“Sam… Wait, is this and the Lincoln Bedroom blackmail to butter me up for future insubordination?”

“Blackmail is such an ugly word, Chief.”

His snort of laughter made her smile. She was relieved to know they were—as always—in accord.

“Please come up. We’d love to have you.”

“We’ll do that. I’ll text you. And let me know about Best.”

“Will do.”

“Tell McBride I’m not going to fire her and that I said good work.”

“I’ll do that, too. Talk to you later.” She glanced at Nick. “I need two more minutes.”

“I’m enjoying the fresh air. Take your time.”

“Is fresh air your new drug of choice?”

“It is.”

Sam put through the call to Jeannie. “I talked to the chief, and he gave the green light to call in Jesse and the marshals to take it from here. He wants you and Matt nowhere near the raid. You’re to pass on the info and then step aside.”

“Got it and will do.”

“I’m sorry to have to do this to you, Jeannie. You and I will know this is your arrest.”

“That doesn’t matter. All I care about is getting Carisma back to her mother, if she’s still alive and in there. I’ll make the call to Best and tell him the request comes from the top.”

“Keep me posted?”

“Will do. Is he pissed?”

“He understood you were already into it and couldn’t let it go when you were on to something. He said to tell you that you did good work, he’s not going to fire either of us, but as usual, we’re skating on the thinnest of ice.”

“Where we do our best work.”

Sam laughed. “Indeed. I’ll wait to hear from you.”

“Thanks for the support.”

“You got it.” Sam slapped her phone closed. “And with that, I’m back on vacation.”

“P.S., you suck at being on vacation.”

“I know! I’m sorry. It just doesn’t come naturally to me.”

“No kidding, really?”

“Your sarcasm is noted and appreciated.”

Nick put his arm around her as they walked along a trail that seemed to go on forever. “Look up, see the sky, smell the scent of evergreen, let it all go. Work is in good hands with Gonzo, Jeannie and the others. And you’re in good hands with me.”

“I love being here with you and the kids. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do.”

“You guys are my favorite place in the whole world, no matter where we are. It’s just that I feel ‘off’ if I’m not also smack in the middle of a case that requires every ounce of my focus and attention to bring it to a successful resolution. It’s like I’m lost without that rush.”

“You might need a twelve-step program to address this issue.”

She elbowed him. “Stop. I’m being serious.”