Sam called Freddie into her office. “I want to start over—again—with this investigation, and I want you to help me do it.”

He eyed her skeptically. “Help you how?”

“Let’s hit the streets with Vernon and Jimmy driving us. Let’s do what we do while we wait for FDS, which can take months. We don’t have months with this guy raping and murdering women right under our noses. He’s brazen. He does this in a public park where anyone might hear them scream for help. That tells me we’re looking for someone who’s fearless, who thinks he’s unstoppable and untouchable. Let’s go find him.”

“I hate to be the one to remind you that you’re on desk duty and not allowed to work in the field.”

“I don’t need to be reminded of anything, Detective. We’re going to walk out of here like we always do, and you won’t say or do anything to draw attention to what we’re doing. You got me?”

“Playing devil’s advocate, but what if someone comes at us, and my partner is unable to defend herself or me? What then?”

“We’re going to talk to the families and friends of the victims. Who’s going to come at us?”

“Someone is always coming at us.”

“Go get your stuff and be cool. I mean it. Don’t tip anyone off, or I’ll partner up with someone else for this mission.”

Rolling his eyes, he turned to see to her orders.

They were leaving the pit when Jeannie came in, looking wide-eyed and amazed.

“I talked to her,” Jeannie said to Sam. “And I accepted.”

“Yes!”

“What’s happening?” Freddie asked, his gaze darting between them.

“You may as well tell everyone at the same time.” Sam turned to return to the pit. “Listen up, everyone! Jeannie has something to tell you.”

Gonzo, Cruz and O’Brien gave her their full attention. Green, Dominguez and Carlucci would find out soon enough.

“Mayor Brewster has asked me to take the deputy chief’s job, and I’ve accepted her offer. And no, I can’t believe this any more than you can.”

“Holy shit, Jeannie,” Gonzo said. “That’s fantastic. Congratulations.”

“I’m so happy for you, Jeannie,” Freddie said. “And so proud.”

They hugged her and celebrated her until Jeannie was wiping away tears. “Thanks so much, you guys. I’ll need your support when everyone else finds out and complains about me being promoted over sergeants, lieutenants and captains.”

“Let them complain,” Gonzo said. “We all know firsthand that you’ve earned this.”

“I love you all so much. Please tell me you’ll still be my best friends.”

“Always,” Freddie said, speaking for all of them.

He and Sam left through the morgue door a few minutes later and got into the SUV. Sam recited Wes Hambly’s address, which Jimmy punched into the GPS.