Freddie cleared the emotion from his throat. “So what happened with Nick before? I’ve never seen him so pissed.”

“He heard about the IAB hearing—through the grapevine.”

“Ouch,” Freddie said with a wince. “I hate to say I told you so, but, I told you so.”

“Shut up.”

“You should’ve told him the day Stahl gave you the summons.”

“While I appreciate your sage relationship advice, I’d much rather talk about you and your fuck buddy.”

His face turned bright red.

“Ahh, now we’re getting somewhere.”

“That’s not what she is,” he stammered.

Sam raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Oh no?”

He shook his head. “I like her.”

“You like banging her.”

“Do you have to be so crude?” he huffed.

Sam pretended to give that some serious thought. “Um, yeah. I do.”

“Can you try to be serious for just a minute?”

She could see there was something he wanted to say so she did her best to wipe the smug grin off her face.

“I wasn’t expecting to like her so much,” he said haltingly. “It wasn’t supposed to be about that.”

“Oh for Christ’s sake, Cruz, you can’t fall for the first chick you ever bang—”

His face lit up once again. “I’ve asked you not to use the Lord’s name in vain, and she’s not the first.”

Sam shot him a look intended to remind him of who he was dealing with. “Whatever you say, stud. I just hope you’re being careful. Women like her aren’t looking for forever.”

“Neither am I.”

“If you say so.”

“Why do you have to be so cynical? Isn’t it possible that maybe she’s the one for me?”

“No, it’s not possible. Life doesn’t work that way. You can have some fun with her but be prepared for her to get bored and move on. That’s how it goes.”

“Are you prepared for Nick to get bored and move on?”

The barb shot straight to her heart. “That’s different. We’re older and ready for a serious relationship.” God, at least she hoped so. “You need to test the waters a little more before you start thinking permanent.”

“I tested the waters and ended up getting shot.”

Snickering, Sam said, “That could really only happen to you.”

“Glad to amuse you.”

“Oh you do. That you do.” She laughed at the tortured expression on his face. “Thanks for the laugh, Cruz. I really needed that.”

His scowl answered for him.

“Now let’s figure out who Sanducci’s disciples are.”

Gonzo parallel parked on New York Avenue, in one of the rougher neighborhoods along a main artery into and out of the city. Since McBride had been working the case, Sam had asked him to partner up with Jeannie for the duration of the Sinclair investigation. He studied the storefront and then looked over at her. “Nice digs.”