Rachel tried to keep all of this in mind as she parked the rental in front of the Stauntons rather expensive home in a small strip of suburban Manhattan. Joseph Staunton had left behind a wife, Ellen, and two children, one of whom had started their freshman year of college in Boston a month ago. Even with just these few details it felt different than it had when visiting Hannah Newkirk. With the Newkirks, there was at least some doubt as to whether or not Edwin had actually jumped. But with Joseph Staunton, everything in the report seemed to point toward an uncontested suicide. She had a feeling the mood in the Staunton home would be vastly different than what they had experienced with Hannah Newkirk.

She was proven right almost the instant the door was opened. It was answered by an older woman with a birdlike face. She regarded them warmly as she ushered them inside. Thanks so much for coming, she said. Im Pam, Ellens mother. She received the call from Detective Branson, saying you were on the way. She wants to speak with you, but Im afraid shes a mess. Ive told her Ill sit with her as she speaks with you, if thats okay?

Thats perfectly fine, Rachel said. They then ran through quick introductions before entering further into the house. While Pam did not bother with any further introductions, there were several other family members present. Rachel saw a grieving young man sitting in the den, his head in his hands as an older man seemed to pray over him. Two others sat in the same room, all quiet and gloomy.

Pam led them by the den, down a hallway with hardwood floors. The walls boasted several pictures of the family: graduation pictures, vacation pictures, group family photos done by a professional. Near the end of the hallway, they came to a large room on the left. The built-in bookcases and the large oak desk near the back made Rachel assume it was an office or study of some kind. A small loveseat sat against the far wall, facing the desk. There was a woman half-sitting, half-lying on the loveseat. She looked to be in her early forties and incredibly tired. Her hair looked greasy and the bags under her eyes made Rachel feel tired simply looking at them.

Ellen, Pam said. The FBI agents are here to speak with you.

The woman turned her head slowly and it seemed to take her a full three seconds to even acknowledge the fact that she had visitors.