Chapters (33)
- Title page
- CHAPTER ONE
- CHAPTER TWO
- CHAPTER THREE
- CHAPTER FOUR
- CHAPTER FIVE
- CHAPTER SIX
- CHAPTER SEVEN
- CHAPTER EIGHT
- CHAPTER NINE
- CHAPTER TEN
- CHAPTER ELEVEN
- CHAPTER TWELVE
- CHAPTER THIRTEEN
- CHAPTER FOURTEEN
- CHAPTER FIFTEEN
- CHAPTER SIXTEEN
- CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
- CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
- CHAPTER NINETEEN
- CHAPTER TWENTY
- CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
- CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
- CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
- CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
- CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
- CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
- CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
- CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
- CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
- CHAPTER THIRTY
- CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
- EPILOGUE
Actually, no, Rachel said. Were looking into two murders that both seem to be leaning towards some sort of fertility link. We know for a fact that the first victim had been in touch with Regency. Id like you to confirm that, if you can.
Sure, the receptionist said. She no longer seemed irritated, but slightly unnerved. She nervously felt along the edges of the bandana, covering what Kate assumed was a bald head. Whats the womans name?
Gloria Larsen.
The receptionist typed the name into her laptop and waited a moment. She then clicked her touchpad a few times and nodded. Yes, she said. I have her right here. In fact, Gloria Larsen was scheduled for her first appointment tomorrow at two in the afternoon.
Does it say what the appointment was for? Jack asked.
Looks like just a few basic tests and to discuss potential treatment plans going forward.
So she hadnt been here before? Rachel said.
The receptionist did some more clicking and scrolling before eventually shaking her head. No, it doesnt look like it.
Would you mind taking a look for the name of the other victim? Her name is Lucinda Masters.
More typing, more clicking. Yes, I see her here. She has an appointment scheduled for next week. From what I see here, she was set to begin her treatments.
Rachel and Jack shared a look. Theyd just gotten a pretty unshakable linkone that might tie this whole case together. Rachel leaned in close and said, I know there are hoops and logistics, but I really need a list of all women scheduled to receive fertility treatments in the next week or so.
The receptionist frowned and looked rather torn. Im sure you know, maam, that I cant just give out information like that. What Ive already given you was probably too much. But women not involved in your case…I cant
Who can make those decisions, then?
Flustered, the receptionist shrugged. Doctor Jergens is the lead doctor today. Maybe she could talk to you about it.
I need you to buzz her, please. Agent Rivers and I will be over there, she said, nodding to the little farmhouse-decorated area.
They left the window and took a seat. Jack shook his head playfully and said, You sounded pretty cut-throat with her.
Ignoring the comment completely, Rachel steepled her fingers in her lap and started working her way through what they knew. A killer that is targeting women seeking fertility treatments is a bit specific, dont you think?
Yeah. The question then becomes if hes doing it because its a fairly vulnerable population or because he feels very strongly about pro-life versus pro-choice.
Doubtful, Rachel said, now sensing some of that cut-throat tone Jack had mentioned. Someone concerned with the sanctity of life wouldnt take it so brutally.
Not someone thinking logically, sure, Jack said.