Revolting.

“I’ll get my team started on that and keep you informed,” Cooper said, grabbing the other half of his sandwich, which he stuffed into his face as he left the room.

“Charming fellow,” Kevin said.

“I assume you’ve met him before.”

“I’ve had the pleasure many times, unfortunately.”

Sam laughed. “What are the odds that his team will come back with some info?”

“Fairly good. The rest of them are well connected, as are my people. I’ll put them on it right away and keep you informed of any developments. I understand this case is personal to you, but the frustration you’re feeling is common in these investigations. You’re looking for people who know how to stay hidden and have tremendous incentive to operate off the grid. It takes a lot of old-school gumshoe detective work to find them.”

“That makes me feel a little better,” Sam said. “I feel like we’ve been spinning our wheels for a week now.”

“Because you have. We’ll do what we can to help.”

“Before you go, I want to run an idea by you.” She outlined the plan to have Officer Charles go looking for street Oxy. “What do you think of that?”

“It’s worth a try, but make sure she’s well protected. If these guys sniff a cop, they won’t hesitate to end her.”

His warning landed like an arrow of fear to her gut. “I hear you.”

“Before you do that, give us twenty-four hours to try to find Vincent.”

“Will do.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you, Kevin.”

“Sure thing.”

Sam returned to her office and made a call to her friend Roberto.

“Lady cop, twice in one week. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m looking for a guy who goes by Sal Vincent. You know anything about him?”

“The name isn’t familiar to me, but I can poke around a bit, if you’d like.”

“I would as long as you aren’t endangering yourself by doing it.”

“Nah, it’s fine. The people I’d ask are loyal to me.”

“Let me know if you hear anything about him or Riggs Lawton, okay?”

“I will. How you holding up?”

“I’m frustrated to be no closer to answers for my sister than I was a week ago.”

“You’ll get there, lady cop. You always do.”

“Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.”

“Girl… I’m friends with the bad-ass first-lady cop. You have no idea what that does to my street cred.”

Sam laughed. “I’m sure it does wonders.”

“You know it. I’ll be back to you if anything pops.”

“Thanks, Roberto.”

“Any time.”

Sam slapped her phone closed and thought about what he’d said about how she’d get them eventually because she always did. But how many more people would have to die before they got a break?

Freddie came to the door. “Dispatch got a call from a hotel downtown about three people OD’d. Two DOA. One still alive, but in critical condition on his way to GW. Pills and white powder all over the room. The maid who entered the room is being treated for potential fentanyl exposure.”