“Reporters accompanying the president were not permitted to file stories on the visit until Air Force One was safely out of Afghani airspace. Virginia Senator Nick Cappuano, one of the public figures linked earlier today to Lexicore, is also with the president. Cappuano, running in the first election of his short but illustrious career, is considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in four years.”

Overwhelmed with relief to know he was on his way home after safely landing and taking off in Afghanistan, Sam let out a long deep breath.

“Front-runner for the nomination,” Freddie said. “That’s crazy.”

Sam couldn’t even think about Nick running for president without her stomach hurting.

“I can’t wait to hear about Air Force One,” Freddie added.

“You sound like Scotty.”

“It’s way cool.”

“Yes, it is.”

“What happened?” Ginger asked from the backseat, reminding Sam that she still had a big issue to deal with where they were concerned.

“My husband is a senator, and he went on a secret trip to Afghanistan with the president.”

“Wow,” Ginger said, her tone dull and lifeless. “That’s sick. He’s lucky he got to do that.”

“You’re right,” Sam said, able to agree now that he was on his way home, “he is lucky.”

And so was she.

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

They arrived at HQ to a huge media presence outside the main door.

“What the hell?” Sam muttered, heading for the morgue entrance. She feared the day they discovered her secret way into the building. As they walked in with Ginger and Amber, they ran into Lindsey McNamara. “What’s going on out front?”

“I hear they’re looking for you,” Lindsey said. “Someone from the motel must’ve leaked the Lind connection to the media, and they want to know about Nick’s ties to Lexicore.”

“Great.”

“Terry was really upset about that yesterday. He was worried about how it would affect Nick’s campaign.”

“Nick hopes the fact that most of Lexicore’s investors were unaware of the ties to the factory will keep it from sinking his campaign.”

“We all hope so,” Lindsey said, giving Sam’s arm a squeeze. “Who’ve you got there?” She glanced at Ginger and Amber, who were waiting for her with Cruz.

“Two of the maids at the motel where Lind was found. I got a funny feeling about them, so I made a big thing out of needing to question them here so I could get them out of there.”

“You don’t think...” Lindsey sighed, compassionate as always. “They’re so bloody young.”

“I know. We’ll figure it out and get them some help. What’ve you got on Lind?”

“Just like Vasquez, a single stab wound to the aorta. Your killer knows where to aim to achieve maximum results.”

“Time of death?”

“I’m estimating it to be early yesterday. I’ll have my full report to you shortly.”

“Thanks, Doc.”