Chapter Thirty-Four #2
After the formalities were seen to, Sam and Nick went to sit with her dad and the rest of her family. While Nick chatted with his brothers-in-law, Sam took the first opportunity she’d had to debrief the case with her dad.
“I can’t believe it all stemmed from a traffic altercation,” Skip said.
“Sort of like what happened to you.”
“True.”
“I’ve been given a week of unpaid leave, during which I’ve been directed to rethink my priorities.”
“Ouch. Who said that? Joe?”
“Yeah. He’s pissed that I took in the kids during the investigation. And before you say it, I know it was a conflict of interest, but I’d do it again in a hot second.”
“That says a lot about where your priorities are.”
“I know, and they’re not compatible with the job.”
“Most of the time they are, and I would hope Joe can see that.”
“He said I’m the reason he can’t retire, because anyone else in his job would have my ass in a sling and my badge inside of a week.”
“He’s full of shit,” Skip said, scoffing. “He has no desire to retire. Marti has been after him for years to retire, but he always says he’d go crazy without something to do. Don’t let him put that on you.”
“I think he meant it, though. He said it’s true what people say—that I get away with murder while investigating murder.”
“You do a hellacious job better than just about anyone else ever has. And he knows that as well as you and I do. Take your rap and your week off but keep doing what you do. Maybe avoid taking in the children of your murder victims in the future.”
“Nick and I might keep them.” It was the first time she’d said the words out loud.
His brow went up. “Seriously?”
Nodding, she filled him in on where things stood with Elijah and the kids. She and Nick hadn’t breathed a word of it to anyone but Scotty and Shelby, fearful it wouldn’t happen, and they’d have to backtrack.
“Wow. The aunt and uncle didn’t pan out?”
“They were awful. Elijah said thanks but no thanks to them. But we could tell he was panicking about what to do, so we offered.” She shrugged, trying to pretend that offer wasn’t one of the biggest things they’d ever done.
It was certainly bigger than Nick becoming vice president. That was for sure.
“You want these kids, baby girl?” he asked softly.
“I think I do, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”
“It’s a hell of a thing you did even offering to help their brother. I’m sure he appreciates it.”
“He does. He’s a nice kid, too. Either way,” Sam said, forcing a cheerful tone, “we told him they’re stuck with us. We’re invested now.”
“They’re lucky to have you guys and Scotty invested in them.”
“They have more money than they can spend in a lifetime, but at the end of the day, they’re alone in the world. Elijah has his mom, but he doesn’t seem particularly close to her, and besides, she’s not going to take in the kids her ex-husband had with his second wife, you know?”
“Yeah, it’s messy, and you’re right that money can’t buy a family.”
“No, but it can give them security they wouldn’t have without it.”
“I still think about a kid I met during one of my cases. I always wondered what became of him after his parents were killed. It’s good that you won’t have to regret not taking the next step with them, because you would’ve regretted it and always wondered what became of them.”
“Yeah, I would’ve.”
Christina approached them. “Sorry to interrupt, but could I have a word, Sam? I’ve got to get home to Alex. One of my neighbors is watching him so I could come.”
“Of course,” Sam said, kissing her dad’s forehead as she stood.
She and Christina stepped outside the tent, which was surrounded by Secret Service agents trying to be subtle and failing miserably.
“How’re you doing?” Sam asked.
“A little better than I was. It’s a huge relief to know that Tommy is getting the help he needs, even if Alex and I miss him.”
“When can you see him?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. They’re going to let me know.”
“If there’s anything we can do for you, please ask. We can take Alex. Whatever you need.”
“Thanks, Sam.”
“You and I got off to a rough start at first, but I hope you know that you and Tommy and Alex… You’re family to me and Nick.”
“I know that and so does he. It means a lot to both of us.”
Sam hugged her. “We’re going to get him through this and figure out what’s next.”
Christina hugged her back and nodded as she glanced wistfully at the tent. “Maybe someday we’ll be dancing at my wedding.”
“I’ll be first in line for that dance. Keep me posted on what’s going on?”
“I will. Take care, Sam.”
“You, too.”
As Sam walked back to the tent thinking of Gonzo and what he might be going through at rehab, Harry and Lilia came out of the tent, arm in arm, caught up in each other.
Sam delighted in seeing them together. For so long, she’d wanted Harry to find someone.
That he’d met Lilia through her gave her a kick—and the ability to take full credit for their relationship.
“Cutting out early, lovebirds?” she asked, startling them.
“I’ve got to pack,” Harry said. “Air Force Two is wheels up at eight in the morning.”
Sam’s spirits plummeted at the reminder of Nick’s looming departure. “Nick has been packed for a week.”
“We all know he’s not normal,” Harry said.
“That’s our vice president you’re slandering,” Lilia said.
“He isn’t normal,” Sam said, making them both laugh. “He’s an anal-retentive freakazoid.”
“I hadn’t gotten official word that you’re going too until yesterday,” Lilia said. “I’m woefully unprepared to support you.”
Sam glanced at the tent where Nick was dancing with Celia before returning her attention to Harry and Lilia. “I haven’t told Nick yet, but I’m not going. We have a situation at home.”
“Not Scotty?” Harry asked.
“No, not Scotty. Some other children have recently come into our lives, and they need one of us to be home right now.” Being a mother, she was finding, meant making sacrifices that would’ve been unheard of before children.
She wasn’t Aubrey or Alden’s mother, but she would care for them the way a mother would for as long as they needed that from her.
“Is this a story that’s going to make headlines?” Lilia asked with a kind smile.
“Possibly,” Sam said. With so many other things to contend with, she hadn’t given the potential for headlines much thought.
Lilia reached out to squeeze her arm. “We’ll help you navigate that when the time is right.”
“It may not happen, but if it does, you’ll be among the first to know.”
“As always, I am at your service,” Lilia said with the devotion that had endeared her to Sam since she first met her. Recalling that she’d been prepared to dislike the woman seemed silly now.
Sam hugged Harry. “Take good care of my husband while you’re gone.”
“You know I will.”
“I’ll rest easier knowing you’re with him.”
“We’ll be back before you ladies miss us,” Harry said.
Sam glanced at Lilia, and together they said, “No, you won’t.”