Malone ended the call with Sergeant Ramsey since his pleas for Shane to let the woman go were only making the situation more fraught.

“Take him,” Malone said.

A shot rang out, shattering the silence.

The bullet struck Shane in the forehead.

The frantic screams of the woman as she went down with him echoed through the wooded area. Officers rushed in, one wrapping his coat around the hysterical woman.

Sam went to the woman, helped her up and walked her toward the path. “You’re all right.”

Shane Ramsey’s brain matter was all over her, reminding Sam of when that had happened to her after Clarence Reece was shot inches from her.

The woman was shaking so hard, she could barely move.

“Let us help you,” Malone said to the woman. “Would it be all right if I carry you to the ambulance?”

The woman gave a quick nod.

Malone carried her down the path and delivered her to the waiting EMS. When he turned back, Sam noted his ashen complexion.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Hands on his hips, he hung his head and shook it to say no. “I just ordered the killing of one of my officers’ sons. I’m definitely not all right.”

“He was going to kill her. You did the right thing.”

“His father will make my life a living hell.”

“He heard the confession, same as we all did.”

“You think that’s going to matter to him?”

“Ma’am.”

Sam turned to Vernon, who pointed to his watch.

“I have to go,” Sam said to Malone. “I have to be there for Nick tonight.”

“Go ahead. I’m okay.”

“I’ll check on you after.” Sam squeezed his arm. “You did the right thing, Captain. You saved her life. That was the only call you could make, and it’ll hold up under scrutiny.”

He nodded, but she could see that he was still troubled—and with good reason. He’d just ordered the son of one of his officers killed. Not to mention, she knew better than anyone what a formidable enemy Ramsey could be.

Chapter Thirty-Six

“Mrs. Nelson is here, Mr. President,” Terry said.

“Any sign of Sam?” Nick asked as the clock ticked toward eight thirty. The reception for their invited guests was an hour in with no sign of his first lady.

“Not yet, but Lindsey texted to say they got their guy.”

“That’s good news.” Before he went to say hello to Mrs. Nelson, he took a second to check his BlackBerry, hoping for a message from Sam.

Nothing.

Damn it.

“What’s wrong, Dad?” Scotty asked when he joined him. “You’re making a face.”

“Just wondering if Mom will make it in time.”

“She said she’d be here.”

“She was supposed to be here an hour ago.”