Lead filled her stomach, and her vision blurred. Why were they here? Had something happened to Bella?
Sam swallowed. “Is?—”
“Hi.” Aubrey’s bright smile seemed intended to reassure. “Sorry to intrude on your evening, ma’am, but my Mr. Whiskersescaped, and I was hoping you’d seen him.” She thrust a missing cat poster into Sam’s hand.
The lead melted away, and Sam took a deep breath. She’d been told early on that if the Marshals needed to make contact with her for a reason unrelated to her case, they would use a missing cat.
“I’ll just be on my way.” Dr. Torres stepped up to the doorway.
“Have you seen Mr. Whiskers?” Aubrey handed Dr. Torres a poster. “I live a block over, and this goof”—she nodded to the marshal—“left the front door open and he escaped.” She sniffed. “I’m so worried.”
Dr. Torres studied the poster and shook his head. “No, I haven’t seen him. Sorry.”
“Please call the number if you do.” Aubrey pleaded with her eyes.
“I will. Goodbye, Ms. Williams. Remember, if you have any issues, contact Danny.” Dr. Torres tipped his head and exited her house.
“What about you?” Aubrey asked. “Have you seen Mr. Whiskers?”
Sam studied the flyer. “I haven’t.”
Aubrey let out a squeaky cry as a tear rolled down her cheek, then started to sniffle before turning into the marshal’s chest.
His eyes widened as he awkwardly wrapped an arm around her. “It’s okay.” He patted her shoulder.
“You poor thing.” Sam stood back, watching Dr. Torres get in his car. “Why don’t you come in, and I’ll get you a tissue.”
“That’s so kind of you.” Aubrey slowly entered the house, the marshal on her heels.
Once everyone was inside, the marshal shut the door.
“Sorry to surprise you, but we’re having a staff change in the office, and I wanted to introduce you to your new handler.” Justlike that, Aubrey’s tears were gone. “Samantha, this is Deputy US Marshal Liam Roberts. Deputy Marshal Roberts, this is Samantha Williams.”
The marshal stuck his hand out. “It’s nice to meet you again.”
She shook his hand. “I hope everything is okay with Deputy Marshal Butler and the other injured marshal.”
Aubrey smiled. “Deputy Marshal Butler is fine, just taking some leave for a few days. And Deputy Marshal Albright will be fine too.”
“That’s a relief.” Sam had wanted to ask about the man she’d treated but knew she wouldn’t get any answers. Various laws protected his health information. She didn’t understand how he’d survived until the ambulance arrived. Had he made it to the hospital? It wouldn’t be the first time the unexplainable had happened. Like the drunk driver with severe injuries who survived when the victim with seemingly minimal injuries didn’t.
“Is Bella here?” Aubrey asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
Sam gritted her teeth. “No, she’s out of the house.”
It wasn’t a lie, but she wasn’t going to tell them she had no idea where her sister was. That would make her irresponsible. Another thing to add to the conversation she was going to have with Bella.
“That’s okay. You can tell her about Deputy Marshal Roberts.” Aubrey smiled.
“I have the telephone number that was assigned to Deputy Marshal Butler, so the only thing changing is the person that answers.” Deputy Marshal Roberts smiled reassuringly. “Everything else is the same. Call me if you need me.”
Aubrey shifted on her feet. “Sorry, I hate to ask, but can I use your restroom?”
“Sure.” Sam pointed to the bathroom.
Aubrey handed the stack of flyers to Deputy Marshal Roberts and walked away.
Deputy Marshal Roberts stood tall, projecting calm authority. “I want to assure you that even though I’m new to Renegade, I’m not new to law enforcement or the Marshals. I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I entered the police academy the day after I turned twenty-one. And I worked as a police officer until I was hired by the US Marshals six years ago.” He kept his eyes on her, steady and attentive. “Do you have any questions for me?”
