Page 148 of State of Retribution

“No, you are, and that’s another thing I’ll tell the world.There’s no one doing this job anywhere in this freaking world better than you.”

Overcome by all the emotions, she waved her hand in front of her face.“Okay, stop now before you make me cry.”

“I’m not just saying it, Sam.It’s the truth, and I’ll tell anyone who needs to hear it.There’s a whole pit full of detectives in there who’ll agree with me.”

“People will say they agree because I’m their boss.”

“That’s total bullshit, and we’d all say as much to anyone who insinuated that.”

“Now you’re swearing, young Freddie.”

“As usual, you drive me to it.”

“I heard what you said and appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.Now, let’s get back to work making sure Offenbach and Ramsey pay for every crime they’ve committed.That’s how we make this as right as we possibly can.By ensuring they go to prison for the rest of their miserable lives.”

Sam returned to her office,closed the door and sat behind her desk, wounded to her soul by Goodman’s accusatory words and uplifted by Freddie’s vehement support.The roller-coaster ride of highs and lows was giving her whiplash.

A knock on the door came before Malone let himself in and closed the door.“What went down with the victim’s father-in-law?”

“Nothing good.”Sam relayed the lowlights of the conversation.“He said we’d be hearing from his attorneys, and if I’m so hated in the department that my colleagues would kill innocent people to try to get me out of here, maybe I should rethink my plan to stay on the job.”

“I hope you told him you’re universally liked around here, except by a few impotent men who can’t deal with a powerful woman who’s also good at her job.”

She shrugged.“I told him we’re four thousand people who have failings just like anyone else, but what does he care when two of our officers have ruined his daughter’s life?”

“They did that, Sam.Not you.”

“I know.”

“Do you?Really?”

“Yes, but come on, Cap.It’s tied to me and their hatred of me.I’m so tired of fighting this uphill battle with men who can’t handle having me around.What did I ever do to deserve all this?”

“First, you were born to Skip Holland, who was a rock star around here, and then you came in and became a rock star in your own right, despite what your detractors would say.That’s the part they can’t handle, because if they had a million years to make it happen, they’d never be what you are.”

“You humble me, Captain.”

“I speak the truth.”

“Cruz is raging to go outside and say something similar to the reporters.”

“He should.Hell, we all should.Maybe that’s how we address this, with a PR campaign of our own.I’ll take it to the chief and let you know.”

“I’d never want it to be said that I requested such a thing.”

“We’ll leave you out of it.Pretend this conversation never happened, in fact.”He seemed happy to have a plan of attack to fight back against the maliciousness being hurled her way.

“Remember our deal.”

“I remember.Not even close to there yet.”

The BlackBerry rang with a call from Nick.“That’ll be the POTUS.”

He shook his head as he chuckled.“Only you, Holland.”

“He’d better be calling only me.”

“You know he is.”

---