I understand that, but I cant allow you to

Rachel smiled thinly, gave a little nod, and walked to the door behind the reception area. She did so as if shed been invited to do so, not running or rushing, and not being brazenly oppositional.

Maam, you cant do that! the receptionist said.

Completely ignoring her, Rachel reached for the doorknob. She paused, knowing that she was indeed about to cross a line, but wanting to do it in the most moral way possible. Rather than just opening the door and barging in, she knocked. She used her knuckles, giving a loud, pronounced knock.

Maam! the receptionist hissed, getting to her feet and coming at her in the slowest angry march Rachel had ever seen. Do you know how

Rachel ignored her and knocked a second time, a bit louder this time. Behind her, Jack was speaking to the receptionist, doing a remarkable job of remaining calm and polite.

Were in the middle of a very time-sensitive case, Jack said. Weve been led to believe that Dr. Deringer can assist in a very big way.

Thats putting it lightly, Rachel thought. She had raised her hand to knock a third time when it was finally answered. It opened rather quickly and she found herself looking at a roguishly handsome man that she guessed to be in his early fifties. His salt and pepper hair was thick, and his face was clean-shaven. His pronounced jaw and brow made his face looked as if it had been chiseled out of marble. He was doing his absolute best to look as if he were cool and collected, but Rachel could see his irritation in the taut muscles of his face.

He looked from Rachel to his receptionist, standing behind her and just off to the right. His eyes again settled on Rachel and he asked: Can I help you?

You can, actually, Rachel said, showing him her badge. Were working on a very time-sensitive case and need to speak with you.

And it cant wait another twenty minutes?

We cant be sure of that. And quite frankly, we didnt see the point in just wasting time. You are Dr. Pete Deringer, correct?

Yes, he said, eying the badge closer this time. What is the case?

Well tell you in your office, just the three of us.

Still clearly annoyed, Deringer gave a curt nod, so quick and snappy that a bystander might have thought he had a pinched muscle in his neck. One moment, please.