“The celebrities smile in their mug shots because they know they’ll end up on TV, and they don’t want to look like dirtbag losers.”

“Who told you that?”

“Uncle Joe.”

Sam smiled at the chief, who seemed more relaxed than she’d seen him in days. “You need to be home and ready by five thirty for Nick to pick you up,” she told Scotty, glancing at his agents, who nodded. “And make sure you get your homework done at some point.”

“I will.” He gave her a hug. “Thanks for coming to get me at school.”

As Sam returned his embrace, she wondered if she’d eventually get used to the overpowering love that came with having him in her life. “Anytime.” She kissed the top of his head and released him. “Thanks, Chief.”

“It’s been my pleasure,” he said with a warm smile for Scotty.

The man who’d never had children of his own had gotten himself an adopted grandson in Scotty and was clearly enjoying the new addition to their extended family.

“I’ll see you guys.”

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Lind lived in Potomac, an upscale Beltway community in Maryland. According to her research, he was married with three kids—two sons and a daughter. He’d come up through the University of California system and was drafted right out of college by the San Diego Padres in the third round. He’d bounced around on several National League teams before landing with the Feds during their inaugural season.

He’d come into his own as a closer with the Feds and had seen his star finally begin to rise in the last two seasons.

While Freddie drove, Sam read deeper into the pages she’d printed out where she found an arrest two years ago for a domestic issue that hadn’t been adjudicated. She called Malone and asked him to get her the details.

“Hang on,” he said, clicking away on a keyboard. “Looks like his wife called the police because he was making threats toward her. They took him in, let him spend the night in the cooler but released him when she declined to press charges.”

“Interesting. Thanks for the info. I’ll let you know what he has to say.”

“Sounds good.”

As Freddie navigated traffic, Sam also took the time to flip through the stack of restraining orders that had been granted to Feds players. Most of them involved overly interested women who relentlessly pursued the ballplayers. Willie’s order against his brother-in-law was a notable exception as it involved a family member rather than a fan.

“Why are you so quiet over there?” Sam asked her partner as she continued to scan the details of Willie’s protective order against Marco Peña.

“I’m not quiet. I’m driving.”

“You’re quiet. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Whenever you say nothing is wrong, something is always wrong.”

“Quit acting like you know me so well.”