And why are you thinking of doing this, Edwin?

Another nervous laugh, and then he answered with: I wish I could explain it.

The borderline nonchalance in his voice had even Rachel feeling that he wasnt going to truly end his life. It was the same as dealing with problematic people pointing guns at other people. There were certain tones of voice and expressions that were indicators they would really never pull the trigger. She heard some of that in Edwin Newkirks voice.

For the next nine minutes, they listened to Lisa expertly talk him down. By the end of the conversation, when Edwins voice had leveled out and he told her that shed been a huge help and he now had no intention of doing anything drastic, he sounded almost normal. The nervous undertones of his laughter were gone and he sounded truly grateful.

The final word of the call reminded Rachel of the way Joseph Staunton had sounded at the end of his call. Both men sounded almost embarrassed to have made the call in the first place. She could hear it clearly even in the simple Bye that ended the call.

Rachel and Jack exchanged a look, Jack giving a little nod. Lisa, thank you for coming in to speak with us, Rachel said. You can go now, unless Shelby has anything else?

No. Not at all. Great work, Lisa. I dont know that you could have handled those three any better.

Lisa stood up, wiping a tear away, and exited the room. Shelby turned her attention to the agents and shrugged. Is that what you were looking for?

Yes, Jack said. I think that proves that there was nothing suspicious about the calls. I suppose it really was just a coincidence. He sighed and got to his feet. But all the same, thank you for your cooperation.

Of course. And I certainly hope you can find out whats going on.

Rachel felt defeated as she and Jack were led out of the conference room and back out to the main lobby. She especially hated it when something that felt so solid turned out to be nothing more than a coincidence. Knowing that it happened more than people realized did not help her to accept it any easier.

Passing through the little lobby, she looked out the window, out to the streets of New York. Dusk wasnt here just yet, but it was fast approaching. And she had the strong inclination that a killer who had potentially hit three nights in a row would have no problem making it four in a row.

They needed to get to the precinct to mobilize as many officers as possible to make sure that didnt happen.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN