A headache came swirling out of nowhere, blowing through her head like a hurricane. It was so sudden and sharp that it not only took her breath away but caused her to stagger backwards a bit.

Her mind instantly took her back to that morning out on the training course, how shed been so intent to beat her record only to suffer the blackout that would cause her to go to the doctor. For a sickening moment, she felt like she was there, expecting the instructor and time keeper to be standing beside her.

Rachel took a deep breath and stood motionless. The pain thrummed in her head a bit but then passed away like an echo. Rachel winced against the pain and carried on, relieved to see that it started to fade even as she started to walk again. But it had been just enough to scare herto remind her that while she was trying to find answers for these dead people, her own life was hanging in the balance as well.

Jack, already halfway across the parking lot, didnt seem to notice. And that was just fine with Rachel. She knew she could not keep it a secret from him for much longer, but she was sure as hell going to milk every moment she could before it had to come out.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Jack had noticed Rachels brief pause as theyd come out of the coroners office. It had lasted no more than two seconds and hed only caught the briefest glimpse of her discomfort from a glance over his shoulder. He nearly asked if she was okay, but his concern for her had caused far too many arguments over the past few weeks. He figured if there was something truly wrong with her, shed tell him.

Or so he hoped. He knew something was going on with her, but she wasnt opening up about it. Maybe something at home, maybe with Peter. Jack had met Peter several times and though he seemed like a good enough guy, there had been something a little stand-offish about him as far as Jack was concerned.

Hey, Jack? Rachel said as they came to the car. Do you mind driving?

No problem.

She tossed the keys to him, and he snatched them out of the air. It seemed like a very small and unimportant moment, but Jack saw this as odd, too. Rachel sometimes insisted on driving, and it was a rarity indeed when she asked him to drive. It was such an oddity that he figured it was a pretty good opening to be able to ask if she was okay without getting his head bitten off.

Letting me drive…you okay? Is the apocalypse upon us?

No, she said, feigning a smile. Just a bit of a headache.