She could only nod. She still felt that she might scream if she opened her mouth.

We need to call Anderson to tell him. Someone in that prison is being lazy. That or theyre giving Lynch certain advantages on purpose. Either way, someone needs to lose their job.

Again, Rachel nodded. Her fingers went to her phone to place the call herself. She started navigating to Andersons office number when her phone rang again. She nearly dropped it in surprise but grabbed it at the last minute. This time, she saw a Roanoke area code on the caller display. This helped her to snap out of her rage-induced fugue as she answered the phone.

This is Agent Gift.

Agent Gift, its Deputy Stanhope. I wanted you to know that the warrant for the medical records has cleared. Ive got them emailed over here right now.

Perfect. Would you please forward them to me when you get them?

Of course.

She gave him her email address and then ended the call. It was a quick and effective call, but Rachels mind was still hung up on the call shed just received from Lynch.

Rachel, hold up. Before we jump back to the case, you need to address this Lynch situation. Call Anderson.

I know! She felt the rage trying to come out at Jack but managed to swallow it down. Lord knew shed snapped at him more than enough over the last few weeks. He didnt deserve it, and if she planned on keeping her secret much longer, she was going to have to get better about it. Im afraid if I call him right now, hell pull us off the case.

Then he pulls us off the case. I have no spouse or kids, so I wont pretend to know what youre dealing with. But it cant be easy. Especially not with that creep still calling you.

She scrolled to Andersons number and looked to Jack, again feeling tears welling up in her eyes. Im sorry, Jack.

For what?

For far too much, she thought. But instead of saying thator anything, for that mattershe placed the call. Inching closer to two in the afternoon, she got what she expected. His receptionist answered, speaking with her usual, flat tone.

Director Andersons office.

This is Rachel Gift I need to speak with Director Anderson, please. Its rather important.

Im very sorry, Agent Gift, but hes in meetings all day, and none of them are here in the office. Can I take a message?

She didnt want to leave one but knew if she didnt, it would take far too much effort to broach the topic with him again. So she left a message, simply stating that she needed to speak with him concerning Alex Lynch, and left it at that.