I appreciate it, Rachel said, but Id like to speak with her. And Id like to do it sooner rather than later. If he wasnt the type to consider suicide, I want to hear a genuine, raw reaction from her. Because honestly, if he was the sort to do it, I think were more likely to hear it when the wound is still fresh.

She realized just how morbid that sounded, but it was the truth. She downed the rest of her coffee and asked, Can you text me the address?

Yeah, Branson said.

And I need his phone records. Can you get someone on that, too?

Of course. Branson sounded both tired and a little impressed at the same time. As he started typing the address into a text message, Rachel and Jack headed back out to their rental car less than two hours after Dustin Adams had been pulled out of the Harlem River.

Following the GPS once again based on the address Brandon had given them, they had to take a course that, for just a moment, offered a view of the archway of the High Bridge. In an odd way, it almost felt as if they were being haunted.

So with the phone records, Jack said as they close in on Dustin Adamss address. Just what the hell are we supposed to do if Better Days pops up again? If were saying four murders can no longer be ruled a coincidence, I dont think that could, either.

I dont know. I think well have to figure that one out when theres nowhere else to look.

When they arrived at the apartment building, there was already a patrol car parked out front. Rachel felt guilty for the relief she felt. It was hard enough talking to a woman who was learning that shed recently been made a widow, but delivering news of the suicide was an entirely different sort of torture.

Dustin Adams had lived on the second floor, in Apartment 28. As Rachel and Jack approached the door, they could already hear wailing. Undeterred, Rachel knocked softly on the door. It was answered almost at once by a haggard-looking officer. He was young, but had a lumberjack beard that made him look more rugged than he likely was.

Jack showed his ID first, making introductions. Agents Rivers and Gift.

The bearded officer nodded. We were told youd be coming. The wife is in shock, but she can still talk. I dont think shes accepted it just yet.

Any kids? Jack asked.

No.