“I get it, and it’s fine. I like what I’m doing overseeing the detectives. I wouldn’t want to move to admin any more than Holland would’ve.”

“And I knew that, or I would’ve gone to bat with Monique for you. I hope you know that.”

“I do, but thanks for telling me. It’s nice to know I wasn’t completely overlooked.”

“You’re my deputy chief in every way that matters, and you know that, too.”

“I do. Thank you. What’re you hearing from Sam and the family?”

“She’s here after a trip to Camp David to collect evidence.”

“Evidence of what?”

“They believe Spencer overdosed after acquiring pain medication illegally.”

“What?” Malone asked on a long exhale.

“I know.”

“And Sam had no idea?”

“Spencer wanted it kept private so it wouldn’t blow back on Nick.”

“Oh my God, Joe. And now Sam is intent on finding the person who sold it to him.”

“Yep.”

“How do we feel about that?”

“Conflicted, but if we try to stop her, she’ll do it anyway. I’d prefer to be involved than to have her go rogue.”

“True, and I can’t say I blame her. I’d do the same thing.”

“As would I. I’ll keep an eye on it.”

“What’s the latest with Ramsey?”

“He’s still spewing about lawsuits and whatnot, but no one is paying any attention. Everyone knows it was a clean shot after his son all but confessed. You and Offenbach saved that woman’s life. Full stop. End of story.”

“I keep telling myself that.”

“That’s what matters here, Jake. You did your job.”

“Sometimes I hate my job.”

“Me, too, but I’d rather have us doing it than the Ramseys and Stahls of the world.”

“Ain’t that the truth?” Jake said on a huff of laughter.

“We’re the good guys. Remember that when you’re fretting over whether you did the right thing giving that order. That young woman is alive today because you did your job.”

“I know, but taking out Ramsey’s son… I remember him as a little kid.”

“Who grew up to be a monster. Stay focused on what he did.”

“Thanks for the reminder.”

“I’m here any time you need another one. Don’t let this screw you up to the point where you can’t do the job anymore.”

“I’m trying not to.”

“Have you sat with Trulo yet?”

“God, no.”

“I want you to do that, and I’m not asking.”

“Pulling rank on me now, old friend?” Jake asked, smiling.

“If that’s what it takes to get you through this.”

“I’ll call him.”

“Today.”

“All right already.”

“I need you by my side for whatever time I’ve got left in this place.”

“I hear you.”

“Check in later and keep me posted about New Orleans.”

“You got it. And Joe?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“You got it, pal.”

Jake ended the call and sat for a long time at a traffic light, thinking about how much he missed Skip. What would he have to say about the situation with Shane Ramsey? Probably the same things Joe had said. He’d done his job, and he’d saved a life even if he’d ordered the end of another. If he had it to do over again, would he have done anything different?