“Sam, we’re both married.”

“Very funny. I need you.”

“Coming.”

He came into her office a minute later. “You rang?”

“I have an idea.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’d like to send Officer Charles, who’s going to take Jeannie’s spot on my squad, by the way, out to procure some Oxy.”

As Malone listened, his expression never changed. “Have you asked her yet?”

“No, I wanted to clear it with you first.”

“This is above my pay grade. Let’s talk to the chief.”

“Is he here?”

“For a few hours.”

Sam told Freddie she’d be right back and went with Malone to the chief’s suite, passing Helen’s desk, which was unoccupied since it was Sunday. “It’s weird not having to go through Helen to get to him.”

“I know. I bet she’s watching us from home.”

Sam laughed as he knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Since it was Sunday, the chief was wearing civilian clothes. “What’s up?” he asked.

“Holland has an idea that needs to go through you.”

“What idea?”

Sam filled him in.

“So you’ve succeeded in officially stealing my Officer Charles?” Neveah had been helping the chief with administrative work, and he’d resisted Sam’s earlier attempts to lure the young officer to the Homicide squad.

“Can a grown adult be stolen? Sir?”

“Is she being cheeky with me?” Farnsworth asked Malone.

“I believe she is, sir.”

“What do you think of the idea?”

“I want this saved as an ‘if all else fails’ plan,” Farnsworth said. “As you know, Officer Charles is near and dear to my heart.”

“And to mine,” Sam said. “I think the world of her. If we decide to go this route, I’ll make sure she’s fully supported in her mission.”

“If she’s willing and if all other investigative avenues have been exhausted, you have my permission to try it, provided you cover every base to keep her safe.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I’ll see you at the wake.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“Of course. Marti and I want to be there for Angela.”

“She’ll appreciate it. I’ll see you then.”

“I heard you’re consulting with the DEA.”

“I’m desperate enough to ask the Feds for help.”

“Whatever it takes.”

“Yes, sir. I’m going back to work. I’m a short timer today.”

“Keep me in the loop on the operation with Officer Charles.”

“I will.” Sam walked out of the chief’s office and headed back to the pit.

Freddie stood when he saw her coming. “Lawton’s wife is in your office.”

“Come with me, will you?”

They walked into Sam’s office, where a gorgeous blonde woman sat waiting for them in one of Sam’s visitor chairs. When they came in, she jumped up. “I want to know what happened to my husband.”

“Please have a seat,” Sam said.

“I don’t want to sit. I want answers.”

“I want them, too, Mrs. Lawton. Your husband is with the medical examiner now, and she’s determined he died from a likely fentanyl overdose.”

“He’d never touch that stuff.”