Chapter Eleven #2
“Wish I could do more. If you pick up a scent, make sure to let me know.”
“I’ll keep you posted.” She closed her phone and glanced at Nick, who looked up from his BlackBerry. “That was productive.”
“Sounds like it.”
“And also terrifying. If Ethan was hanging out with that kid, then he could be in some big trouble.”
“Let’s hope he kept his wits about him if he got in over his head. He’s a smart, savvy kid. Remember at Christmas when he had all the toys put together before I could even find a screwdriver?”
“Yeah, that was funny. He showed up all the dads.”
“He had that Swiss Army knife thing that he got for his birthday, the one with all the tools on it.”
“He wanted that so badly. Tracy and Mike gave him a thousand warnings about using it only for good and said it could never go to school with him.” Sam smiled at the memory of Ethan using his gadget to conquer Christmas.
“Tracy said she frisks him every day on the way out the door to make sure he’s not going to school with a weapon. ”
“Wherever he is, he probably has it with him.”
“That’s true. God, I hope he does.”
When someone knocked on the door, she called for them to come in.
Dr. Trulo poked his head inside. “Is this a good time?”
Sam waved him in. “Always a good time to see you, friend.”
He stepped inside and closed the door. “Mr. President.”
Nick stood to shake hands with Trulo. “Good to see you, Doc.”
“I saw the motorcade outside and suspected we had a VIP visitor.”
Nick shook his hand. “Just a husband and uncle today.”
Trulo looked to Sam. “Is there any news?”
“Nothing yet. Big meeting at eight with the Feds.”
“I spoke to my daughter. She apologized for not getting back to us yesterday. She’s had sick kids all weekend. She’ll call you this morning.”
“That’s great, thank you. Sorry to hear about the kids.”
“I guess it was a stomach bug kind of weekend.”
“Yikes.”
“How’re you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m freaked out and super anxious, but doing what I do and trying to help where I can. I’ve been sidelined from the official investigation due to the family connection.”
“Ah, I see, well, I suppose that’s understandable to everyone but you.”
Sam huffed out a laugh. Her friend knew her too well. “I’m on best behavior. Now, anyway. You’d be proud of me.”
“I’m always proud of you. Let me know if there’s anything at all I can do for you or your family. I’m praying for your nephew’s safety and that of the other missing children.”
Sam went around her desk to hug him. “Thanks, Doc. You’re the best.”
“Hang in there, kiddo.”
“I’m hanging. Just barely.”
After the doctor left, Malone appeared in the doorway. “Avery is here with his team. We’re about to get started in the chief’s conference room.” His was twice the size of the one in her pit.
“Is it okay if Nick sits in with us?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“We’ll be right there.”
Malone left the door open when he turned to walk away.
As Sam gathered her notebook, pen and an unopened water bottle, Nick stopped her with a hand to her arm. “I want to remind you that you’re under no obligation to attend a meeting that’s apt to be upsetting to you.”
“Everything I do is upsetting. This is just more so than usual.”
“This is intensely personal, and no one expects you to digest every awful detail.”
“I hear you, and I appreciate the reminder, but this is the one thing I’m good at—digesting the awful details and figuring out what to do about them.”
“If the details are too awful in this case, I want you to remove yourself from the mix. There’re other people here who can do what you do—not as well, of course…”
“Of course,” she said, smiling. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
“That’s why I’m here, because you never look out for yourself when someone else needs you.”
“Love you.”
“Love you more.”
“I already won that fight.” Sam took him by the hand to lead the way to the meeting. As they walked along the corridor, they passed numerous people who did a double take at the sight of the president. “I’m old news around here,” Sam said quietly to him, “but you’re the shit.”
“Gee, thanks. That’s what I’ve always aspired to be.”
“I feel guilty making a joke when Ethan is missing.”
“You still have to function, and that’s how you cope.”
“I guess. My coping mechanism seems unsavory at the moment.”
“Do whatever it takes to get through it.”
Chief Farnsworth was talking to Avery Hill outside the conference room when Sam and Nick approached.
The chief’s eyes went wide when he saw that Sam had brought a date. “Sam, Mr. President.”
Nick shook hands with both men. “Nice to see you, Joe.”
“You as well.”
“Avery.”
“Mr. President.”
“Let’s get going,” Sam said. “He’s been missing since yesterday afternoon, and we’re no closer to finding him than we were last night.”
“Sorry you and your family are going through this,” Avery said. “I hope we can help.”
“I hope so, too. Thanks for coming.”
Sam and Nick took seats at the far end of the conference table, while Ruiz and Avery took the lead.
Jesse Best came into the room just as Ruiz was about to get started.
“Marshal Best, thank you for joining us,” Ruiz said.
Jesse nodded. “Whatever we can do to help.”
Sam noticed that he looked tired and strained. One of his closest colleagues had been wounded during the showdown with disgraced Officer Offenbach.
He sat next to her.
“Thank you for being here.”
“Any time.”
“How’s Marshal Costello?”
“Making progress.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Detectives Green, Carlucci, Dominguez and O’Brien came in and found seats.
Sam sent them a grateful smile. They’d worked all night and had shown up now for her and her family.
When Nick reached for her hand under the table, she held on tight, thankful for his presence.