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precious moment of his freedom. After living alone for his entire adult life, doing whatever he wanted to do whenever he wanted to do it, letting the laundry pile up to the ceiling, eating pizza and takeout seven nights a week, scratching his balls, watching sports until his eyes bugged out, he was now faced with some sense of structure in his life, and having to consider someone else’s welfare. He did not feel that Sami and he were at the same point in their relationship. Clearly, Sami wanted more. But scared to death to make a commitment, he felt himself pulling away, and wasn’t so sure he was capable of giving more. This was not about love. He couldn’t imagine loving her more. But love came at a hefty price. He had sacrificed his independence. Perhaps he’d even forfeited his identity. Was it any wonder he’d never been married?
    And of course, the other huge issue was Angelina. He’d never wanted kids—never wanted the responsibility. But the six-year-old was part of the package. Although Sami never once put any pressure on him, or even hinted that he should assume the role of a parent, how could he live with Sami, under the same roof, lie beside her every night, and not accept the unwritten obligation?
    Feeling a wave of panic, he glanced at his watch and rushed into the building. In less than thirty minutes, he would meet with Genevieve Foster’s parents, and he’d be asking tough questions and offering few answers. Al had not yet seen the full autopsy report, so he headed for Captain Davidson’s office for a quick briefing.
     
     
    Doctor Templeton sat beside Sami and coughed into his hand. “Ms. Rizzo—”
    “Please call me Sami.”
    “Okay, then, Sami, the very good news is that your mom’s heart shows no signs of major muscle damage. In fact, the test results are very positive. However…”
    At this particular moment, she hated the word however .
    He hesitated for a moment and fixed his eyes on hers. “Four major arteries are over eighty percent blocked, and the only effective treatment is bypass surgery.”
    It took a moment for Sami to process this announcement. “And you feel this is a safe procedure, all things considered?”
    “Well, there are ways to manage this condition with special diet and medications, but to be honest, I really don’t see that as a reasonable option. Open heart surgery these days has become routine. And the ten-year survival rate is over eighty-five percent.”
    As Sami tried to grasp his words, she wondered why the chief of cardiothoracic surgery would be sitting next to her, delivering the news. Why was she receiving such special treatment? Surely, a man who advises the president must have more pressing issues to deal with.
    “Can I speak to the doctor who will actually perform the surgery?”
    “You are talking to him, Sami.” He rubbed his palms on the front of his lab coat. “My role as chief of cardiothoracic surgery is split between administrative duties and research. In fact, I’m working on an intense controlled study right now. But to be honest, I’m more of a hands-on surgeon. So, I try to perform about four or five surgical procedures every month—both for my sanity and to keep my skills honed.”
    “I don’t know what to say, Doctor. I feel privileged that a surgeon of your caliber is willing to operate on my mother.”
    “Well, Sami, I must make a little confession.” His lips curled to a smile. “I’m a big fan of yours. Of course, half the county genuflects whenever they hear your name. You’re the Super Cop who arrested that insane serial killer two years ago. I can’t even imagine what a harrowing experience that must have been—being locked up in his cage, waiting to be crucified.”
    “Actually, Doctor Templeton, I deserve little credit. Had it not been for my partner, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you.”
    “You can minimize your heroic escape if you want to, but you’ve got lots of fans out there.”
    Feeling