Graham’s face tightened with grief. “It was my fault for keeping Patricia and Thomas hidden away for all those years. I forced John to live a double life and to lie to them. When Thomas found out there’d been other women in his father’s life, he just snapped.”

“You did what you thought was right, Graham,” Julian said. “Those were different times. You would’ve taken a hard political hit if people found out that your teenaged son had fathered a child—not to mention what it would’ve done to John’s future.”

“Did you know?” Nick asked Julian. “About Thomas?”

Julian glanced at Graham. “I did.”

Expelling a long deep breath, Nick sat back against the sofa.

Sam knew Nick was still dealing with leftover shock and disbelief that John had kept his son hidden from even his closest friend and most trusted aide.

“He was one of the few,” Graham said quickly, tuning into Nick’s dismay. “I didn’t know what to do, so I asked a couple of close friends for their advice.”

“I agreed with what you did, so that makes me partly culpable, I suppose,” Julian said, swirling the wine around in his glass, a rueful expression on his face.

“There’s no point in second guessing,” Laine said, sending the message to the others that she had heard enough about the circumstances of her youngest child’s death.

“You’re absolutely right, Laine,” Julian said, turning his attention to Sam. “So you’re a detective.”

“And a recently promoted lieutenant,” Nick added with a proud smile.

“Congratulations,” Julian said. “A wonderful accomplishment.”

“Thank you.”

“How’s the new job, Sam?” Laine asked with what appeared to be genuine interest.

“Chaotic.”

“She did a first-class job on John’s case,” Graham said. “First class.”

With a small smile to acknowledge the compliment, she said, “Thanks.”

“So your sister-in-law is getting as many headlines as you are lately,” Laine said to Julian.

“Indeed,” Julian replied with a chagrinned expression. “She does have her opinions.”

“I never knew she was so hateful,” Graham said. “To say what she does about homosexuals, Jews and African Americans, and on television, no less. I heard they’re giving her a prime-time show. A whole hour of hate and venom.”

“It’s shameful,” Julian said. “I never have understood what my brother sees in her. From the day he met her, he’s been completely besotted. Did you hear the latest?”

“About her book?” Graham asked.

Julian nodded. “It’ll be out in two weeks. An update on a book her minister father did years ago on how homosexuals will be the downfall of the republic.”

Nick released a low whistle. “Wow.”

“She’s on a roll, lately,” Julian said.

“Do you ever hear from them?” Laine asked.

Julian shook his head. “I haven’t spoken to either of them in years.”