Im fine, sir, though it would have been good to hear that part yesterday when you implied that I didnt have a choice.

Anderson looked over to Jack, giving him a quick frown. Agent Rivers and I discussed your situation this morning before you came in. We may not agree totally on things, but he did point out the weight of your situationyour daughter, your husband.

You will keep men around my home while Im gone?

Yes.

She nodded and opened the folder. Then Im fine.

Good, he said, and then carried on with business as usual. Weve got a situation developing out in Roanoke. Two bodies in the past five days, both killed in the proximity of medical centers. Evidence points to a potential serial based solely on how the victims were killed. Local PD have zero leads and, as is the case here at the bureau, are slightly understaffed; Gift, as you know, the bureau is experiencing this same staffing shortage and its the primary reason I wanted you on this. Not only that, but this case seems to align with cases involving medical centers and the two of you working together have some experience there.

Sad to say, thats all I have. Local police requested help yesterday and they obviously didnt get it from us, so get there are soon as you can.

Thats it? Rachel asked.

Thats it. Please keep me updated on your progress.

Rachel and Jack nodded to one another and started for the door. On the way out, Anderson spoke up, almost hesitantly, as if he wasnt sure if he wanted to say anything at all. Agent Gift, can I speak to you for a moment?

Yes, sir.

Jack made his way out, case folder in hand, closing the door behind him. When he was gone, Anderson got to his feet and studied Rachel in a way shed often seen Jack resort to.

Agent Rivers has your back, Anderson said. If you ever have any doubt of that, shut it down right away. He spoke to me in a way a field agent should not speak to a Deputy Director when I suggested you had no real excuse to not take the case. As you may know, I have no children so I cant imagine what it was like for you to find that grisly surprise from someone linked to Lynch. If I seemed nonchalant about it, I apologize.

Thank you, sir. But its okay. Really.

Another thing, though…Agent Rivers says that he fears there may be something else going on. He says you seemed distracted last time you worked together. He hinted that there might be an illness in your family but, respecting your privacy, told me none of it. If youre in need of a therapist, the bureau works with many different

No, sir, she said. Im good. If anything, working this case will allow me to get away from some of the personal matters that…