Sasha parked her bicycle at one of the racks across the street from the office. She would pull the same “I’m lost” ruse her colleagues had used. It was the easiest way to plant a listening device. No one ever expected it. When she entered, she noticed the same style, aroma, and sounds the other two had reported. But here, there was only one person sitting behind the counter. Must be a slow day, she thought.

When Sasha pulled off her cap, the hair of her blond wig framed her face. “Hello. I’m sorry to bother you, but could you point me in the direction of the Whaling Museum? I seem to be a little lost.”

“Of course, dear. When you leave the building, stay to your left. At the end of the block, make a left on Main Street. It’s just a ways down.” The woman hardly looked up as she spoke. Sasha wondered how many times the woman had been asked that question. Sasha surreptitiously placed the listening device on the back of the orchid plant, expressed her gratitude, and trotted out.

Checking for sound, Sasha plugged in her earbud. Yep. She could hear the woman rustling about. The phone buzzed. “Yes, Dr. Corbett. Today? No, we have no other patients on the calendar for today. Was there someone you wanted to see? Someone you wanted me to contact?” She listened a moment. “Okay. Fine. Thank you. I’ll lock up after you leave.”

From what Avery had shared, it seemed as if these men didn’t put in a whole lot of hours, except maybe Dr. Marcus. Still, Marcus didn’t appear to have any more patients than his partners. But, then again, the doctors had been surveilled for less than two days.

Sasha looked around for a café and tried to spot where Corbett had parked his car. It must be in the back. Sasha was waiting for the receptionist to leave, but then it occurred to her that she might be parked in the back, too, so she listened very carefully for the sound of nothing. Once she felt it was safe to make a move, she would ride her bike to the corner, stash it, then make her way to the back entrance on foot.

Satisfied the office was empty, Sasha carefully walked to the back door while checking for security cameras on poles, rooftops, trees. Not too bad. She scurried behind a few trees until she was directly across from the door. She needed to walk at an angle to avoid one on the corner of the building next door. She fired up her pack and checked for an alarm system. Yes, but not engaged. She wondered if the receptionist was still there. She had already had one close encounter that day. She’d gladly skip more of them if possible. That box was tight.