“Will do, Lieutenant,” Jeannie said. “Try not to worry too much. Conklin and Andrews know you’re a great cop and a gifted detective. It’s going to be fine. I’m sure of it.”

“It’d better be,” Gonzo added.

“Watch your blood pressure, Gonzo,” Sam said, amused by his anger on her behalf. “I appreciate the support, you guys. Let’s not allow it to be too much of a distraction. If you need me I’ll be on the radio or call my cell.”

She left them talking about the injustice of the IAB hearing. Their overwhelming support helped to boost her spirits. On the drive home, she listened to the voicemail from Nick and decided to stop at the store so she could surprise him with a home-cooked meal. After she stashed the makings for linguine and clam sauce in his refrigerator, she went over to check on her dad.

“Anyone home?” she called.

“In here,” Skip replied from the kitchen. “Is that my wayward daughter who used to live here?”

“Very funny.” Sam bent to kiss his cheek. “I still live here.”

“I’ve been wondering why that is when you’ve gotten a much better offer from the handsome guy down the street.”

“I’m thinking about the handsome guy’s better offer.”

“Are you now?”

She shrugged. “It is a pretty good offer. And he does have a Jacuzzi.”

“You’re so easy,” Skip said, laughing. “I hope you’re not holding out because of me. I’m in good hands with Celia. There’s no need for you to be here if you’d rather be somewhere else.”

“I’m just trying to take it slow,” Sam said. “I don’t want to rush into anything.”

“Understandable. After all, if you were to rush in, you might end up on the front page of the Post every other day, and that would kind of suck.”

“You’re very funny tonight, Skippy.” Sam reached for a soda in the fridge. “What’s the occasion?”

“You gonna tell me about it?”

She paused in the midst of opening the bottle. “What?”

He shot her a “you know” look.

Swallowing hard, she said, “How did you hear about it?”

“The question is, why didn’t I hear about it from you?”

“I’ve been in major denial mode.”

“What did Stahl recommend?”

“Two weeks unpaid suspension, reduction to detective.”

Skip winced. “No way Conklin will let that happen.”

“Nothing I can do about it now. I was straight up with them in the hearing, told them exactly how it went down.”

“That’s the best strategy, which I would’ve told you if you hadn’t kept me in the dark—again. Becoming kind of a disturbing pattern between us.”

The comment went straight to her heart because he was right. They’d always been in sync with each other, and she hadn’t been holding up her end of the deal lately.