“That means everything to me, as you know,” Jeannie said, sounding tearful. “None of this would be happening for me if it wasn’t for you.”

“Sure, it would.”

“No, it wouldn’t, Sam. You put me back together on the job after the attack. I never would’ve come back without you and the support of our squad.”

“We love you.”

“Same. So much.”

“I’ll see you at four. We’ll all be there to cheer you on today and always.”

“Thank you for everything.”

“You got it.” Sam slapped her phone closed, feeling like a proud mama bear. “Deputy Chief McBride. What a thing.”

“It’s wonderful,” Vernon said. “The way you support your officers is lovely.”

“They’re my people.”

“They’re lucky to have you.”

“And vice versa. I’ll see you after a bit.”

“Looking forward to seeing her sworn in.”

“I am, too.”

“Have a good day at the office, ma’am.”

“Thanks.” She wondered how they didn’t go mad with boredom while she was at work. Inside, she ducked into the morgue to check in with Lindsey. “How’s it going?” Sam asked her.

“No complaints. You’re getting around better.”

Sam did a little jig that she instantly regretted. “Got to do it missionary this morning.”

“Hallelujah,” Lindsey said, laughing. “That’s progress.”

“Sure is. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, you know?”

“I get it, but I’m sure you’ve found ways to work around it.”

“My husband is nothing if not creative.”

Lindsey fanned her face. “Is it getting warm in here?”

“Does it ever get warm in this icebox? On another note, what’re you hearing about McBride’s promotion?”

“A lot of grumbling. A lot a lot.”

“Ugh, I wondered how bad it would be.”

“Your old friend Offenbach was heard saying just what we need is you having another ally in the chief’s suite.”

“He’s still pissed because I caught him having an affair when his wife was expecting their fifth—or was it sixth?—kid.”

Lindsey smiled. “No doubt.”

“You think it’ll die down?”

“Eventually, but Jeannie’s going to have to stay tough and soldier through. The media is saying the only reason she got the job was because the FBI report identified racial disparities.”

“That’s bullshit! Brewster wanted a woman—and even mentioned wanting a Black woman—for the job long before the FBI report hit.”

“You’re preaching to the choir, my friend.”

“If Jeannie could survive what Sanborn did to her, this shit will seem like a cakewalk in comparison.”

“That’s true. Our girl is made of true grit. She’ll get through it.”

“Let’s keep an eye on her in the meantime.”

“Will do. In other misogyny news, things have been ugly for Henderson, huh?”