“I understand.It’ll be there for you when you’re ready, and I promise I’ll never give up on finding your mother’s killer.This is a temporary setback.”
God, she hoped that was true.
“Thank you for your kindness.I appreciate you taking my call.”
“Reach out any time.”
“Thank you again.”
“Take care of yourself and your family.”
“I’m trying.”
After they said their goodbyes, Sam closed her phone with a feeling of utter defeat.Those people were counting on her to get them answers, and she’d been taken off the job right when she was most needed.She didn’t blame the chief for suspending her.She would’ve suspended herself if she were him.But the timing sucked.Not that there’d ever be a good time for a suspension.
“You’re exceptionally good at your job, Sam.”
She’d almost forgotten her mother was seated at the table, sipping her tea.“Thanks.”
“It’s what you were born to do, just like your father.”
“That means a lot to me.”
“You’ll be back at it soon.Take this break as a moment to breathe and think about who might be trying to harm you and your career.”
“I’ve been suspended for something I did on the job, Mom.I have only myself to blame.It’s possible, though, that someone is pulling the strings on publicizing the issue in an effort to make the consequences worse.”
“Why in the world would they be doing such a thing?”
“They hate me cuz they ain’t me, or something like that.They hate the attention I get, the success I’ve had.They think the only reason I am where I am is because of my dad and his best friend.They hate me because I’m a woman doing a man’s job, and they think they could do it better.One of them hates me because I caught him having an affair when he was supposed to be at a conference.He got demoted, and the mother of his six children divorced him.Apparently, that’s my fault.”
“That’s outrageous.”
“Yep, but it’s nothing new.If I had to guess, several of them are in cahoots, hoping to bring me down and maybe Nick, too.I’m not sure what their ultimate goal is, but so far, they’re succeeding.”
“They won’t succeed,” Nick said when he came into the room and walked straight over to wrap his arms around her.
“I’ll be downstairs to greet the kids,” Brenda said as she left the room.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sam held on tight to him, soaking in the comfort only he could provide.
“They willnotwin.Tell me you know that.”
“I’m wavering after today.”
“Nothing can defeat my strong, courageous, compassionate cop, especially a bunch of punk-ass men who’ll never be half the detective or person you are.”
“It’s hot when you say things like punk-ass.”
“Samantha, I’m being serious.”
She pulled back so he could see her smile as she looked up at him.“So am I.”
He kissed her softly and sweetly, giving her the tenderness she badly needed just then.“Where are you supposed to be right now?”
“Exactly where I am.”
