Fatal Reckoning (Fatal #14)(34)

“Really, or are you telling me what you think I want to hear?”

“Would I do that?”

He laughed. “Never.”

“I’m going to miss him like crazy, but I won’t miss the wheelchair or seeing him unable to do anything but lift an eyebrow. I won’t miss that at all.”

“Understandable. He wasn’t my father, and I found it excruciating to see him reduced to what he was left with after the shooting. I imagine you’re attacking his case with fresh eyes and new leads after the call for tips.”

“You imagine correctly.”

“I want you to prepare yourself for the possibility of more of the same. There’s a fresh wave of interest and grief that’ll give you hope and resolve that could lead to more disappointment.”

“I know what you’re saying, and I’m prepared for the possibility that we may never close the case. But don’t we have to try?”

“We absolutely have to try. And if there’s anyone who can figure this out once and for all, it’s you.”

She released a huff of laughter. “I haven’t had much luck thus far.”

“My money is on you, kid.”

“Thanks. Appreciate the support, and my dad did too. The department was good to him after the shooting. None of us will ever forget that.”

“We loved him.” The simplicity of his statement brought tears to her eyes.

“I’ve been thinking about something the last couple of days that I might want to talk to you about in more detail when things settle down.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s rough at this point, but going through the paces after my dad died, I started thinking about all the people I meet on this job who’re victims of violent crime. I’m a victim of violent crime. My family members are victims. I think about Nick’s friend Derek Kavanaugh, who lost his wife to murder, and the people who were caught up in the drive-by shootings, like Vanessa Marchand’s dad and Joe Kramer, who lost his wife. I think about my niece Brooke, who was raped the night of the Springer murders. We get justice for them, but then what? What happens to them after we close the case?”

“It’s a good question.”

“There’re so many of them, Doc. It seems to me like we could be doing more to support them.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I’m not sure yet, but maybe some sort of support group or something that brings them together in a way that lets them know they’re not alone. I don’t know… Like I said, it’s rough at this point.”

“I like the idea a lot.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “I think it could be a tremendous community service project for you to take on as the Homicide lieutenant and as a victim of violent crime yourself. You’re uniquely positioned to lead something like this.”

“Whoa.” Laughing, she held up a hand to stop him. “I never said anything about leading it.”

“Didn’t you? It’s your idea, and who better to make something like this happen than someone who not only sees the need on a daily basis but who has also been on this journey herself?”

“I don’t know, Doc. I barely have time to see my husband and family as it is. Not sure I could take on something else.”

“You wouldn’t be doing it alone.”

“Does that mean you’d be interested in working with me on something like this?”

“Absolutely. It would be my honor to help you make this happen.”

“Let me give it some more thought and get back to you when things calm down.”

“Sounds like a plan. Before I leave you to your work, I’ll remind you that my door is always open to you. These are difficult days for you, your squad, your family. I’m here if I can be of assistance to any of you.”

“That helps. Thank you.”

“I hate to bring up other wounds when you’re dealing with a new one, but with Stahl’s trial coming soon, I’d like to set up some time to talk about how we’re going to get you through that challenge.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t think I need it. I’m very resolved to testifying and helping to put him away for life.”

“Sam… Please don’t underestimate the trauma of having to face off with the man who tried to kill you—twice.”

“I’m not underestimating it. I’m simply refusing to give him any more of my time or attention than he’s already gotten.”

“Fair enough, but if you should change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I do, and I appreciate you. I really do.”

“I’ll let you get on with your day, Lieutenant, and I’ll wish you well in the effort to apprehend your father’s shooter. We’re all hoping for a successful resolution to his case.”

Sam nodded and gave him a grateful smile.

After he left, she took a minute to settle her overloaded emotions. The reminder of Stahl’s upcoming trial was just another thing on her already overflowing plate. Adding the organization of a support group for the victims of violent crime to her to-do list was probably madness. She didn’t have time to breathe most days. However, the recent drive-by shootings and the family members left behind had been weighing heavily on her mind.