“You know I don’t sleep much anyway. I just hate to see you so agitated.”

“I’m frustrated more than anything. We’re no closer to closing this case than we were the day it happened.”

“And that is sitting on your shoulders.” He massaged the tension from them. “You’re tight as a drum and as stressed as I’ve seen you in a long time, and that’s saying something in light of recent events.”

Sam hoped he didn’t get too close to her sore neck. “Probably because I thought you were going to divorce me for a while last night.”

His eyes widened. “You did not.”

“For a second or two.”

“Samantha… How could I divorce you when I can’t bear to be away from you for a single day?” He took the mug from her, set it on the vanity and drew her into his warm embrace. “Do you know what most presidents do right after they give the State of the Union speech?”

“No. What?”

“They hit the road to promote the agenda they’ve just laid out. They go to factories to promote their job programs. They tour plants and shake lots of hands with lots of people.”

“Why didn’t you do that?”

“Because I want to be here, with you and our family, more so than ever since we lost Spencer. But mostly because I want to be where you are, and you’re here.”

“I like having you here with me.”

“Don’t ever worry about me leaving you. I can’t believe you actually thought that last night.”

“It was scary to have you so upset with me.”

“I’m sorry. I never want you to be scared like that. I reacted badly, like I always do when my mother is involved. All the blame belongs with her, not you.” He held her for another minute. “I hate to say I have to go do the briefing in about ten minutes. But there’s breakfast ready for you in the kitchen.”

“Thanks for taking such good care of me.”

“Nothing I love more than taking care of my gorgeous wife.” He kissed her. “Take care of her for me today. She’s my whole world, and she’s under a lot of strain.”

“I will. I promise. I’ll try to be home by three.”

“See you then. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Sam thought about what he’d said about her feeling like she had to personally find the person who’d directly or indirectly killed Spencer. With that thought in mind, she called Captain Malone.

“Morning.”

“I hate people who are peppy in the morning, especially when I didn’t sleep worth a damn.”

“Thanks for giving me a preview of how my day is going to unfold.”

Sam laughed. “I do what I can for the people, and with that in mind, I want to call in help on this case. We’re getting nowhere. We need Narcotics and DEA and anyone else who might be able to move things along. I’m going to give Kevin Kavanaugh a call. I know him a little through his brother, Derek.”