Free Fatal Identity by Marie Force Page A

to go that far. What do you want me to say?”
    Her mother had left Skip for another man the day after Sam, their youngest child, graduated from high school. Sam had sided with her dad, and she’d do the same thing again if she had it to do over. Lately, however, especially after what’d happened with Stahl, she’d been thinking it might be time for a ceasefire with her mother. She’d yet to follow through on those thoughts, but Angela had presented her with a golden opportunity.
    â€œHow long is she in town?”
    â€œThe rest of the week.”
    â€œSet something up for a couple of days from now. Let me get my guys out of the woods first.”
    â€œI’ll take care of it and let you know.”
    During fifteen years on the job, Sam had had her share of scrapes and close calls, but nothing like what her ex-colleague had put her through in the basement of Marissa Springer’s home. The incident had served as a wake-up call that life is short and grudges are pointless.
    Though she’d probably never again be close to her mother, it was time to put down her sword and allow her mother back into her life. Having Scotty’s adoption finalized was another good reason to bridge the chasm with her mother. He had asked a few times about her mom, and his curiosity had cemented her resolve to make a move—eventually. She hadn’t expected to make that move today.
    Nick was sleeping when they returned to his room, so Angela offered to stay with him while Sam took Angela’s car home to check on Scotty.
    â€œHe fell asleep about twenty minutes ago,” Tracy whispered when Sam came in to find Scotty sleeping next to Tracy on the sofa. Tracy ran her fingers through Scotty’s hair as he slept, and the sight of her sister tending to her son made Sam weepy again. Enough with the waterworks today!
    Sam rested a hand on his forehead, which was cool. “Thank you so much for staying with him.”
    â€œHe’s a pleasure to be with, and he was so glad when you guys called earlier and he could see for himself that Nick is fine. That helped to take some of the sting out of missing his friend’s party.”
    Sam bent over to kiss Scotty’s cheek. “What a long, crazy day.”
    â€œNick’s doing better?”
    Sam sat in one of the upholstered chairs. “Yeah, he’s pissed that Harry is making him stay the night. I hope they let him out tomorrow, or he’ll be beside himself.”
    â€œNow you know what we deal with anytime you’re injured.”
    Sam stuck her tongue out at her sister. “So, Ang told me something’s up with Mom.”
    â€œI wondered if she would mention that.”
    â€œIs it bad?”
    â€œIt’s not good news, but it could be worse. She really wants to see you, Sam.”
    â€œI know. Ang is going to set it up.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œYeah, it’s time.”
    â€œI’m so glad to hear you say that.”
    â€œDo you want to go home? I can take over from here.”
    â€œI figured you’d want to be with Nick at the hospital. I had Mike bring me a bag so I could stay with Scotty.”
    â€œI’m not sure where I belong right now. I’ve never felt so divided.”
    â€œWelcome to motherhood,” Tracy said, smiling. “Scotty is fine with me, and you want to be with Nick, so go. We’ve got it covered here.”
    â€œYou must’ve had plans for this weekend.”
    â€œNothing that couldn’t be shifted around.”
    â€œThank you. You and Angela are the best. Always there when I need you.”
    â€œRight back at you. I’ll never be able to pay you back for everything you did for Brooke last year.”
    â€œI was just doing my job.”
    â€œYou did way more than your job, and we both know it.”
    â€œAll that matters is that she’s doing great and finishing up her senior year and going to college.”
    â€œUVA of all