Along the way, they got calls here and there about how different precincts from Queens and the Bronx were also pitching in where they could. But even then, it just felt like too much of a task.

On their way back from the Third Avenue Bridge, Rachels phone made a noise that startled her at first, because it wasnt one she had ever heard much. Hearing it, though, she remembered that shed set an alarm for 9:30 to remember to call Paige. It wasnt something shed done in the past, but since one of her dreaded fears related to her diagnosis was not having enough time with her daughter, shed decided to make it a priority.

Im going to pull over for a bit, she said as she killed the alarm. Mommy time.

She found a parking spot between a coffee shop and a quaint little bakery. For most of her life, shed always thought of New York as this magical place that shed always be enamored with. This was her third time in the city; shed come once as a child on a vacation with her parents that she could barely remember, and a second time early in her FBI career but shed spent the entire time in a field office and hotel. Now she felt like the place was nothing but one big maze that had been intentionally set up to confuse her.

Im going to grab a coffee, Jack said, nodding to the coffee shop. Feels like its going to be a long night. You want anything?

A green tea would be great. Hot, please.

Jack gave her a thumbs-up and left her alone in the car. Rachel called Peters phone right away via FaceTime and couldnt help but smile when Paige answered almost right away.

Mommy!

Hey, kiddo. I see youre in your pajamas and ready for bed. Have you brushed your teeth?

Yep. And Daddy already read me a chapter out of my book.

Good. So then youre all ready for bed when we get off of here. How was school today?

Oh, it was great! The book fair started today. And we had those really yummy chicken nuggets for lunch! She then switched topics with that weird speed only young kids are capable of. Daddy says youre in New York! Thats where the Statue of Liberty is. And a bunch of museums.

Yes, I know.

Are you going to get to see the Statue of Liberty?

I dont think so, sweetie. This job is going to be a crazy one. I dont think Ill get much sightseeing time. But maybe we can all visit one day and see it together.

Ooh, that would be so cool!