How stupid would he have to be to show his face where he knew she would be one day after murdering two men and seriously injuring another? But if her experience had taught her anything, it was that criminals were rarely the sharpest tools in the shed.

Her entire squad came through with their significant others, as well as Captain Malone and his wife, Val, Joe and Marti Farnsworth, Lieutenant Archelotta and others from the department.

Elin Cruz hugged Sam. “I’m so sorry. Spencer was such a good guy.”

“Yes, he was. Thank you for coming. I’ve been thinking of you this week. How’re you doing?”

“I’m okay.”

“It’s okay to not be okay. You’re going through a very difficult thing.”

“Today isn’t about me.”

“Let’s talk soon. I might be able to help.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

Sam hugged her again. “Hang in there. It won’t always hurt as badly as it does right now.”

“That’s good to know.”

As Elin moved down the line to greet others, Sam’s friend and White House communications director, Roni Connolly, came with Nick’s friend and deputy chief of staff, Derek Kavanaugh.

Interesting. After noticing them talking to each other at the White House, Sam wondered if they were seeing each other, but this wasn’t the time to ask.

Roni hugged her. “I’m so, so sorry, Sam.”

“Thanks for being here.”

“Of course. How’s Angela doing?”

“Ugh, you know. Not great.”

“Tell her to call me any time—day or night. I’m here for her.”

“Thank you, Roni. It’s nice of you to make that support available to her.”

“Ours is a club no one ever wants to join, but it’s been an incredible source of support to me to be around people who get it.”

Sam glanced at Angela, who was in tears as she hugged Celia’s sisters. “She’ll need that when the shock wears off and reality sets in.”

“Yes, she will. I can also relate to expecting my late husband’s baby and having to get through that without him.” Roni rested a hand on her protruding midsection to make her point.

“I’ll make sure she reaches out to you.” Sam glanced at Derek, who was talking to Nick. “Do you have a new friend?”

“I do.” Her little blush only added to Sam’s curiosity about their relationship. “It’s so funny. We met in our neighborhood before I was working at the White House, and then I found out he’s also a member of the Wild Widows.”

“He’s been through so much since his wife died. I’m glad he has that kind of support, too.”

“He’s like my Yoda, since he’s about eighteen months ahead of me on this journey.”

“We love him and Maeve. I’m glad you guys are friends.”

“Me, too. I won’t keep you any longer. There’s a huge line outside.”

Sam hugged her. “Thanks again for being here.”

“I’m here if I can do anything for any of you.”

“Appreciate that.”

Derek came to hug Sam. “So sorry about Spencer.”