Marie Force - Fatal Identity

“You know I would if I could.”

Sam blew out a deep breath. “This is just what I need right now with all the other crap I’ve got going on.”

“What was that thing with Freddie earlier?”

“Something for work that fell into my lap after I was suspended.”

“Is it something that’s going to get you into deeper shit than you’re already in?”

“Perhaps, but it could be such a huge big deal that no one will care about my role in it.”

“I know you’ve got a lot going on, but you need to see her. I wouldn’t ask you to if it wasn’t important.”

“Does Tracy know about this too?”

“Yes.”

“Great, so everyone knows but me.”

“That’s the way you wanted it when you cut Mom out of your life, Sam. We chose not 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.

“How long is she in town?”

“The rest of the week.”

“Set something up for a couple of days from now. Let me get my guys out of the woods first.”

“I’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.

“He 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.”

“He’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.”

“Nick’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.”

“Now 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.”

“I wondered if she would mention that.”

“Is it bad?”

“It’s not good news, but it could be worse. She really wants to see you, Sam.”

“I know. Ang is going to set it up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s time.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that.”

“Do you want to go home? I can take over from here.”

“I figured you’d want to be with Nick at the hospital. I had Mike bring me a bag so I could stay with Scotty.”

“I’m not sure where I belong right now. I’ve never felt so divided.”

“Welcome 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.”

“You must’ve had plans for this weekend.”

“Nothing that couldn’t be shifted around.”

“Thank you. You and Angela are the best. Always there when I need you.”

“Right back at you. I’ll never be able to pay you back for everything you did for Brooke last year.”

“I was just doing my job.”

“You did way more than your job, and we both know it.”

“All that matters is that she’s doing great and finishing up her senior year and going to college.”

“UVA of all places,” Tracy said. “I’m so proud of her.”

“We all are. I’m going to grab a quick shower and change before I head back to the hospital. But first, let’s get my big boy up to bed.”

They woke Scotty, who brightened at the sight of Sam. “How’s Dad?”

“He’s cranky about being in the hospital.”

“That’s good. That means he’s fine.”

“I’m going to tuck you in and head back to be with him. Tracy will spend the night, okay?”

“Sure, you should be with him.”

“I should be with both of you.”

“Until we clone you, that’s not possible.”

“Dear God,” Tracy said, shuddering dramatically, “do not clone her. One of her is more than enough.”

“No kidding,” Scotty said.

“Hey, I’m in the room,” Sam said, while hiding her pleasure at her son’s teasing. She much preferred that to the tears of the night before.

He was still weak and droopy, so they helped him into pajamas and got him tucked into bed.

“I’ll see you in the morning, buddy.”

“Will Dad get to come home tomorrow?”

“I fear for Harry’s safety if he doesn’t spring him.”

“I hope he gets to come home.”

Sam leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Me too. Get some sleep and don’t worry about anything. He’s fine.”

His eyes closed. “It’s hard.”

“What is?”

“When you care more about someone else than you do about yourself. It’s hard when something happens to them.”

Sam had to swallow the huge lump in her throat before she could reply. “Yes, it is.” She kissed him again and left him to sleep. After a quick shower and a change into yoga pants and a sweatshirt, she was on her way back to GW to spend the night with Nick.

She sent Angela home to Spencer, who had gotten both kids into bed and raised the white flag on the day. He’d sent a hilarious selfie with a six-pack of beer sitting next to him on the sofa.

“He’s getting so lucky tonight,” Angela said after sharing his comical texts with Sam.

“He got lucky the day you said yes to him.”

“Remember that night when I went to meet him? The night you met Nick for the first time?”

“I remember that night like it was yesterday.”

“Funny how that was such an important night for both of us. I think all the time about how Spence might’ve gotten away while I was busy mourning my relationship with Johnny the douche bag. And you having to put up with all that crap with Peter to get to what you have now with Nick...”

“I don’t like to even think about him.”

“He’s been quiet lately.”

“Ever since his ‘suicide’ attempt you mean?” Sam made air quotes around the word suicide.

“He must’ve been so disappointed when you didn’t come running.”

“Whatever. Those days are long over.”

“Better be,” Nick said.

“He is such an eavesdropper,” Angela said, laughing.

Sam gave her a hug and sent her on her way. “You really are a terrible eavesdropper,” Sam said to Nick when they were alone.

“Come here.”

“I’m here.”

“All the way.” Without opening his eyes, he held out his arms to her, and she crawled into bed with him.