State of suspense, p.14
State of Suspense, page 14
part #1 of First Family Series, Book 7 Series
“Seven,” Sam and Scotty said together.
“Three.”
“Poor guy,” Scotty said. “He has no clue.”
“I know, right?”
“I can hear you two.”
“Have you heard anything from Terry?”
“No, and I was just about to text him when you came in.”
“Do that, will you?”
“Yes, dear.” He typed out the text on his phone and then read Terry’s response to her. “‘Nothing specific yet, but Lindsey is resting comfortably and feeling better.’”
“That’s great news.” Sam yawned and then made herself get up to prepare for bed before she fell asleep on the sofa. “Get yourself to bed when the game is over.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“I love all this obedience from you guys.”
“Don’t get used to it,” Scotty called after her. “We feel bad for you because you’re injured—again.”
“Haha. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Nick followed her into the bathroom. “Do you need help changing?”
“Is that a come-on?”
That grin of his was too sexy for words. “Not this time.
“I think I’ve got it, but thanks for asking.”
He kissed her. “I’ll be in as soon as the game is over.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Can’t wait.”
After he went back out to Scotty, she changed into pajamas, which was harder than she’d expected it to be with her bandaged wrist and hand, and then brushed her teeth. Once she was settled into bed, she called to check in with Carlucci.
“Hey, LT.”
“How’s it going?”
“Slow and tedious. We’re still reviewing reams of texts and emails. I gotta say, though, I keep coming back to this thing with the neighbor.”
Sam closed her eyes and rested her head against the pillow. “Tell me more.”
“The neighbor, Ralph Sellers, has three Dobermans, one of which got out of his yard and attacked Forrester’s dog, Snowflake, while the daughters were walking her. The incident was traumatic for the kids, who had to fight off the much bigger dog to save theirs. Naomi Forrester, the older of the two girls, said the Doberman had Snowflake in its mouth and was shaking her violently.”
“Jeez, that sounds terrifying.”
“They said it was. Needless to say, Tom and his wife were outraged and reported the incident to Animal Control as well as their neighborhood association, demanding that something be done about vicious dogs in their midst. Sellers has fought them every step of the way, and they’ve each sued the other, claiming damages.”
“What grounds did Sellers have to sue Tom?”
“Emotional distress and harassment.”
“So his dog attacks Tom’s dog, and he’s the one with distress?”
“That’s what he said. I read both lawsuits, and Sellers claims his family has lost their ability to enjoy their home due to the aggression of their neighbors.”
“Didn’t it occur to him that he could rehome his dogs to somewhere other than a residential neighborhood and begin enjoying his home again?”
“He said he’d never rehome them. They’re part of his family.”
“I think we should have a chat with him tomorrow. Find out where he is during the day and shoot me a message.”
“Will do.”
“Thanks for the good work.”
“You got it.”
Sam closed her phone and plugged it into the bedside charger as she thought about how she might approach an interview with the neighbor. First, she’d speak to Leslie Forrester about the dispute. She should also ask Leslie about Tom’s potential affair, but she wanted to dig into that further before she mentioned it. If it was just a rumor, there was no sense upsetting Leslie more than she already was.
That was the last thought she had before she was startled awake when Nick got into bed.
“What the hell?”
“Huh?”
“I was thinking about something, and the next thing I know, it’s quite a bit later, and you’re here.”
“I believe it’s possible you fell asleep.”
“How does it just happen like that? Awake one minute and dead to the world the next?”
“You’re asking me? That’s never happened in my life.”
“I think, and please don’t laugh at me…”
“I’ll try my best not to, but I can’t wait to hear this.”
“I might be getting old.”
He laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. “Shut up.”
“I’m serious! Old people do that. They’ll be talking one second and snoring the next. That’s what I just basically did. Next, I’ll be drooling.”
“You’re exhausted, Samantha, after a long, difficult day that involved blood and needles. Cut yourself a break.”
“Don’t forget you promised to still love me when I’m old, which may happen sooner than expected.”
He put his arm around her and made her comfortable in his embrace. “I’ll love you for as long as I’m drawing breath, and then I’ll love you for all of eternity.”
“Wow, you’re good. Who writes your stuff?”
“All original material. Get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day around here.”
“I’ll love you for all eternity, too, even if you’re making me have tea with the prime minister’s wife.”
He rocked with silent laughter. “That’s good, because I’m kinda counting on that.”
She fell asleep smiling.
Chapter Fourteen
In the morning, Nick gently reminded Sam one last time that she needed to be ready for her date with Mrs. Hutchinson at three.
“Yes, dear,” she said as she kissed him goodbye. “I’ll be home in plenty of time.”
“I appreciate it.”
“You’re lucky I love you.”
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world because you love me. Be safe out there.”
“Always am.”
On the ride to HQ, she called Leslie Forrester. “I’m sorry to bother you so early.”
“It’s okay. I’m not sleeping very well, and I was going to call you today to tell you the funeral is scheduled for next Wednesday at the National Cathedral. Conlon will follow up with the details.”
“I’ll be there. The reason I called was to talk about your neighbor and the situation with the Dobermans.”
“Oh my. You don’t think that’s related to Tom’s death, do you?”
“Not really, but we’re investigating all possibilities, up to and including that. I wanted your take on that.”
“I wouldn’t put anything past him or his crazy-ass wife. They’re super entitled and think they should be able to do whatever they want on their property, including raising dogs that attack other pets.”
“Had it happened before your dog was attacked?”
“The neighbors on the other side of them say one of those dogs killed their cat. They can’t prove it, but they’re certain it was them. They’re always getting out of the yard. People are afraid to let their kids play outside.”
“Where does Animal Control stand on this?”
“To be honest, they’ve been mostly useless. They come by, cite the owners, and then we never hear from them again.”
Sam’s first stop at HQ would be to visit the folks at Animal Control. “What’s the wife’s name?”
“Laurel, and he’s Ralph. Tom called him Ralph Kramden.” It took a second for Sam to connect the name to the iconic grouch from the old TV show The Honeymooners.
“To his face?”
“Yep.”
Sam laughed. “That’s funny.”
“Not sure Ralph thought so.” She sighed. “I can’t believe I’ll never hear Tom call him that again.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how awful that must be.” And she didn’t want to imagine it.
“Thank you. It’s just such a shock. Ten days ago, we were laughing at dinner with the Coxes, and Damien Bryant. And now Tom’s dead, and Damien has been charged with crimes.”
“Wait. You had dinner with them ten days ago?”
“Yes. We got together frequently. Not so much since Damien started dating JoAnn, but before that, it was almost every week.”
“Who’s JoAnn?”
“She’s a nurse he started dating about six months ago.”
“Do you know her last name?”
“I don’t. I only met her a couple of times.”
Sam made a note of the woman’s name. “How does Damien fit in with Tom and Reggie?”
“He’d been a good friend of theirs for about twelve years. Tom used to say it never hurt to have friends in Congress, especially if they were on the Judiciary Committee.”
“Wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest? For a congressman on that committee to be close, personal friends with the AG and a USA? Or for even the AG and a USA to be close?”
“I’m not sure how all that works. Tom used to say Washington is a small town, and everyone is friends with everyone.”
“Thank you for this added insight. I really appreciate it.”
“I wish there was more I could do.”
“I’ll let you know if we have other questions. I’ll see you Wednesday, if not before.”
“Thank you again for all you’re doing.”
“I’ll keep you posted.”
Sam closed her phone and took a minute to process the information Leslie had given her. Every time she talked to someone close to Tom, she found out more about the deep ties between him and Reggie Cox, not to mention she had proof that Bryant had lied to her about being close friends with Forrester.
At HQ, she went straight to Animal Control on the second floor and asked to speak to the lieutenant in charge. Everyone in their office stared at her from the second she walked in. She ignored them while she waited for the LT.
A heavyset woman Sam hadn’t met before appeared from an office in the back of the space. She had a dour expression and drab brown hair that needed a brush.
“I’m Lieutenant Diane Webster.”
“Lieutenant Holland.”
“No kidding,” she said with a sneer. “What can I do for you?”
What the hell was her problem? “I’m investigating the murder of U.S. Attorney Tom Forrester. It’s come to our attention that he was involved in an altercation with one of his neighbors after the neighbor’s dog attacked Tom’s.”
“What about it?”
“I was wondering if you have any contacts at Gaithersburg Animal Control who could get us a copy of the report and any impressions as well as what, if any, follow-up was done about the dog.”
“Are you accusing them of something?”
“What? No. I’m asking for information for a case.”
“‘What, if any, follow-up was done about the dog’ sure sounds like an accusation to me.”
“Well, it wasn’t. I’m asking what was done or not done about the dog. Sometimes, something is done. Other times, it isn’t. I’m asking which this was.”
“I’ll reach out to them.”
“Thanks. I’ll wait.”
“It’ll take me a minute, and I was in the middle of something else.”
“Something more pressing than the murder of a U.S. Attorney?”
Oh, she didn’t like that. “I’ll ask for a copy of their report and get it to you.” She turned and walked away.
“Was it something I said?” Sam asked the admin.
“She has a beef with you,” she whispered. The young woman had light brown skin and pretty dark eyes. Her braids were wrapped in a tall bun.
“Whatever for? I’ve never seen her before today.”
“I’ve said too much.”
“Bring me that file when it’s ready. Let’s talk.”
“Um, okay.”
For fuck’s sake, Sam thought as she headed downstairs. “How do I manage to piss off people I’ve never met?”
“What’d you say, Sam?” Freddie asked as he stood in his cubicle.
“Do you know Webster in Animal Control?”
“Not personally.”
“Me either, but apparently, she has a beef with me.”
“What’d you do?”
“It’s probably the fact that I breathe that annoys her.”
“Or maybe it’s because you’re so good at your job, and she wishes she was you.”
“I think the breathing thing is more likely. I want to talk to Forrester’s neighbors. The ones with the dog.”
“Is that why you were tangling with Webster?”
“I wasn’t tangling with her. I asked for a copy of the report on the incident with Forrester’s dog. Apparently, I was out of line.”
Captain Malone came into the pit, looking stressed and aggravated. “The media is going nuts for an update on Forrester.”
“I’ve got dick to tell them.”
“You have to tell them something before they stampede the building. I’ve rarely seen more of them out there.”
“I’ll take care of it. After that, we’re going to see Cox and then to Gaithersburg to talk to Forrester’s neighbor.”
“What’s up with Cox?”
“He asked me to come in.”
“Interesting, no?”
“For sure. I’m worried he might be up to his neck in this, which could cause me some trouble at home.”
“First sign of it crossing that line, I’ll take over anything to do with him. I’d go with you today, but I can’t. I’ve got other fires to put out.”
“Got it.”
“What’s with Forrester’s neighbor?”
“A dispute over dogs.”
Malone gave her a skeptical look.
“I’m pulling the threads, Cap.”
“All right.”
“Don’t forget I’m leaving early today.”
“Ah, yes, the Canadian state dinner. I’ve got my monkey suit ready to go.”
Sam smiled. “See you there, if not before.” To Freddie, she said, “Let me do the press briefing, and then we’ll get going.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“Have you given everyone assignments for today?”
“I’m waiting on Gonzo to get here. He’s running late. We’ll have the others focus on emails and texts. We’re only about halfway through what Archie gave us.”
“Do me a favor and pull warrants for the cell phone data for Ralph and Laurel Sellers.”
“Who’re they?”
“Forrester’s neighbors. He had a beef with them over their dog attacking his that led to lawsuits. It’s just a hunch, but I’d like to know where they were when he was killed.”
Cameron came over to them, looking upset—or maybe shocked.
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked tentatively.
“Avery’s been shot.”
“What? Where?”
“Coming out of the gym on 22nd.”
“Is he…” Sam was afraid to finish that question.
“He was alive but unresponsive when EMS arrived. They took him to GW.”
“Does Shelby know?”
“I called Avery’s deputy, George Terrell, to find out how that was being handled. He said he was on the way to the White House now to notify her.”
Sam wasn’t sure whether she should go to the hospital or home to be with Shelby. “I need to go to her.”
“No,” Malone said.
Sam looked at him as if he’d said something she didn’t understand.
“I need you on Forrester. I know Avery’s a close friend, but there’s nothing you can do for him right now. We’ll put people on it and figure out what happened to him.”
Lucas and Harper came into the pit.
“Did you hear about Hill?” Lucas asked.
“Just now,” Sam said.
“You two get over to GW and see what you can find out,” Malone said to her and Harper. “Tell Archie to pull the film from around the gym on 22nd.”
“Yes, sir,” Lucas said.
She and Harper headed toward the morgue exit.
Sam very much wanted to go with them, but Malone had given her an order. “I, uh, I’ll get ready to brief the media on Forrester.”
“Take a minute,” Malone said.
“H-he just had a baby. They just had a baby…” Her heart ached for both of them, especially after the recent home-invasion trauma.
Sam hadn’t been this upset in a while.
“I’ll brief the media,” Freddie said.
“That’s okay.”
“I’ll do it, Sam. It’s good experience for me, and you’re in no condition to do it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Very.”
“Thank you, grasshopper.”
“No problem.”
“I’ll help you get ready,” Malone said to Freddie.
After they walked away, Sam’s phone rang. Her heart sank when she saw Shelby’s name on the screen. “Hey, I was just going to call you.”
“Sam! What do you know? Is he… He can’t be dead. Please tell me he isn’t.”
“I heard he was unresponsive but alive when EMS took him to the hospital. Where are you?”
“I’m with George. He’s taking me and the baby to GW. Celia offered to keep her for me, but I didn’t know how long I’d be gone.”
Sam gave Shelby credit for keeping her shit together and thinking about practicalities at such a terrible time.
“I would come there, but—”
“I know you can’t. Do what you have to do. That’s what Avery would want. I’ll keep you posted.”
“I’m praying for you all, Tinker Bell.”
“Thank you.”
Sam put down her phone and dropped her head into her hands. How was Shelby holding it together when her husband had been shot, only days after they’d welcomed their new baby?
The secure BlackBerry rang.
She took the call from her husband. “Hi.”
“What do you know about Avery?”
“He was unresponsive but alive when EMS transported him.”
“Good God. Have you talked to Shelby?”
“Just now. Avery’s deputy, George, is transporting her and the baby to GW.”
“Are you going there?”
“I can’t. We’re under tremendous pressure on Forrester… Malone basically told me to stay put.”
