I didnt ask you to, she said, trying to inject humor she simply did not feel.

As she turned her eyes back to the road, she could sense his eyes lingering on her for a moment. She found it sort of touching that he could so easily tell that something was bothering her, but she also wished hed drop it.

And thats exactly what he did. He finally turned his eyes back to the digital files in front of him and only spoke when he came across something interesting. Just like that, shed lied to her partner, too. She figured that was why she could feel the presence of the tumor in the car just as shed felt it back at the field office. Now it sat in the back seat, leering at her, just as big a part of her work life as her home life.

Maybe I should tell Jack first, she thought. We have to trust each other with our lives, so any sort of secrecy could hurt our chemistry. It would also be a decent test-run to figure out how to tell Peter and Paige.

There was some sensibility to the thought but she still fought it hard.

Victims were living in different parts of the city, Jack said, breaking the thought apart. It appears one was divorced and had recently re-married. Initial reportsand they are very initial, as the ones for the second victim are barely four hours oldindicate no links or similarities in their lives or social circles.

The divorce is certainly worth looking into, she said. I think it might be

The ringing of her cellphone interrupted her. Figuring it had to be either Peter or someone back at the field office, she didnt even bother looking at the call display before answering. This is Agent Gift.

Rachel Gift? a male voice asked.

Yes. And who is this?

Its Dr. Greene. Im very sorry for calling so early but I wanted to touch base with you before my day got away from me.

Rachel felt like she was being caught in a lie. She felt her cheeks going red at the sound of Dr. Greenes voice and instantly wondered if Jack could hear the doctors voice. She glanced in his direction quickly, but he was still looking through some of the files on his iPad.

Well, it is rather early, she said, hoping to quickly end the conversation without wanting to seem rude. What can I do for you?

I wanted to touch base to see if you had any other questions after having the night to think it all through.

None right now, no.