“Thank you for keeping an eye on Gonzo and Jeannie in my absence. They both report you’ve been very helpful to them.”

“Glad to hear that. Waiting for the trial to conclude has been tough for all of us, especially Gonzo. And the news about the trafficking just gets worse all the time, as you know.”

“It’s unbelievable.”

“That it is,” Trulo said.

“Jeannie seems to be doing better than she was.”

“It’s a process. Accepting the faults of others that led to disaster isn’t easy.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Speaking of that process, I came down to remind you the next meeting of the grief group is tomorrow night, if you’re able to attend. No pressure, though. Everyone knows you’re still recovering.”

“I’ll try to make an appearance. I’m going to invite the boyfriend of our latest victim to attend. We’re getting nowhere fast in that case, so it might help Wes and his brother to have the outlet.”

“Everyone is welcome, as you know.” He stood to leave. “Nice to have you back. It’s very dull around here without you.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

Trulo had no sooner left than Freddie appeared in the doorway. “We’ve got a body in the south end of Rock Creek Park, near Adams Morgan.”

Chapter Nineteen

“You’re not allowed to come with us,” Freddie said as Sam followed him and Gonzo to the main doors.

“I’m just going to watch.” She’d sent a text to Vernon to let him know she’d be riding with Sergeant Gonzales. “You’ll do all the work, which is really how it ought to be anyway.”

“I’m not responsible for any setbacks,” Gonzo said as he unlocked his new black Dodge Charger.

“Duly noted.”

“This car is so fresh,” Freddie said.

“Christina calls it my midlife-crisis car,” Gonzo replied.

“I’m ready for a midlife-crisis car.” Freddie bent to get into the back seat, leaving the low-slung front seat for Sam. “I can’t find anything cool that I can afford.”

She eyed it with trepidation “I, uh, I might need a hand here.”

“I got you covered.” Gonzo came around to the passenger side and helped Sam ease down to the seat.

She was about halfway there when her judgment kicked in. “Stop.”

Gonzo froze.

“Pull me back out—slowly.”

When she was standing upright again, she waved to Vernon. “I’ll go with them.”

“See you there. Cruz, get in the front seat. I’m not your chauffeur.”

Frustrated and embarrassed, Sam walked over to the SUV.

Vernon held the back door for her and gave her an arm up.

“In case I haven’t mentioned it before, this totally blows.”

“I believe you’ve said that a time or two.”

“A time or two hundred.”

“Happy to drive you until you can drive yourself. No sense railing against that which we cannot change.”