“That was pretty intense with Spencer in the coffin,” Freddie said.

“Yeah,” Gonzo said. “I couldn’t bear to look at him.”

“Me either,” Freddie said. “What a nightmare. How’s she doing, Sam? Really.”

“Maybe a tiny bit better than she was now that the shock has worn off somewhat, but she’s got a very long road ahead of her no matter how you look at it.”

“Over and over, I keep thinking there but for the grace of God go I,” Gonzo said, sounding shaken. “Could’ve been me. I got lucky.”

“We’re very thankful you never encountered fentanyl when you were using,” Freddie said.

“Very thankful,” Sam said. “A week later, and it’s still unbelievable that this happened. Even after seeing him laid out in that coffin, I’m still in disbelief.”

“You will be for a while,” Freddie said.

“Find out where Officer Charles stashed Lawton’s wife, will you? Here’s her number.”

Gonzo punched in the digits and made the call. “Hey, the LT is asking where you stashed Leslie Lawton.” He recited the address out loud, and Freddie took note of it. “Thanks.”

“I want to see her before we interview this Craig character,” Sam said.

Freddie gave Vernon the address, and he made a U-turn at the next intersection.

Sam called Haggerty. “How’re you making out at the Lawtons’ house?”

“Clean as a whistle. Not finding anything of interest, and we’re almost done.”

“Had a feeling you might say that. Thanks for the thorough work.”

“We’re moving on to the hotel after this. Will keep you posted.”

“Thank you.” Sam closed her phone. “Lawton’s penthouse is clean. No drugs found, which means they’re somewhere else. Haggerty and his team are earning their keep and then some with this case.”

“No kidding,” Gonzo said. “What’s the plan with the missus?”

“I’m going to give her a chance to save herself by spilling the tea.”

When they arrived at the safe house on Connecticut Avenue, Sam was out of the car before Vernon could get the door for her, which earned her a scowl from the agent.

“Sorry,” she said to him as she headed for the door, where two Patrol officers stood watch. She showed them her badge, even though they knew who she was. Inside, another officer stood between her and Leslie. Sam went through the badge ritual again. “Where is she?”

“Living room,” the officer said, using his chin to point the way.

Leslie was curled up on the sofa with a blanket over her lap. She brightened when she saw Sam. “Can I go home?”

“Not yet.”

“You haven’t finished searching our place yet?”

Sam sat on a footstool facing her. “We’re almost done.”

Leslie’s gaze darted toward Freddie and Gonzo, who stood right inside the room. “What’s going on?”

“I got an interesting tip from one of my informants.”

“What tip?”

“That you’re into your husband’s business. ‘Up to your eyeballs’ was the way he described it.”

She recoiled. “I am not! I know nothing about it! I told you that.”