I say its fine. Hed just make the wrong decision. Hed think he was more than man enough to stop danger. She gave a very dry laugh and said, Like he could stop a murderer. She looked alarmed for the first time now, as if saying murderer had clued her into what was really going on.

Im very sorry to have disturbed you, Jack said. Ill be out front, in my car. And you know…I just have to say, you have a lovely home. Its very clean, very crisp.

Huh. You have my son to thank for that. Its the one thing he does that isnt completely useless. He cleans when he gets nervous…that type of man.

Do you know when your son will get back? he asked, pressing for more information to see if his little tingle of intuition was right. Does he have a job?

Yes, I guess you could call it a job. Some call-center bullshit. He tossed away a perfectly good life. Could have been a doctor. He started med school and…, she stopped and shrugged. Then he started caring for me. I think he blames me for everything…how his life turned out.

It was the information about her son being an ex-medical student that sealed the deal for him. An unappreciative, sick mother. A son that was doing everything he could to make her comfortabledoing what he could to earn her approval. The way she spoke about him to a complete stranger spoke volumes, and it made Jack start to wonder just what lengths a son desperate for his mothers love and attention might go to.

Well, he does a good job cleaning the house, thats for sure, he said. Whats his name, anyway? Just so I can let the cops know when he shows up.

Brandon. He looks like a walking bundle of nerves, so you cant miss him.

Well, you have a good day, Mrs. Holcomb.

She only gave a little nod as Jack made his way out of the room. He kept his cool as he walked through the hallway but was sprinting by the time he reached the den. He pulled out his phone on the way to the car and pulled up Rachels number. It rang four times and kicked over to voicemail. Knowing that Rachel rarely checked her voice messages, he then sent a text.

Madeline Holcombs son might be a fit. Brandon Holcomb. Call when you can.

With that done, he got into his car, not sure where to go. Rachel was likely at the hospital by now, but that felt like a bust. Maybe the best approach would be to head back to the station and see what he could find on Brandon Holcomb. Ah, but he had to stay here, stationed outside of the Holcomb residence until relief arrived.