Page 158 of State of Retribution

“Glad to be of service to you.”

“Work the case, Freddie.It’ll make you feel better to help the cause.”

“Will do.Let me know if you need anything.”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Before he could leave the office, Malone was in the doorway.“The chief likes the idea of having your colleagues continue to make statements of support for you and the work you do here.”

“I’ll go first,” Freddie said.

“It’s somewhat mortifying to me that it’s come to this,” Sam said.

“We can’t leave the public with the idea that people in here want you out,” Malone said, “because it’s simply not true.So let’s hear from the people.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

Malone blinked, seemingly stunned by her easy capitulation.“Do you have a fever, Holland?”

She laughed.“Nothing quite so dramatic, but if you guys want to do this, I won’t try to stop you.”

“We want to do it, and the statement from Gonzo was a great start.If they think they’re going to ruin you on their way to life sentences, then they’re sadly mistaken.”

“Thank you for the support.I’ve gone from despair to elation in the scope of a few hours, thanks to all of you.”

“We’ve got you the same way you’d have us.”Malone’s phone chimed with a text.“Hot damn, in light of the video and Ramsey being taken into custody, the judge has granted our warrant for his phone.I’ll get Walters right on it and keep you posted.”

“Great news.I can’t wait to see what’s on there.”

“Me, too.”

He took off to see to getting the phone to IT while Sam took a call from Nick.

“Hi there.”

“I wanted to check on you again.I saw Gonzo’s statement and Leonore’s.I wish I could be there with you.”

“I do, too, but I’m better after the massive show of support.”

“Are you leaving on time today?”

“I believe so since our case has been mostly taken over by the Feds.”

“Usually, you hate when that happens.”

“This time, I’m all for it.”

“In other news, one of my meetings today was my gun task force, and we’re prepared to roll out our first major initiative—a reporting mechanism for people concerned about family members who might pose a risk.We’re approaching it from a mental health standpoint rather than law enforcement.At first, anyway.The goal is to develop regional mental health task forces that would be deployed to investigate concerning situations.”

“I love that so much.Send in help rather than cops.”

“That’s the thought, and your Dr.Trulo was instrumental in helping us craft the plan.”

“He’s the best.”

“I’m a big fan after working with him on this.”

“He told me he’s found an organization to take the ramps from Ninth Street.”

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