Yet, when she went to the call history, she found something of note. Scrolling down, she saw that all of the recent incoming and outgoing calls were from people that had been saved into her contacts list. The one exception to this was the very last number Gloria Larsen had called before she died. It was a local numberthe area code was proof of thatbut it was not a saved contact. Based on reports, Gloria had been killed somewhere between five and six in the afternoon. This call had been made at 4:17.

Mr. Larsen, do you happen to recognize this number? Rachel asked, showing it to him.

He leaned in and studied it closely, but shook his head. No. I have no idea.

You mind if I call it?

Doug thought about it for a moment. She figured he was trying to determine if it might be the number to someone he wasnt prepared to hear about. Maybe a secret lover? Maybe something worse?

Yeah, he said, the word barely coming out at all. Go ahead.

Rachel called the number and elected not to place it on speaker mode. She remained in her seat at the table and listened to the phone ring on the other end. It was answered on the third ring by a womans voice.

Regency Fertility Clinic, how can I help you?

The link snapped in Rachels head like a puzzle being put together. Just like Lucinda Masters, it appeared that Gloria Larsen had been trying to get pregnant. She thought about introducing herself, giving her badge number, and asking for whatever information they had on Gloria Larsenappointments, check-ups, anything of that sort. But she figured they should ask Doug about it before going that route.

Im so sorry, Rachel told the woman. I have the wrong number. She hung up and looked to Doug, handing the phone back to him. That was Regency Fertility Clinic.

Brief knowing came across Dougs eyes and he then blinked away tears. He took a deep, shaky breath and looked to the phone. Yeah. Wed been trying to get pregnant. For a few years, actually. The doctor said it wasnt a hopeless endeavor…but that wed have to work at it because the chances were pretty low. Wed talked about fertility treatments but…well, I didnt know shed been speaking with them.

Rachel chose her next words carefully, aware that she was treading on sacred ground. I understand something like this is very personal. Would you like to call them back and ask how long Gloria had been contacting them, or would you prefer for us to do it?

You, he said right away. He was again fighting tears back. I dont know if I could deal with the weight of that. I mean, I just finished a few calls for the funeral and…

Of course, Rachel said, getting to her feet. Well head over there, just to see if theres anything that can help with the case.