Page 149 of State of Retribution

Sam took the call as Malone left, closing the door behind him.“Sam Holland’s office.Sam speaking.”

“Samantha.”

“Yes, Nicholas, I know.It’s terrible.The FBI has found a 3D printer at Officer Offenbach’s home that’s probably the source of the untraceable drones.”

“I heard.”

“We’ve got Ramsey.Offenbach apparently turned on him, shot him and left him hog-tied while he took off.”

“Which means the more dangerous one is still on the loose.”

“Yes.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’ve been better, especially since a family member of one of their victims ripped me a new one over my colleagues hating me so much they’d kill innocent people to get rid of me.”

“Sam, come on.That’s not true.”

“Sometimes it feels like it is.Freddie and Malone are fired up about it and want to make public statements, although I’m not sure what good that’d do.”

“Let them.It can’t hurt anything.”

“I suppose.”

“I’m sorry this is happening.You feel like it’s your fault those people are dead, and I feel like it’s my fault that people there treat you this way.”

“How is it your fault?”

“I had the audacity to become president, and you had the audacity to keep your job, which just gave them all new reasons to hate you.”

“Don’t take that on.They would’ve come up with other reasons simply because that’s what they’re about.”As she tried to convince him, she realized she made a good point that she ought to take to heart as well.

“I saw your statement to the press, and I thought you did a great job.And it was an amazing visual to have your female colleagues and friends standing behind you.”

“That was all their doing, but you’re right.It was incredible.”

“I want you to hang on to the high regard all of them have for you as well as that of your squad, your brass and so many others you work with there.I want you to remember all the families that credit you with getting justice for their loved ones and the grief group you founded with them in mind.You give so, so much, and you should never let anyone make you feel like it’s not enough.Do you hear me?”

“Yes, sir, Mr.President.I hear you.”

“I’m being serious, Samantha.”

She smiled.“I know you are, and I appreciate the pep talk.It was just what I needed when I needed it.That’s another of your many superpowers.”

“I’ll show you a few others when you get home.”

“I’ll look forward to that.”

“As will I.Are you going to be all right to finish your shift?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You know what we need to do very soon?”

“What’s that?”

“Take that spa weekend you gave me for Christmas that’s been postponed three times already.”

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