“I appreciate that insight and hear what you’re saying. However, make sure Sergeant Gonzales signs the reports.”

“That’s the plan. Thank you for understanding that I need to do what I can to get justice for Ang and the kids. Not that it will bring Spencer back, but it might give her some closure.”

“I know I don’t have to tell you this, but you need to deliver a case that the USA can prosecute without prejudice.”

“Understood. I may need to authorize overtime this weekend to keep up the momentum.”

“I’ll authorize that.”

“What are you hearing from the captain?”

“He’s in New Orleans looking for Tom Rosa. He’s learned that Rosa is in hospice with cancer.”

“Oh damn. I hope he’s able to see him in time.”

“Me, too.”

“Keep me posted every step on this one.”

“Will do.”

Chapter Fourteen

Sam slapped her phone shut just as Nick came into the suite and closed the door behind him.

“I heard a rumor that my lovely wife had arrived at home, but when she didn’t come to find me, I decided to come find her.”

“You heard correctly,” she said, smiling up at him as he bent to kiss her.

“How’s my love?”

“I’m upset.”

“Because of Spence?”

“Indirectly. I found out that Narcotics, whose job it is to track overdose deaths in the District, had dropped the ball on that in recent weeks because they were short-staffed.”

“Oh no.”

“If they’d just done their jobs and alerted the public to an increase in OD deaths associated with Oxy, that might’ve saved Spencer and others.”

“And now you’re struggling to cope with that information.”

“The chief just told me what he found out from Narcotics, and I’m enraged to know this awful tragedy might’ve been avoided—for our family and others.”

“That’s horrible, Sam. I’m sorry.”

“How many times can this department let me down before I can’t bear to work there anymore?”

Nick sat on the bed and put his arm around her. “No one would blame you if this took you over the edge.”

“Except I have no idea what I’d do with myself without the job.”

“You could be a full-time first lady.”

“No, I really couldn’t,” she said with a laugh. “Thanks for reminding me of what’s waiting for me if I up and quit. This helped.”

“Glad to be of service,” he said with a smile.

“I’m all yours until zero seven hundred.”

He checked his watch. “That’s ten whole hours. We can get a lot done in ten whole hours.”

“I need to see the kids and Ang and eat something.”

“I can make all that happen.” He held out a hand to help her up and then wrapped his arms around her. “But I need this first.”

“I need it, too. More than ever tonight. How did Scotty’s math test go?”

“He said it was fine and we’re not discussing it any further.”