“Yep, we got it, and we’re on it.”

“He’s also known as Richard Kent, with a long list of priors, including a stint at Jessup. Please give me a call if you find him.”

“Will do.”

“Thanks.” She slapped her phone closed. “Is it my imagination, or is Lieutenant Dawkins a little chilly?”

“I haven’t noticed that.”

“Maybe it’s just me. I have that effect on people.”

Gonzo laughed. “They’re all just jealous of your success.”

“If you say so.”

“I do.”

“Get the rest of the squad up here to help look for Day.”

Gonzo sent a text conveying her orders to the rest of their team.

“What’s the word on Ramsey and the ramming?” Sam asked.

“I heard Hill is involved.”

“Really?”

“The chief called him and asked them to handle the case.”

“I love that.”

“I thought you might.”

“What did he think was going to happen when he intentionally rammed a Secret Service vehicle?”

“I don’t think he gave much thought to potential consequences.”

“Is it weird that despite everything he’s put me through, I feel a little sorry for the guy?”

“Yes, that’s very weird.”

“Hear me out.”

“I’m listening.”

“The guy clearly has issues. We know that. But to lose his son the way he did after finding out the kid was a violent, raping felon… I have no idea how any parent handles something like that, especially one who’s given his entire adult life to Special Victims.”

“I’m surprised you can feel an ounce of empathy for him.”

“Well, I do. Not that I’ve forgotten what a nasty asshole he is, but I still feel for what he’s going through after losing his son. He needs someone to blame, and he decided I was handy, as usual.”

“He’s a dangerous criminal, Sam.”

“And he’s a father who lost his son in the worst way possible.”

“Yes, he’s that, too, but don’t let your guard down where he’s concerned.”

“I agree with the sergeant,” Vernon said. “I don’t want that guy anywhere near you. Ma’am.”

Sam smiled at Vernon when he glanced at her in the mirror. “I hear you. I’m not so far gone with the empathy that I’ve forgotten who he really is.”

“Glad to hear it,” Vernon said.

“If the Feds are involved, his days of tormenting us at HQ are possibly over,” Gonzo said.

“We can only hope.”

Freddie arrived home to a silent apartment. He stashed his weapon, badge and cuffs in the kitchen drawer where he kept them and hung up his coat. As he’d never been through anything like this, he took a full minute to prepare himself to be whatever his wife needed before he went looking for her in their bedroom.

He found her curled up on her side on the bed, eyes open but unfocused, like they’d been since the night before when she realized she was losing the baby they’d only just realized they were expecting. With her bent in unbearable pain, he’d rushed her to the ER and held her hand during the D&C she’d had early that morning.