“Like Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Lind had been stabbed once in the chest, and his aorta was severed. While at the motel, MPD officers stumbled upon what appeared to be a sex slave operation involving numerous minors. Working in concert with the MPD’s Special Victims Unit and Vice Squad, we were able to round up the perpetrators and rescue the children from a house where they’d been held away from the hotel. In all, six adults have been arrested and forty children—twenty-six found at the house and fourteen at the motel—are being reunited with their families tonight. Some have been missing for a number of years.”

“Do you believe the perpetrators of the sex slave ring had anything to do with Lind’s murder?” one of the reporters asked.

“No, we do not. We’re continuing to work on establishing a connection between the Vasquez and Lind murders.”

“Were you aware of your husband’s ties to the Thai factory and the fire that killed three hundred workers?”

“I have no comment now or ever on my husband, his personal business or his career.”

“But did you know he owned stock in Lexicore?”

“I have no comment now or ever on my husband, his personal business or his career.”

“Did you know he was going with the president to Afghanistan?”

“I have no comment now or ever on my husband, his personal business or his career. Anyone left who doesn’t get that?” When no one dared to ask another question about Nick, Sam said, “We’re going back to work. We’ll let you know when we have anything.” This was said directly to Darren Tabor, who was in the back of the crowd. He nodded his understanding.

“Can you tell us what happened this morning with Lieutenant Stahl at your house?”

“I’m not at liberty to comment on an ongoing internal investigation.”

Sam stepped away from the podium and gestured for Hill, McBride and Tyrone to come with her. As they went inside, Sam dropped back and gestured for Jeannie to walk with her. “So the thing you asked me about, it’s cool with me and the department.”

“Oh,” Jeannie said, seeming surprised. “Are you sure?”

“I’m very sure, and I’m very honored to be asked.”

Jeannie raised a brow. “Will you still think so when I’m dragging you to dress fittings?”

“Ugh. One fitting. That’s all you’re getting.”

“I’ll take it. Thanks, Sam.”