Stanhope stepped forward now, with Jack behind him. Both men looked overly compassionate, probably to try to contrast the quick and sudden movement Rachel had just used to frighten him.

Mr. Robinson, Stanhope said, we have reason to believe that someone out there is attacking people that are currently on that transplant list. So for the next few days, I need you to be very careful. Dont answer this door again unless its someone you know.

Whod do a thing like that? Attacking sick people?

We dont know. Were trying to find out right now. Mr. Robinson, could you tell us where you were two afternoons ago?

He thought about it but was clearly still pissed off. I went with my daughter to a natural healing-type place. Just a bunch of bullshit if you ask me, but it was important to her.

You buy anything?

She did, yeah. I told her not to. Got me this ointment that smells like crap.

Rachel tucked this all away as an alibi. With a potential receipt, a daughter, and the staff at the store, it would be easy enough to validate.

Mr. Robinson, when is your next appointment? Rachel asked.

Tomorrow.

How do you get there?

My daughter picks me up and takes me. We go get a milkshake with my granddaughter afterwards.

It was a touching gesture, as Rachel realized Stanhope was on the verge of offering the man a ride to his appointment tomorrow if he didnt already have one.

That sounds great, Stanhope said. Were very sorry for taking up your time. But like I said…you dont answer this door for anyone other than the police or your daughter. Okay?

Yeah, he said, giving Rachel an uncertain glance as he slowly started to close the door. This time, Rachel stayed out of the way and let him close the door, unhindered.

***

Stanhope took them back to the precinct and on the way back, the patrol car was again filled with silence. After the trick shed pulled on Robinson, Rachel felt she should be the one in the back this time. She also struggled with trying not to feel that visiting Daniel Robinson had been a dead end. In reality, thats exactly what it was but the visit also allowed them to knock one more name off of the transplant list.

Just before they arrived back at the precinct, Stanhope got a call over the citizens band radio from the dispatch desk. Deputy Stanhope, come in would you, please? a female voice said.

Rachel was happy to see them using a CB radio. They seemed to be going the way of the dinosaur as more and more breakthroughs came about in the cellular and mobile sectors.

This is Stanhope, come on back.