Id just had a stroke and was dealing with diabetes. I had just officially filed for disability and hated it. I felt like a failure. A lot of self-loathing, you know? I took it out on others before I decided to actually try doing something about it. He chuckled nervously here and patted his stomach. Believe it or not, what you see here is an improvement. Ive dropped forty pounds in the last five months.

Rachel could see the embarrassment and loathing in Welchs eyes as he spoke to them. While shed never been one to trust someones story based on simple facial expressions, she did find that she believed him. Not only that, but as bad as it made her feel, she found it difficult to imagine someone of Ronald Welchs size climbing out to the edge of the suicide rails on the Williamsburg Bridge. It would be far from impossible, sure, but very unlikely.

Mr. Welch, would you be able to provide proof of your whereabouts over the past three nights if asked to do so?

Probably. Well, I mean, for the first two nights, I was here most of the night. But theres plenty of online history to support that, I guess.

What about last night? Jack asked.

I was down at Delancey Gym. I go late because I dont like the stares during normal hours.

How long were you there?

Until midnight, when they closed. After that, I went by the grocery store for some eggs and milk. I dont have receipts or anything, but I used my credit card so I guess theres a trail, right?

Right, Rachel said. And if it does come to that, we may ask to get access to the credit card report and maybe even speak with the gym.

Sure. Welch seemed uncomfortable with the situation, but there was sadness to his voice and face rather than fear or guilt. I guess this is another of those instances where you look back on the person you used to be and sort of…well, sort of wish you could change a few things.

Weve all been there, Mr. Welch, Jack said in a tone that indicated he truly believed this. Jack Rivers had never been much of a bullshitter. Thanks for your time.

They turned back toward the lobby, and Rachel heard Ronald Welchs door close behind them. When they came to the front doors, Jack echoed a private thought Rachel had inside.

No way in hell did he sneak around in the dark, go out on the edge of that bridge, and push Edwin Newkirk.

I was thinking the same thing, Rachel said. And he gave us some pretty credible paths to look down with the gym and his credit card use at the grocery store.

So were back to having no leads.