Stephanie was quiet for a couple of seconds. Val could hear computer keys clacking in the background. “Ah, yes, Dr. Knight. I have been trying to track you down. You’re a hard one to get a hold of.”

“I’m sorry, what is this in regards to?” Val was curt, wanting to know why this woman was calling her. There was a lot on her mind and she wanted to get this nuisance out of the way.

“We’re going to need you to fill out a new application. It’s because of the lapse, you see. You can’t just renew anymore if it’s after one year of the expiration date.”

“Renew what?” Val responded, thoroughly confused.

“Your license to practice dentistry.”

“My dental license? I’m not renewing my Florida license,” Val said.

Stephanie ignored her response and continued. “If it was less than a year on the lapse we would just need a continuing education record and a CPR card to prove your cardiopulmonary resuscitation course was taken. You’ve sent both, but unfortunately, that won’t be enough.”

“There must be some mistake, I never filed paperwork for the renewal. I never sent you anything.” Val’s voice wavered. She started to grow worried.

“I have an application right in front of me. You are Dr. Valentina Knight?” She spelled the last name and then read Val’s Florida license number.

“That is correct.” Val’s heart started to pound. This wasn’t some simple mistake. “Can you tell me the date on the application?”

Stephanie stated the date and Val nearly dropped the phone. It was filed a few days after she was hired at the medical examiner’s office.

“Thank you very much,” Val said, her voice trembling. “But I’ve changed my mind on the renewal.” She didn’t give Stephanie Carter time to say much more before hanging up.

Val just stared at the wall in shock. Someone was trying to renew her Florida license. Someone sent in her personal information to do so. Someone also sent in a CPR card and continuing education record. She hadn’t taken any continuing education in over a year and her CPR certification was out of date. Val cupped her hand over her mouth and sat in the chair. Her skin felt prickly as every nerve came alive with fear. What in the hell is going on?

“There you are. I’ve been trying to call you,” Gwen said as she entered the office. “I heard from Jack. He’s been trying to reach you too. Why haven’t you answered your phone? He and Thomas are on the way to interview Colin again as we speak, and that’s not all!”

Val felt her head spinning. So much was happening all at once. Her thoughts quickly leapt from one nightmare to the next and she tried hard not to break down.