“I’m fine.” After only two minutes in the scrum, Freddie couldn’t imagine how Sam and Nick stood the constant intrusion. Outside, the cold air was a welcome relief. Keeping his head down, he headed for his car. One of the reporters chased after him. Freddie saw it was Darren Tabor. Knowing Sam couldn’t stand him, Freddie kept walking.

“Detective. I just need a minute.”

“You’re not getting anything out of me.”

“Wait, Freddie. Seriously, I need to talk to you.”

Tabor’s use of his first name and his urgent tone got Freddie’s attention. “You have one minute.”

“There’s a rumor floating around about Lieutenant Holland.”

“I don’t want to hear—”

“They’re saying she had an abortion years ago.”

Freddie stared at him. Shaking his head, he started to walk again. “That’s ridiculous. Everyone knows how badly she wants kids.”

“This was when she was in college. The source is solid.”

“So what’re you going to do with it?”

“It’s not me you need to worry about. It’s one of the tabloids.”

“Why are you having a sudden burst of conscience? After the way you savaged her during the Johnson case, I expect less from you.”

“I deal in news, not gossip.” Tabor grabbed his forearm. “Freddie. This is going to blow up big time in the next day or two. Someone needs to warn them.”

The idea of someone intentionally hurting Sam—and Nick—killed him. “Why now? I don’t get it.”

“A former receptionist from the clinic sold the story to the Reporter. Apparently, she made a killing thanks to their popularity.”

Freddie felt sick. “How do you even know about it?”

“A buddy of mine is a photographer for the Reporter. He told me on the Q.T.”

“So why do you care so much about giving them a head’s up?”

“I don’t always agree with her, but she’s a straight shooter. She doesn’t deserve this. No one does.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll take care of it.”

“If, you know, the next time you guys need to use the media to advance your agenda, maybe you’ll consider giving me a call?”

Nothing was ever free. “We’ll keep that in mind.”

Darren turned to walk away.

“Tabor.”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for the head’s up.”

“No problem.”