And who are you? Why would you need this information?

As I told about three people before finally getting in touch with you, my name is Rachel Gift, and Im a special agent with the FBI. Badge number is JTT 06170056. All I need to know is how long hes been working there, what his job is, and if there have been any disciplinary issues.

Oh, I see, the woman said. She now seemed helpful as possible, and Rachel could hear the clattering of keys from the other end of the line. So, I have his record up here. Seems hes been working for us for just under a year. There have been no disciplinary issues at all and from what I can see, he hasnt missed a day or a service call. Theres even a note here on his work history where the gentleman who interviewed him for the job marked down very promising. Not sure if that helps or not.

Whats Mr. Spearss job there at PacCall?

Hes a systems engineer with our New York City division.

Thats exactly what I needed to know, Rachel said. Thanks so much.

She considered what this all meant and while she could see where it was all trying to lead, she knew theyd need more definitive answers from whatever the officers thought theyd found at the apartment. At the same time, though, she recalled how pale and troubled Alberto had seemed when theyd mentioned the names of the victims. Given that, she felt that if she played her part just right, Albert Spears would willingly give them the information they were looking for. She was just going to have fudge the truth a little.

She met with Jack outside of the conference room and filled him in. When they went back into the interrogation room, Alberto was being escorted back in by Branson. The agents and the detective shared a knowing look as Branson once again closed the door, leaving Rachel and Jack with Alberto.

Were you able to get in touch with your lawyer? Jack asked.

No, but I left a message with his secretary. Hes going to return my call within fifteen minutes.

Thats good, Rachel said. Thats really good, in fact. Because with what weve just discovered, youre going to need one.

Sure. You learned so much in the last ten minutes. He was trying to sound confident and tough, but she heard the waver of fear in his voice.

We did, actually. Can you tell me a bit more about what you do with PacCall? What exactly does an engineer do?

Do they know how to patch calls? Jack asked. Maybe part of the job is monitoring calls or tracking calls. Does that sound about right?

Maybe tracking calls made to Better Days Suicide Prevention Hotline? Rachel finished.