Yes, of course. The womans voice made it clear that she had not slept yet, that shed spent the majority of her time in tears ever since her husband died.

Youd mentioned that Dustin had been seeing a therapist. What was the therapists name?

It was Dr. Pete Deringer. I think I have a card of his somewhere around here if you need the number.

Yes, that would be helpful. Thank you.

This time, Rachel could tell the phone was being held, carried through the house as Mrs. Adams searched for the business card. Mrs. Adams, how long had Dustin been seeing Dr. Deringer?

About a year. Maybe a tad bit longer. There was a pause, the sound of papers being moved around, and then she said: Heres the card. Are you ready for the number?

Rachel took the number down with a pen she plucked from the edge of one of the folders they kept their notes in, jotting it down on the bottom of Joseph Stauntons phone records. She looked to the information Jack had written down while speaking to his contact. She saw that the number Jack had gotten for Stauntons therapist was the exact same number the wife of Dustin Adams had just given her.

It was also listed on Edwin Newkirks records, as well as Nicholas Hardings.

Thanks so much for your help, Rachel said.

Of course. I just…theres no way Dustin killed himself. I dont care what it looks like. So please do what you can, and dont hesitate to call me.

When the call was ended, Rachel looked at the phone number. Being that the same number had called both Joseph Staunton and Dustin Adams was a big enough link as far as she was concerned, but she wanted it to be irrefutable. Shed already forced herself to call one grieving family member, so she supposed she may as well act while her determination was pushing her along.

She tried Hannah Newkirk first, but there was no answer. She opted not to leave a message because there was no telling if Hannah would even check her messages for a few days in the wake of all she was dealing with. She then called the number she had for Nick Hardings wife, Amanda. She answered right away and sounded the complete opposite of the Adams widow. She sounded hopeful and almost excited, perhaps hoping the person on the other end may have some answers.

Rachel let her down in that regard, asking her a similar question shed already asked Mrs. Adams. Our records show that your husband had been seeing a therapist. Is that correct?

Yes, Amanda Harding said, but he hadnt been in a while. I think his last appointment was around two or three months ago.

Do you happen to recall the therapists name?

Oh, for sure. Nick raved about him. He said they really hit it off. It was Dr. Wickline. Sam Wickline.