Chapter Twenty-Five

At ten after eight, Sam and Malone walked into Zénitude, which seemed to be doing robust business, despite what Atkins would have her believe. Heads turned as they always did when she went anywhere these days. She noted Tim was behind the bar.

He nodded to her.

She approached the blond man sitting right where she’d been told to look for him. “Riggs Lawton?”

“Who wants to know?” he asked without looking up from his dinner.

Sam stuck her badge under his nose and was gratified to see his body go stiff. “Here’s how we’re going to do this. You’re going to get up and come with us without making a scene.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Then we’ll make a scene. The choice is yours.”

“If you think you’re going to get me past my security people, you’re insane.”

“We’ve got an army outside prepared to do battle with them if it comes to that. Again, your choice.”

“You’re the one married to the president.”

“Am I? I had no idea. What’s it going to be?”

He put down his fork, wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin and glanced at Tim. “Tell Kyle he’s a dead man.”

“Was that a threat?” Sam asked as she slapped cuffs on him so fast, he never saw them coming. “Let’s go, you fucking scumbag.”

Malone had his weapon drawn as he helped her drag him out of the restaurant while stunned patrons and staff looked on.

“That’s the first lady!” Sam heard someone say.

She ignored everything as she and Malone moved him toward Malone’s SUV and jammed him in the back before his so-called security people had gotten their heads out of their asses to realize something was up.

Two guys in black suits came running.

“Sorry, boys,” Sam said, smiling at them. “You’re too late.”

“You’re going to be sorry,” one of them said.

“Are you threatening a police officer by any chance?”

He wisely took a step back.

Sam conferred with Malone. “Do you mind getting him processed while I run home for thirty minutes?”

“Go ahead.”

“I’ll be back.”

“I could handle the interrogation, you know.”

“I know, but I want to be there.”

“Fine. I’ll call Faith, too.”

“What do you think about protective custody for Kyle Atkins and his family?”

“I’ll arrange it.”

“I’m very glad to have you back where you belong.”

“I’m sure you are,” he said with a huff of laughter. “See you back at the house.”

“I’ll be there.” Sam got into her SUV. “Let’s go home for a quick minute,” she said to Vernon.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Do you guys have another shift you could hand me off to? It could be a late night.”

“Don’t worry about us, ma’am,” Vernon said. “We’re fine.”

She took advantage of the short break to call Tracy.

“Hey,” her sister said. “How’s it going?”

“Making some progress. I think. How are things with Ang?”