Dr. Pete Deringers office was on the third floor of a ten-story building in lower Manhattan. When Rachel and Jack stepped off the elevators, the door to Deringers offices was just off to the right. The large picture window that looked out into the hallway indicated that Deringers business took up most of the third floor. When they stepped inside, it was just about what Rachel had expected, only a bit more modern. There were plush couches in the waiting room area, and a gorgeous abstract mural taking up over half of the primary wall. The lighting was low and there was very light music playing from hidden speakers, part soft jazz, part ambient.

Currently, there was no one in the waiting room, which sat off to the left of a slightly curved reception desk. The shape, the lights, and the soft curves of it all made Rachel think of the interior of every spaceship shed seen in sci-fi movies, sleek and almost futuristic. When they approached the receptionists desk, Rachel could feel a stirring of excitement between them. The facts of the case so far indicated that Deringer was a major player in whatever was going on. There was always a certain point in most cases where Rachel could feel the end approaching. Shed always viewed it as going on a long drive and knowing the moment youve taken the last turn thats going to take you to that final destination. She felt some of that now, as she approached the desk.

The receptionist was an almost impossibly attractive brunette who looked to be in her early thirties. She gave them a warm smile that was clearly rehearsed but no less beautiful and reassuring because of it.

Can I help you? she asked.

Rachel showed her badge, with Jack doing the same directly behind her. Special Agents Gift and Rivers, Rachel said. We need to speak with Dr. Deringer rather urgently.

Rachel watched a flicker of uncertainty pass along the womans face, which was then quickly replaced by professional caution. Yes, I see. Okay, well, hes currently with a client and the session wont be over for another twenty-five minutes. I also know that he has another session with another client immediately after that. But if youll have a seat in the waiting area, Ill make sure to give him your message and he could maybe see you for a few minutes between sessions.

We just cant wait like that, Jack said. Rachel heard him addressing the receptionist, but her eyes were on the wall behind the desk and slightly to the left. It was, from what she could tell, the only other door in the place other than the two small restroom doors just off the waiting area. As Agent Gift said, this is rather urgent and we cant waste our time sitting in a waiting area. So, I need you to buzz him or call him or whatever. But we need to see Dr. Deringer now.