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me know what’s going on?”
    â€œI’ll be in touch with you the second we have anything concrete. I promise.”
    With his face set in a grim expression, he nodded, seeming pacified for now. Sam entered his phone number into her contacts and gave him her number in case he needed her for anything. Freddie arrived a short time later, and Sam introduced him to Josh.
    Josh shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. I guess we’re going to be roommates for the next few days.”
    â€œLooks that way,” Freddie said. “You like the Skins?”
    â€œOf course I do. Born and raised right here in D.C.”
    â€œIt’s Cowboys weekend, so at least we have something fun to watch.”
    â€œI’ll spring for the beer.” Sam handed her credit card to Freddie. “Put the room on that too.”
    â€œYour personal card? Will they let me do that?”
    â€œHave them call me if you need to.”
    â€œI could use my department card.”
    She shook her head. “I’m keeping this separate for the time being. I’ll work out the expense side of it later.”
    â€œYou’re the boss.”
    â€œNot right now, I’m not. Check in with me later.”
    â€œWill do.”

CHAPTER FOUR
    A FTER THEY LEFT , Sam went upstairs to look in on Scotty and Nick. They were both sleeping soundly, so she went downstairs to get something to eat while she could. Shelby had left a big salad and a pot of meatballs on the stove, so Sam had some of both along with a glass of water when she’d much rather have had a diet cola.
    While she ate, she picked over the details of the case Josh had dropped into her lap. Though she probably should’ve technically declined to help him in light of her suspension, there were no rules she knew of that dictated personal favors outside of work. And technically, it wasn’t even an actual case, so she wasn’t violating the terms of her suspension.
    Calling Lindsey might’ve crossed the line, but Lindsey’s connections with the lab would ensure a speedier turnaround than they would’ve gotten from an outside doctor. With the possibility of Director Hamilton’s involvement or culpability, she needed to do things by the book. At some point, the chain of custody on the DNA might matter, and who would care then that Sam had technically been suspended when she requested the swab?
    You’re justifying yourself , baby girl . Sam smiled at the sound of Skip Holland’s voice in her head. Thinking of him made her want to talk to him, so she called down the street to see what he was up to.
    â€œHi, honey,” her stepmother said. “How’re you?”
    â€œWe’ve been struck by the flu over here. First Nick, then Scotty.”
    â€œOh no, are they okay?”
    â€œThey’re asleep for the moment, but they’ve both thrown up.”
    â€œPoor guys. I’ll make some soup for when they feel up to eating again.”
    â€œI’m sure they’d appreciate that it came from you rather than me.”
    Celia laughed. “Probably.”
    â€œIs Dad up for a chat?”
    â€œHe sure is. Let me get him for you.”
    â€œWhat happened at the hearing?” Skip asked.
    â€œHello to you too.”
    â€œSpill it.”
    Sam smiled at his sauciness. She expected nothing less from him. “Suspended for four days and a thousand-dollar donation to the widows and kids.”
    â€œThat ain’t bad, all things considered.”
    â€œI guess. I hear Forrester is considering assault charges, but I’m not worrying about that until it happens.”
    â€œYou should worry. He’s got a valid case, and you know it.”
    â€œMaybe so, but I’d do it again. And don’t tell me I’m better than him and should’ve risen above it. I heard you the other ninety times you’ve said that.”
    â€œIt’s true.”
    â€œI’ve got bigger fish to fry with both