“During the time in question, the District was experiencing an intense budget crunch that had detectives working alone, largely on the honor system. Frankly, it never occurred to me, Deputy Chief Holland or any of the other commanders that a detective in our department would pretend to investigate a case while in fact doing nothing. We’re horrified by these discoveries and will do everything in our power to get justice for the victims of these crimes. Make no mistake about it—Leonard Stahl is a criminal, and he has been for much longer than we first suspected.”

“What does it say about you, Chief, that you had a criminal working for you for all this time?”

“I’m well aware that the buck stops with me, and I’m as appalled as anyone at his behavior—the things we already know and the new things coming to light. This department is full of hardworking, dedicated law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the people of this District every day. Are there some bad apples? Absolutely. But there’re far more honorable officers than not. We can’t change the past, but we’ll do everything within our power to right these terrible wrongs. That’s all we have to say for now.”

He gestured for Sam and Jeannie to precede him inside. “That went as well as it could under the circumstances,” he said once the doors were closed.

“I’m sorry for any angst my investigation has caused,” Jeannie said.

Farnsworth’s warm gaze passed over them. “I was wrong to tell you to stand down on this investigation.”

Sam stared at him, stunned by the confession.

“I was worried about the PR, which was the wrong thing for me to focus on. Saving the lives of Carisma and the others and locking up a dangerous criminal is far more important. While I don’t condone my officers circumventing a direct order, I understand why you did it, and I commend you for doing the right thing by these victims.”

“Thank you, sir,” Jeannie said. “I hope you know that I hold you in the highest regard and would never want to do anything that would cause trouble for you or the department.”

“You’re not the one causing the trouble, Detective. Our old friend Stahl is responsible for this shit storm. Not you. We’ll get through it.”

“Does this mean you want us to look at the rest of the cases?” Sam asked.

“Yes, but I want to be kept fully in the loop so we can anticipate the fallout.”

“Yes, sir. We’ve got a body in Rock Creek Park I’ve got to deal with first,” Sam said.

“I thought you were off this week?”

“So did I. I’m heading back to Camp David later.”

“You might not get there today. Have you seen the weather forecast?”

“No, why?”