Fatal Identity by Marie Force Page A

hasn’t already filed charges?”
    Not really, but she couldn’t say that, could she? “Um, sure?”
    â€œBecause you’re the second lady, and he’s not looking forward to the feeding frenzy that’ll erupt if he charges you.”
    â€œDon’t let that stop him,” she said drily.
    â€œYou think this is funny, Sam?”
    â€œNo, I don’t. I think it’s ridiculous.”
    â€œDid you or did you not assault a fellow officer?”
    â€œI did. I absolutely did. And I’d absolutely do it again in light of what he said and how he said it. In fact, I’m so certain that he deserved it, maybe I’ll just plead guilty and save Forrester the trouble of prosecuting the second lady.”
    â€œIf you plead guilty to felony assault charges, your career as a police officer is over.”
    â€œSo be it.”
    â€œYou don’t mean that.”
    â€œWhat if I do? My life would be a whole lot simpler without this job, and I could focus on my duties as a mother and the second lady without having to worry about chasing down killers or people taking me hostage or gunning down my officers simply because they carry a badge.”
    â€œYour squad has had a rough go of it lately. We’re all painfully aware of that. For what it’s worth, I urged Forrester to take that into account as he weighs whether or not to formally charge you.”
    â€œI appreciate your efforts on my behalf, Chief.”
    â€œI also want you to know that Ramsey will face disciplinary action for what he said to you, which was so far out of line it’s not even funny.”
    â€œNo, it wasn’t funny, and as far as I’m concerned, a broken wrist and a concussion are the least of what he deserved.”
    â€œOn that we may agree, but I can’t and won’t condone this kind of behavior from officers of your rank and stature.”
    â€œUnderstood. Hopefully, I’ll never again have reason to lay out one of my fellow officers.”
    â€œLet’s hope not. I’ll see you Wednesday?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œLet me know what happens with Forrester.”
    â€œI will.”
    He walked her to the door. “Give Nick and Scotty my regards. I hope they feel better soon.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Sam was walking to her car when her phone rang. She took the call from Darren Tabor, prepared to rip him a new one for reporting on her suspension, but she never got the chance.
    â€œWhy have you guys issued an APB for the FBI director’s son?”
    For a second, Sam thought about telling Darren why they were looking for Hamilton’s son, but the chief’s words echoed loudly in her mind, reminding her she had no right to speak on the department’s behalf. Not today anyway.
    â€œWhy’re you asking me? As you’ve already told the world, I’m suspended.”
    â€œBut you know why, don’t you?”
    â€œNo comment.”
    â€œIs he in trouble?”
    Sam could almost hear the young reporter salivating over the possibility of one of the nation’s top law enforcement officers having a son in trouble. “No comment.”
    â€œCome on, Sam, you gotta give me something.”
    â€œNo, I actually don’t, especially since you screwed me on the suspension thing.”
    â€œOther people already had it. That was happening with me or without me.”
    â€œI’ve got to go, Darren.”
    â€œHow’s the vice president?”
    â€œBetter.”
    â€œCan you tell me anything about this situation with Hamilton’s family?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œNot even off the record?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œYou’re killing me, Sam.”
    â€œYou’ll survive.” Sam slapped the phone closed and got into the car, cranking the heat as she tried to figure out her next move. She had a million questions about the Hamilton family and the abduction of Taylor Rollings and whether the two were