They were coming off of the bridge when Rachels phone rang. She assumed it would be Branson, hopefully with a good news update, informing them that hed have those phone records to them shortly. The caller ID told her that it wasnt Branson, as it was a Virginia area code. She nearly let the call go to voicemail, as she did not recognize the number. But with all of her health concerns, a young daughter in a public school, and a husband who was often preoccupied with work, it was hard to ignore it completely.

Excuse me a second, would you? she said to Jack. He nodded and continued on toward the car as she took the call.

This is Agent Gift.

Hello there, Agent, a slightly raspy male voice said. Are you out catching bad guys?

Who is this?

If that is what youre doing, I thought I could call to offer my help. Maybe it would save you another trip.

Even before the last part of the comment, Rachel knew who it was. Her blood went cold as she realized that Alex Lynch was on the other end of the phone. The very same Alex Lynch that shed relied on to help with her last case and had somehow been able to decipher that she was sick. With him on the other end of the line, Rachel wasnt sure which she was more upset about: his past grisly crimes, or that he knew her secret.

How the hell did you get my number?

I think Ill keep that as my little secret for right now, if you dont mind.

Her mind whirled with what this could mean. If he had her number and access to a phone, it could be bad. He knew her secret, after all. She had no idea how hed known, but the fact remained that he did know. Hed somehow sensed it on her and when hed called it out, she hadnt denied it.

Nothing to say? Alex asked from the other end.

Why are you calling me?

Just checking in, friend to friend. He snickered here, a muddy and unpleasant sound. Nothing wrong with that, now is there?

Im not your friend, she spat. Get that out of your head right now.

Thats a shame. Because I thought friends kept secrets. And since Im sitting on this pretty big secret of yours, I thought that meant we were friends. If you dont want to be friends, Agent Gift, I just dont know what I might do with this secret I have.

She gripped her phone tighter, looking back to the bridge. Again, she found herself wondering what it might be like to jump, to give her life to gravity and not have to worry about her secret. God, it would all be so easy.

If were such good friends, Rachel said, trying to keep the anger out of her voice, then why dont you start by telling me why youre calling.