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“Well, I hate to bother the poor woman twice in one morning, but let’s give her a call.”
They did, and Lucinda answered right away. Apparently, she hadn’t slept either.
“Lucinda,” Faith asked, “we’re following up on a lead in your husband’s murder. Did the two of you happen to meet with a marriage counselor after the most recent episode of cheating?”
“Yes,” Lucinda said. “My lawyer recommended that I attend counseling to strengthen my case. Unfortunately, his lawyer felt the same way, so we both endured fruitless counseling together.”
“May I ask the name of your counselor?”
“Of course. It was Doctor Harold Porter. You don’t think … you don’t think Doctor Porter could have murdered Elmore, do you?”
“We’re not sure,” Faith said, “but he may be a connection between your husband and the other victims.”
“Other victims?”
Michael cast an irritated glance at Faith. Faith sighed. It was too late to correct her mistake now. “Yes,” she said. “We believe your husband’s murder might be connected to the recent deaths of two women in the Tucson area.”
“Oh God,” Lucinda said, “amIin danger?”
“We don’t believe so,” Faith said, “but you should stay indoors at night and keep your windows and doors locked just in case.”
“Oh God,” Lucinda said. Faith could hear sounds of crying.
Michael cast another irritated glance at Faith, and Faith said, “I’m so sorry to disturb you, Lucinda. Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to find your husband’s killer and bring him to justice.”
“Can you … can you send someone over?” Lucinda asked, voice trembling, “to … to watch out for me?”
“We don’t have that authority,” Faith said, “but I’ll pass along my recommendation to the police department.”
Michael leaned back in his chair and heaved an exasperated sigh. Faith didn’t blame him. It was an inexcusable slip to mention something about the other victims to Lucinda. She thanked Lucinda for her time and hung up, then braced herself for the tongue-lashing she knew was coming.
“What the hell was that?” Michael asked. “Did you forget ten years of experience all of a sudden?”
“I’m sorry,” Faith said, “I’m just exhausted.”
“No, it’s more than that,” Michael said. “You’ve been off since the Cedar Hills case. You’ve been moody, irritable, distracted, and frankly nowhere near the top of your game. What’s going on?”
“Can you just let it go, Michael?” Faith asked. “I messed up. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“I don’t know if I believe you,” Michael said. “Even when you’re on your A-game, you’ve never been good at admitting when you need help.”
Faith glared at Michael. “If you have concerns about my ability to do my job, Michael, you can feel free to bring those concerns to the Boss. Otherwise, for the final time, I’m sorry. I messed up. It won’t happen again.”
Michael blinked in surprise. “Christ, Faith. I’m your friend. I’m not going to report you. I’m trying to help you.”
“Well, thank you very much,” Faith snapped. “If I need your help, I’ll let you know.”
“Fair enough,” Michael replied with equal irritation, “but get your shit together, Faith.”
“Heard,” Faith said, standing up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to make a phone call.”
Predictably, Travis and Derek were irritated when they heard about Faith’s slip. “Christ, Bold, we don’t do personal security. Why the hell would you tell her that?”
“I know,” Faith said, rubbing her temples and trying to keep her voice calm. “I’m very sorry.”
“Why did you tell her about the other victims?” Derek asked. “Was that necessary for the investigation?”
“It was a mistake,” Faith said. “I apologize.”
