Dakota decided to head back to the precinct to work in the temporary task force office; a large storage closet had been cleaned out and was now equipped with two computers, a coffeemaker, and a half-empty box of donuts. Samantha sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window. Connor had told her not to come, but she insisted. Andrew sat behind Connor, his head tilted back against the leather, eyes closed, lips subtly moving. He was praying. Admiration for Connor’s partner darted through her. She sighed and mimicked Andrew’s position. She dreaded the moment they would arrive, hated to think of the pain that this family would have to endure, the changes their lives would soon take. Never in a million years would she forget that night ten years ago when she’d opened the door to find two policemen standing on her parents’ doorstep. “Hey, Sam, what are you thinking about?” She looked up. Connor’s intriguing eyes stared back at her, revealing his concern—his interest. “Nothing.”
