“It can happen to anyone who lands just so when they fall. I’ll contact Ortho and get a surgeon lined up for you. I’ll be right back.”

When they were alone, Sam turned to Nick. “I got hit by a fucking car and didn’t break my hip. How is this possible?”

“It was just a fluke thing, babe, but I’m sure you’ll sail right through this. You can work from home and oversee your cases and still drive everyone crazy. It’ll be fine.” He brushed hair back from her face and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry about anything.”

“Right. What do I have to be worried about?”

Things moved quickly after that. Sam was shocked to learn she’d be having surgery that day, not in a few days when she’d have had time to wrap her head around it. “I should’ve stayed at Camp David,” she muttered to Nick.

“I’ll remind you of that the next time you’re wanting out of there.”

She called Malone.

“What’d they say?”

“Did you know that a thirty-six-year-old person can break a hip and need surgery to fix it?”

“Stop it.”

“I’d love to, but alas…”

“Sam, no way. I’m so sorry. That sucks.”

“Totally sucks. Put Gonzo in charge of the Olsen investigation and the squad. I’ll be back to busting balls from home in a day or two. For now, I’m out.”

“Keep us posted on how you’re doing.”

“Will do.”

She closed the phone and wasn’t surprised to receive a call from her partner two minutes later.

“Shut the hell up,” Freddie said. “Are you kidding me?”

“You have no idea how much I wish I was.”

“What can I do?”

“Whatever you can for Audrey Olsen and her family. That’s what I need—a full-court press on her case.”

“We’re on it. Don’t worry about anything. Will you have Nick text me after the surgery?”

“Yeah, I will.”

“I’ll be in to see you later with a full update.”

“Excellent. I won’t be down for long.”

“I’m sure you’ll be back to kicking our asses in no time.”

“You swore, young Freddie.”

“I figured the occasion called for it.”

“It certainly does. I’ve got a shit, fuck, damn, hell for anyone who’ll listen. Is Gonzo nearby?”

“Yeah, hang on.”

“Jeez, Sam,” Gonzo said. “What a bummer, huh?”

“Literally.”

“Don’t make me laugh, because it’s not funny.”

“Listen, you gotta stay on the Olsen case and this shit with Stahl and all the other crap.”

“I got you covered,” he said. “Don’t worry.”

“Did Malone talk to you about going to see Stahl?”

“Yeah, he did.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“I’m not sure it’ll do any good, but I’ll take one for the team.”

“And you’re sure you feel up to that?”