Finally, the almost archaic shape of the Wards Island Bridge crept into view in the darkness. When she saw that the cop car that had already arrived had parked just far enough away not to attract the attention of their killer, she appreciated it. The last thing they wanted to do was tip her off.

She pulled in beside the cop car, which had parked in a small corner lot off of FDR Drive. She supposed the sight of a cop car just parked and sitting wasnt exactly an odd site, which helped to keep their cover. She rolled her window down and the cop behind the wheel of the patrol car did the same.

You seen anything? Rachel asked.

Nothing. Then again, Ive only been here for about five minutes. Branson told me to sit tight and wait.

Thanks for that. And yes, Branson is on his way. What can you tell me about the bridge?

Pedestrian only, the cop said. Im pretty certain there are footpaths on both sides.

It seems long enough so that we wouldnt be seen from this entrance, Rachel said. Do you agree?

The cop angled his neck back to look at the bridge and finally nodded. Yeah, Id say thats a safe bet. Say…you think you know who the killer is?

Weve got a pretty good idea, yeah.

As she said this, another patrol car pulled into the lot. There were no sirens and no lights, keeping things as quiet and discreet as possible. This car pulled up alongside the passenger side of Rachel and Jack, bookending their rental between two patrol cars. Jack rolled his window down, revealing Detective Branson on the other side.

We good to go? Branson asked.

Yes, Rachel said. Did you get the stuff I asked for?

I did. But I have to ask

Dont. Not until later. Not until this is over. She got out of the car, Jack following right along. She saw that Branson had popped the trunk of his patrol car for her. Is my stuff in here?

Yeah, in a small duffel. What do you need from us?

Rachel took the bag out, unzipped it, and looked inside. She was terrified about what she saw there, but was also filled with a reassuring feeling. Crazy or not, she thought this was really the only way to get it done…if her hunch was right.

I need one of you to stay on this side to make sure no one leaves the bridge before we do, she answered. How long would it take to get to the other end, on the other side of the river?

This time of night? Branson said. Maybe twenty minutes. Thirty, depending on traffic.

I need one of you to start over that way now for the same thing. If anyone tries coming off of that bridge before you see Agent Rivers or myself, you stop them.