Chapter Seven #3
That you walked right into. I’ll mention this to Ruiz so she can address it with you.
You’re very funny today, Cap.
Laughter is the best medicine. See you when you get back.
I’m walking in as we speak.
Thanks for the warning.
When Sam entered the building through the morgue entrance a few minutes later, Lindsey was standing in the hallway with her deputy, Dr. Byron Tomlinson. “What’s up, Docs?” Sam laughed at her own cleverness.
“Haha,” Lindsey said. “I thought you went home.”
“I did. Now I’m back and planning to bring Amara to meet you right away.”
“Ah, okay. That was my next question.”
“Be back in a few.”
Freddie was waiting for her in the pit.
“Where’s Amara?”
“I stashed her in your office, so she’d be close. I told her to lock the door if she needed to feel safe.”
“Good thinking. I’ll take her to meet Lindsey.”
Sam used her key in the door and walked in to find Amara seated behind the desk, with her feet resting on the open drawer Sam used as a footstool. “Pardon me, Commander. May I have a word?”
Amara’s soft giggle touched Sam’s heart. “Sorry to make myself right at home.”
“You’re more than welcome to.”
She pointed to the wedding photo Sam kept on the desk. “Your husband is handsome.”
“I’ve heard that from a few people.”
“Like every woman in America?”
“And quite a few of the men, too.”
Amara laughed again. “From what I’ve seen and read about you guys, he’s only interested in you.”
“I’m very lucky, and it works both ways. He’s the bomb, but don’t tell anyone I said that. The word ‘bomb’ tends to trigger the Secret Service.”
“You’re as cool as I hoped you’d be.”
“That’s nice of you to say. It took a lot of courage to do what you did today, and to live with the horror of your brother’s murder for six long years. How about I take you to meet my friend Lindsey, the medical examiner, who’s offered a place for you to stay for as long as you need it.”
“Really?”
Sam nodded. “She’s the best. Fun fact—her fiancé is my husband’s chief of staff at the White House.”
“What does the chief of staff do?”
“He’s the real boss of the place.”
“Ah, I see. So your husband does what he tells him to?”
“If he’s smart, which he is. Want me to help with your bags?”
“Sure, thanks.” Amara handed the smaller of the two bags to Sam. “It was hard to narrow it down to what I could fit into two bags.”
“We’ll get you into the house to retrieve the rest of your belongings.”
“Really? Th-that’d be amazing. I had to leave my cat…”
“There’s a cat in the house?”
“Yes.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that. Since Crime Scene detectives will be processing the house, we’ll send Animal Control to get it. What’s the name?”
“Sunshine. She’s my baby. My friend was going to sneak in and take her to her house, but I’d so love to have her with me.”
“We’ll make that happen.”
“You’re all so nice. I… I really appreciate it.”
With each of them carrying one of the bags, Sam escorted her down the hallway to the morgue. “As I said, my friend Lindsey is the medical examiner. Do you know what a medical examiner does?”
“Autopsies and stuff?”
“That’s right. Her office is in the morgue.”
“Are there dead bodies in there?”
“I don’t think there’re any at the moment, but it’s okay if you don’t want to go in there.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I can handle it. I’ve been thinking about going into nursing.”
“Lindsey would be a great resource for you. She’s a doctor.”
“That’s cool.”
They walked through the automatic doors to the morgue. “Hey, Lindsey,” Sam said. “I’ve brought Amara to meet you.”
Lindsey popped up from behind her computer and smiled warmly as she came to greet them.
“Dr. Lindsey McNamara, meet Amara Robinson.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Lindsey shook Amara’s hand. “Sam has told me about your courageous testimony today. I’m happy to offer you a place to stay for as long as you need it.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you so much.”
“Amara has a cat named Sunshine that she’d like to have with her,” Sam said tentatively, hoping Lindsey and Terry weren’t allergic or something. She should’ve asked them before promising Sunshine a home, too. “Is that okay?”
“Of course. We’ll stop at the pet store to get what we need for her on the way home.”
“I’ll ask Animal Control to deliver her to your house.”
“She’s a very good girl,” Amara said. “You won’t even know she’s there.”
“Fine by me,” Lindsey said. “I love cats. I keep telling Terry we need one.”
“How can they get into the house?” Sam asked Amara.
“There’s a code on the back door. It’s 0312, which is King’s birthday.”
“Ironic.”
“I know, right?”
To Lindsey, Sam said, “Amara told me she might be interested in nursing.”
“Oh, that’s great. I have so many friends who are nurses.”
“If you ladies are all set, I’ve got to head back to the pit to see about cat transport,” Sam said.
“I’ll run Amara home to my house in a bit and get her set up.”
“Perfect. Amara, I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you again for everything, Sam.”
“You’ve got my number if you need me.”
She nodded. “I’ll never forget your kindness today.”
Sam gave the young woman a quick hug. “And I’ll never forget your courage.”