Becky thought about it for a moment and slowly started to shake her head. No, I dont believe so. You do have to keep in mind, though, that sometimes people will give a fake name. It doesnt happen often, believe it or not, but there is always that chance. Now…other than that basic information, what, exactly, do you need from me?

First of all, how did you know about Edwin Newkirks suicide? Rachel asked.

The police called me. My business card was in his wallet.

Were you surprised to hear it had happened?

I was. Edwin was often a voice of encouragement in our meetings. Sure, he was dealing with his own things, but he seemed to always find a way to speak some sort of brightness into other people. I spoke with him several times about how sometimes it isnt exactly healthy to bury your own grief and feelings just to help others, but its just what he did. She considered something for a moment and shook her head. No, I would have never thought hed do this. Not Edwin.

And what about Joseph Staunton? Rachel asked.

Joseph is a different story. There were a few times over the past year or so where I seriously considered referring him to the mental health ward over at the hospital. He was a quiet man, very inside of himself, you know? If Im being honestand this is awful to saybut I was not really very surprised when I learned about Joseph. He had a network of people to help and meds that Im not sure he was taking regularly. But…in the end, he made the ultimate decision, I suppose.

How often has this happened to you? Jack asked. How many times have you been informed that someone from one of your groups had taken their own life?

Far too often. Ive been leading these sort of groups for nearly ten years now. There are victories for sure, but moments like these make those victories seem small. This is the first time Ive ever had two members of a group take their lives within such a small amount of time, though.

So youd say this whole situation with three jumpers in such a short time is uncommon? Rachel asked.

Not necessarily. People that come to groups like mine or to therapists are obviously looking to improve. In those cases, yes, Id say its a little strange. But as Im sure you can imagine, suicides arent all that uncommon, especially in places as large as New York City. Somehow, though, it has remained very low in the nations average for suicides over the past five years or so.