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“I don’t know. I’m sure the FBI is all over it. You can go home. I’m leaving soon, too.”
“Call if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks for being there tonight.”
“Of course. She’s… Well, you know.”
“Family. She’s family.”
“Yes.” He glanced at her tentatively. “So, you’re really taking a leave of absence?”
“A short one.”
“I think it’s a good idea. You should’ve taken more time when Spence died.”
“That’s been pointed out to me by others, so for once, I’m doing what I’m told. Something is off inside me. Not sure if it’s that, but it’s definitely something.”
“Then you’re doing the right thing. But are you sure I should be the lead on the Blanchet case?”
“I’m positive, or I wouldn’t have assigned it to you.”
“Shouldn’t Gonzo do it?”
“He could, but we agree that you’re ready for this. We want to give you the opportunity. Unless you don’t want to.”
“I do. I want to. I just… I hope you’re right that I’m ready.”
“You are, and you have been for a while now. If you weren’t my partner, you probably would’ve had more responsibility before now. In that way, I’ve been holding you back.”
“Don’t say that. It’s not true. The only reason I’m any good at this job is because of you.”
“Nice suck-up. It’ll be remembered at annual review time.”
“I mean it.”
“I know you do.”
“Am I allowed to consult with you as the case unfolds?”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
“I’m afraid I’ll mess it up somehow.”
“You won’t. Gonzo will be watching.”
“Okay, then…”
“Do what we always do. Follow the leads wherever they take you. Do the legwork. Pull the threads. Talk to the people. Draw your conclusions. You know the drill.”
“I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
“You make me proud every day.” She squeezed his arm. “How’s Elin?” His wife had recently suffered a miscarriage.
“Better. I think. It’s hard to tell. We’ll go a whole day without tears, and then the next day is a disaster.”
“That sounds about right. It’s apt to be that way for a while.”
“Good to know it’s normal.”
