Rachel saw it as an unnecessary jab, but said nothing. She gave a little nod of appreciation and made her exit. The tiny piece of paper she held in her hand started to feel as heavy as a brick and by the time she was at the exit doors, she was almost running to her car.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

It was 4:40 when Rachel pulled out of the Regency parking lot and placed a call to Jack. It rang three times before he answered, making her think that he and the techs might have found something in regards to the GPS locations on Paulines phone.

Find anything? Jack asked.

Oh, I think I did. I think I might have found our killer.

Are you serious? he said. Just like that?

Just like that.

He laughed and when he did, Rachel could imagine him giving one of his comical little fist pumpsnot just for the good news but because it would not be the first time during their partnership that Rachel and come across a potentially case-ending lead without his help.

Thats great, he said, but it makes us look like fools for the poor lady we currently have waiting in an interrogation room. Ill say, though...I hope you do have a promising lead. Theres nothing on Paulines phone to indicate that she knew the victims or that shed been anywhere near their homes.

That doesnt rule her out completely, Jack. She could have been very careful, you know.

But I thought you said you had maybe found our killer…as in its not Vick.

I feel like youre intentionally being irritating.

Maybe.

Look, Ill be at the station in about fifteen minutes. While Im on my way, I need you to run a search on a woman named Claire Allen. Criminal record, job history, everything you can get.

Jesus…what happened?

Rachel was driving fast, careening around cars on the four-lane and blasting through yellow-and-soon-to-be-red lights. She set her phone to speaker mode, set it in the center console, and told him everything Mrs. Carpenter had just told her about Claire Allen. It didnt take long but somehow, she had already closed in on the last mile or so before shed reach the station.

Okay, yeah, that sounds promising, Jack said. Ive got a few things pulled up right now. Want me to read it all to you?

No. Print as much as you can out and meet me in front of the station in about five minutes.