Fatal Reckoning (Fatal #14)(12)
Joe nodded in agreement. “Thank you for taking care of that.”
“Sam included mention of the tip line in the announcement that went public fifteen minutes ago. Let’s hope we get some new leads. It would give me great pleasure to lock up the son of a bitch who did this to him.”
“You and me both.”
They exchanged a fierce look that told Joe they were on the same page, as they usually were. Getting justice for Skip Holland would now become their top priority.
CHAPTER FIVE
BY LATE AFTERNOON, Skip’s house was overrun with family, friends, fellow police officers and neighbors who’d come to offer comfort and consolation to the grieving family. They’d brought food and booze and baked goods and love—lots and lots of love. While Sam appreciated the outpouring of support, the only love she wanted was from Nick, who was still several hours from home.
The clock seemed to move in reverse during that long, difficult day. She’d received a voice mail message from her partner, Freddie, that had touched her deeply. It pained her to think of him receiving this news when he was so far from home and supposed to be enjoying his new wife and their honeymoon.
Timing, as they said, was everything. She’d texted him to thank him for the concern and told him to carry on with his trip and that she was okay.
The undertakers had removed Skip’s body from the house several hours ago. Sam had stood with her family on the sidewalk to watch the Metro PD escort Skip to the funeral home with lights and sirens befitting a fallen hero. She had kept a distance from the proceedings to avoid the throng of reporters that had gathered outside the Secret Service checkpoint.
A member of the department would remain with Skip until his burial. Before she’d had a family of her own to care for, Sam would’ve wanted to be that officer. Now her responsibilities to her son took precedence. She had to believe Skip would want her to stay close to Scotty while other members of the department stood watch over him.
Around three, she went outside to speak to Debra. “What time is Air Force Two due to arrive at Andrews?”
“Shortly after five. Marine Two will be standing by to bring the vice president into the city. He should be here by six at the very latest.”
“Will you please pass along my thanks to whoever took care of all that?”
“I believe it was Mr. O’Connor, but I’ll make sure he’s told.”
“No need. I’ll tell him myself when I get the chance. Excuse me.” Sam went down the ramp to greet her father-in-law, Leo Cappuano, and stepmother-in-law, Stacy, with hugs.
“We came as soon as we heard the news.” Leo had the same brown hair, hazel eyes and olive-toned skin as Nick, the son he’d fathered while still in high school. The two had struggled over the years to form a relationship but were closer now than they’d ever been.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you myself.”
“Don’t be,” Stacy said. “We can’t begin to know what you must be going through.”
“I feel like I keep saying this, but I’m comforted to know he’s free. I keep thinking he’s running around in heaven and dancing like a fool the way he used to.”
“I love that.” Stacy swiped subtly at tears. “We admired him so much and always enjoyed the time we spent with him.”
“That means a lot. Thank you.”
“What can we do for you?” Leo asked.
“Snap your fingers and get your son home right now?” Sam said with a small grin.
“If I could, I’d do it in a second for you. He’s due home tonight, right?”
Sam nodded. “I’m told he’ll be here by six.”
“If you don’t mind, we’ll stick around until he gets here.”
“That’ll be great. Scotty will be happy to see you.”
Sam escorted them inside. Scotty was seated on the sofa next to Celia, where he’d stayed for most of the day. In between greeting guests and visiting with friends, Celia had leaned against the boy who’d become her grandson over the last few years. Brooke, Abby, Ethan, Jack and Ella were there too, but it was Scotty who never left Celia’s side, making his mother very proud during that endless afternoon of people and condolences.
Marti Farnsworth slipped an arm around Sam’s waist. “Have you eaten anything, Sam?”
She shook her head. Food had been the last thing on her mind that day. She wasn’t sure she could eat.
“Come with me.” Marti led Sam into the kitchen. Conversation among extended family and friends died off when they walked in. “Would you all mind giving us a minute?”
Sam appreciated the way Marti took charge.
The others filed out of the room, leaving Sam and Marti alone until Uncle Joe walked in.
Marti fixed them each a plate from the wide assortment of food and put it on the table in front of them. Then she discreetly left them alone, letting the kitchen door swing closed behind her.
When they were alone, Sam glanced at him. “Your wife is the best.”
“I’ve known that for more than thirty-five years.”
Sam picked at the food, forcing herself to chew and swallow a few bites so she wouldn’t do something embarrassing like pass out.
Joe pushed his own food around with the same lack of interest Sam felt. “This is a tough one, for all of us, but mostly for you.”