next to his brother who sat up to make room. Austin was blond and favored their mother.

“You were close to your uncle?”

“Very. This is just the most horrible thing.” Devon’s eyes filled. “I’m sorry. We’re still in shock.”

“I’m sure you are. Had you seen him recently?”