“Due to the similarities of the three attacks, we’re operating under that assumption until we have more information.That’s all for now.We’ll provide updates as we have them.”
“Are you scared, Sam?”Darren asked.
She stopped, turned to look back at him.“No, I’m not scared.I’m angry that someone would threaten an event full of families and children and also thankful for the many people and systems that prevented a tragedy.”
With that, she went inside, feeling resentful and resigned at the same time.
“They can’t help themselves,” Farnsworth said.
“They should try a little harder to follow the rules.”
“What fun would that be for them?”
She hoped her scowl spoke for itself.
“People are concerned.I suppose that’s to be expected with something like this.”
“I wish they’d pose those questions to the White House press office rather than expecting me to speak for Nick or his administration.Has there ever been anyone less qualified to do that than I am?”
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
She laughed.“Thank you.I needed that levity.”
“What’s your feeling on this new case?”
“I don’t have one yet, but if I did, it would probably include rage.A hardworking, soon-to-be-retired nurse, a young father, a college student working to put herself through school.It angers me that they were struck down on our streets for no good reason.My first order of business is to dig for connections between the vics, but I’m not thinking we’ll find any.”
“Still, we need to rule that out.”
“That’s the plan.”
“I’ll let you get to it.I’m here if you need anything.”
“It helps to know that.Thank you.”
“You got it, kid.”
He talked to her like that only when no one else was around, and him calling her “kid” made her feel loved and supported in a way that only he and Malone could do now that her dad was gone.They’d recently told her they intended to postpone retirement to stay close to her while Nick was in office.They said it was what Skip would want them to do as his best friends.She’d wept when they said that.
Soon it would be six whole months since that dreadful day in October when Skip had failed to wake up.As Sam walked back to the pit, she tried to shake off the despondency that came with remembering that morning on Ninth Street.Some memories were forever, though, and as much as she’d prefer to forget it, that one would stay with her for the rest of her life.
“How’d it go?”Freddie asked.
“Not bad, all things considered.Massive gathering, but only a few questions that pissed me off.Do you have the addresses for the vics?”
“Yeah.”
“Then let’s hit the road.”
Chapter Five
When they were settled in the back of the Secret Service SUV, Sam turned to look out the back window and saw a second SUV following them, plus the extra agents she’d spotted at the press briefing.
“This is more than a two-agent detail, Vernon.”
“We hope it’s temporary.”
Sam closed her eyes, rested her head against the seat, took a deep breath and released it.The last thing she wanted or needed at work was a massive Secret Service detail following her around.She’d found a way to manage with her two regular agents and had even come to enjoy the time they spent together every day.But a detail of multiple cars and additional agents was a tough pill to swallow, even if she knew it was for her safety.
