Page 161 of State of Retribution

“Anything for you.”

“Likewise, my friend.”

“Your dad said something to me once that I’ve always remembered,” Jeannie said as she stood to leave.

“What was that?”

“When you put good out into the world, it comes back to you exponentially.”

“That sounds like something he would say.”

“He lived it, and so do you.Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Carry on.”

That was another thing Skip Holland might’ve said, Sam thought.When you have no choice but to carry on, that’s what you should do, so that’s what shewoulddo, regardless of whatever challenges came her way.

Before she could leavefor the day, Sam had to meet with Faith Miller to go over her testimony for the upcoming Christopher Nelson trial.

Faith was right on time, appearing in the door to Sam’s office at the stroke of four o’clock, wearing the stiletto heels that she and her sister Charity were known for, while their triplet sister Hope had a more casual style.The Miller triplets had brown hair, green eyes, and were fiercely intelligent.Sam considered the sisters friends as well as excellent colleagues.

“Come in.”

Faith closed the door and dropped into the chair.“I’ve been on the run all day.Feels good to sit down.”

“How are things?”The murder of their boss, U.S.Attorney Tom Forrester, had devastated the sisters.

“We’re finding a new normal, but I keep wanting to ask Tom something and have to stop myself and remember once again that he’s gone.”

“That’s grief for you.”

“I hate it.”

“So do I.What’re you hearing about the new USA?”

“The Senate is due to take up the nomination of Catherine McDermott in the next couple of weeks.We’re anticipating some significant changes when she arrives.”

“I also hate change.”

“Right there with you.How’re you doing after everything today?And by the way, it’s a freaking outrage.The whole thing.”

“Yes, it is, and I’m hanging in, thanks to a ton of support from my colleagues and friends.”

“I hope you know you have ours, even if we can’t come out and say so.”

“I do know, and it means a lot.Thank you.”

“I couldn’t believe the news about Conklin.”

“I’m actually surprised he waited so long to punch out.The shame of it all would’ve been tough for him to handle after pretending to be one of us for so many years.”

“That’s true, but it’s still so shocking.Anyway, about our old pal Christopher Nelson…”

“Do we gotta?”

“We do,” Faith said with a sigh.She opened her portfolio and went through the list of questions she’d ask Sam in court, which they’d already reviewed twice before.“I want you prepared for a beating from the defense, especially pertaining to your relationship with Peter.”

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