Slowly, she started walking forward again. The shape and a few details of the figure started to reveal themselves in the darkness. It appeared to be another man, quite small and wearing a windbreaker. Rachel still opted not to speak. Instead, she made a point to drag her right foot just the slightest bit as she took another step forward. Her heart slammed in her chest as she waited for the next handful of seconds to unfold.

She just hoped the person on the rail wasnt too close to the edge. If they were, the sudden sight of someone would frighten them just enough to fall.

As it turned out, the man actually took a step back in surprise when he heard the slight sound of Rachels intentionally loud footstep. He turned to look at her but said nothing. What were you supposed to say in a situation like that, anyway? He had a dazed look on his face, like he had nearly committed to what he was about to do, but not quite yet. Being pulled from that daze, there was the slightest look of sadness in his eyes.
Hey there, Rachel. Do you need some help getting down?

No, the man said. Im not getting down. Im…Im going to jump.

Oh, Rachel said, doing her best to sound surprised. Well, its none of my business, but it seems like that would hurt.

A strained little laugh came out of the man. Maybe you should go back so you dont have to watch.

I would, Rachel said. But heres the thing. Im actually with the FBI and I have a pretty good idea that the only reason youre up there is because someone called you. Someone called you and told you this was the only way. That this was the answer. Am I right?

How do you…was it you? Did you call? He looked confused, maybe a little angry. The hazy look was almost completely gone now, leaving a deeply confused man.

No, it wasnt me. But it was a woman, wasnt it?

Yeah, the man said. Rachel thought hed started laughing again, but it turned out to be weeping. He had not taken that one step back out toward the edge just yet and as far as Rachel was concerned, that was a small victory.

I dont know what she told you, but this isnt the right way to deal with your problems. If you come down from there, I can help.

Even in the darkness, Rachel could see the man trembling from his crying. She estimated there might be about four to six inches between the edge of his foot and open air. Rachel took a subtle step forward, wondering if she may not need the items in the duffel bag after all.