“Good for her.” Sam made a mental note to check in with her friend later. “If the mayor wants a great deputy chief, I still say it ought to be her. She’s one of the best officers I’ve ever worked with.”

“I’d hate to lose her in SVU, though,” Farnsworth said. “She’s excellent with the victims.”

“That’s true,” Sam said, regretting she’d mentioned the deputy chief position again.

Fortunately, they arrived at the Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue a few minutes later and parked in a VIP area.

Vernon and Jimmy pulled in behind them, and Vernon got out to accompany her inside.

They secured their weapons at the security checkpoint, were screened by a magnetometer and their belongings put through an X-ray machine.

Heads turned and people expressed surprise at seeing the first lady as they walked to the mayor’s suite. The attention only reinforced the chief and captain’s argument, Sam thought. That’s just what I don’t need.

They were shown to the mayor’s conference room and offered refreshments.

“We’re fine, thanks,” the chief said for all of them. After the admin left them, he said, “That’s the first time I’ve ever been offered refreshments here. They’re dazzled by you, Lieutenant. I need to bring you with me more often when I meet with the mayor.”

“I’m too busy for that stuff.” She read a text from Freddie. At the Patrick house, the mother called her, told her it was an emergency. Waiting to see if she’ll come.

Be prepared for anything, Sam replied. She’s unpredictable.

That’s what Cam said, too. Good luck with the mayor.

Thanks. Waiting for her now.

Mayor Monique Brewster came into the room, thanking them for coming in earlier than planned. To Sam, she added, “Nice to see you again, Lieutenant.”

“You, too, ma’am.”

“It feels strange to have the first lady calling me ma’am,” Brewster said on a laugh.

“You’re still my boss, ma’am.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

The chief chuckled. “As I like to say, ain’t nobody the boss of her.”

The mayor laughed.

“That is just not true,” Sam said. “And the reason we’re here is because we need your help on a case.”

“My help? What can I do?”

“You’ve heard about the recent sexual assaults and murders in Rock Creek Park, I assume.”

“I have,” the mayor said with a sigh. “It’s terrible.”