“Go do it. No problem.”

“We’ll see you at the wake.”

“Sounds good. I’ll let you know if we get the green light from Malone.”

“Okay. I’ll put together some phone numbers for her.”

“Thanks.”

After they ended the call with Gonzo, Sam said, “I feel like I’m flailing blind in this investigation.”

“Because it’s unlike anything we’ve ever done, and it’s personal.”

“It’s personal as fuck. I want to be able to tell my sister, niece and nephew that I found the person who sold poison to their husband and father.”

“We’ll get them, one way or the other. It doesn’t have to be you who makes it happen.”

“I don’t care how we get them, as long as we do.”

“We will.”

Sam wanted to believe him, but she wasn’t anywhere near as confident as he was.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Sam figured she owed Gigi a heads-up that she’d briefed the press, so she called her.

“Morning, Lieutenant.”

“Morning. How’re you holding up?”

“Didn’t sleep much, but I’m okay. It’s still surreal, you know? I’m still trying to accept that I had to take her life to save my own.”

“The day you don’t feel awful about that is the day it’s time to hang up your hat as a police officer.”

“That’s what Cam said, too.”

“He’s right, and so am I. You did what you had to. There was no other alternative. I wanted to let you know that I’ve briefed the media about what happened yesterday.”

“Thank you for taking care of that.”

“Did you see Dr. Trulo last night?”

“We did. He was wonderful, as always. We’ll both be seeing him again this week.”

“That’s good. Stick with him. He’s good at what he does.”

“Yes, he is. I was going to call you because Jaycee’s mom is blowing up Cameron’s phone, telling him he’s going to pay for this and that she blames him.”

“I’ll ask Jeannie if she has time to take another ride out to speak to Mrs. Patrick on behalf of both of you and the department.”

“That might help.”

“Hang in there, Gigi. This, too, shall pass, even though it’s hard to believe that today.”

“I will. I appreciate you checking in.”

“Of course.”

“I was hoping to attend the wake and funeral for your brother-in-law, but I don’t want to draw any attention away from the family.”

“You’re more than welcome to come if you feel up to it.” Sam had put her entire squad and several other close colleagues on the guest list. “Don’t worry about us.”

“Then I’ll see you there.”

“If you need anything, you know where I am,” Sam said.

“I do. Thanks again for checking in.”

“You got it.”

Sam ended the call feeling confident that Gigi was handling a horrible situation as well as could be expected. Next, she picked up her desk extension and called Captain Malone.

“Can you come over to my place?” Sam asked him.