That will be fine, Jack said. Rachel knew that for now, yes, it was fine. But if they suspected him beyond this line of questioning, theyd have to end up getting into his apartment. She was always on high alert when people refused to allow them into their homes. She knew it didnt always point to the fact that something was being hidden, but it was a feeling that came up in all those situations regardless.

Welch opened the door the rest of the way and joined them in the hall. He was a hefty man, for sure; doctors would easily label him as obese, and it made Rachel wonder if his weight had something to do with his disability, or the other way around. His hair was slightly greasy and he had the overall look of a man who didnt really get out much.

So, am I allowed to ask who died? he asked.

Three have died in the past three days, Rachel said. They all appear to be suicides, with the exception of one. We found out earlier today that two of them attended a depression support group that you once attended. The organizer of that group says that you had a few choice words with one of the men.

My God, Welch said. They…wait…which ones? Are you talking about the fella that was griping about the medicine he was taking?

We dont know the extent of the discussions, but we do know that you were quite confrontational with him. Do you recall the exchange you had with a man from the group out in a parking lot?

I do, for sure. He nodded his head solemnly and looked at them with confusion in his eyes. I just…God, I dont even remember his name.

Rachel wasnt quite sure if she believed this or not. She searched his face for any tellsnarrowing of the eyes, nervously twitching mouth, gaze shifting all over the placebut saw nothing of the sort.

Mr. Welch, do you remember what the two of you were arguing about? Jack asked.

Nothing worth arguing about. And you know…I hate to say it, but it was my fault. I know it hasnt been all that long ago, but I was a very different person back then. Sort of an asshole. If I remember right, he was just going on and on about how his problems were stupid compared to what I was going through. Like I said…sort of an asshole.

Rachel thought she saw some hesitation in the way he said this. It was almost as if he regretted calling the man an asshole, given the nature of the case. Maybe he was telling the truth after all.

What were you going through? Jack asked.