You should also know, Jack said, that well have that warrant within an hour or so. It usually takes longer but were dealing with a potential serial killer here, so itll get pushed through quickly. If we get that warrant before your lawyer gets here, he wont be able to protect you from our searches. So, if theres anything you need to tell us before we go to your office and find out for ourselves, I suggest you do it now. Itll look much better on you in the end.

Rachel could see Deringer calculating his next move. She had no doubt that he was a clever man and that the requirements of his job would likely have had him come across certain laws about rights and securities pertaining to this very situation. Slowly, he leaned forward. When he spoke, his voice was softer than it had been since hed first opened his office door to Rachel.

I did not have anything to do with those deaths. When you get your warrant and search my office and phone records, youll see that I was telling you the truth about Dustin Adams and Joseph Staunton.

And what about the others?

Deringer shook his head, but not out of stubbornness. He was fighting with himself, the shaking of his head coming in the realization of something. It was yet another thing Rachel had seen on many people who started out strong-willed and slowly crumpled when confronted with damning evidence.

I never actually spoke to Newkirk. He hung up on me right away.

So you did call him? Rachel asked.

Yes. He breathed heavily a few times and stared at his still-clasped hands. I called Edwin Newkirk and Nicholas Harding. They were not patients. I got their numbers through a man I hired.

I dont follow, Jack said. What sort of man? Hired for what?

I had a man monitoring three local suicide hotlines. Its apparently quite easy when the calls are made with cell phones. Its not hacking, I dont think…not really. But he was able to supply me with the phone numbers and, in some cases, the names of people who were calling these hotlines. Id wait a day or so and then call them, presenting myself formally and asking if they were currently seeing a therapist or speaking with a professional about their issues.

The reality of what this meant slowly settled on Rachel but even then, she had to be sure she was understanding him correctly. So, you mean you were headhunting new patients?

Yes. When he looked back up to them, some of that stubbornness was back in his features. I know it seems unethical, but its not all that uncommon.

Which part? Jack asked. Calling depressed people and trying to drum up business or paying someone to hack a few phone lines?

Deringer started shaking his head again and his eyes were once more on his clasped hands.