I know, he said curtly. This just…it just sucks.

She didnt know what to say. Just about anything would turn this into a full-fledged argument and that was not something she had time to deal with right now. Thankfully, Peter seemed to know this, too.

Ill let you go. Sounds like youve got a big one on your hands.

Thanks. I love you, Peter.

Love you, too, Go get those bad guys.

He hung up with what had become almost like a tagline for him over the last few years when she was not at home. Go get those bad guys.

She looked to the list of staff members, wondering if any of any of them were the bad guys.

She was staring at the list for only a moment when someone approached her from behind. She turned to find Jack standing there, holding a Starbucks cup.

Got you one of those green tea latte nonsense you like, he said, offering it to her.

Thanks, she said, taking it gratefully.

So, do you want me to pretend I didnt hear the last ten seconds or so of that conversation?

It doesnt matter. When sex isnt just about sex anymorewhen you throw that whole baby-making business in, tooit becomes a really odd sort of minefield.

He jealous of the job right now?

I dont think so. Hes just pretty excited about the idea of another kid and its like anything else in his life. He wants it, so he expects it now. The fact that I didnt get pregnant four months ago when we started trying really bothered him. And now, its

She stopped here because what she wanted to mention next was how it was going to be even harder to tell him her most recent truththe truth of why she knew a second child was not an option. Of course, if shed told Jack about the cancer prognosis, she could get it out; she could word vomit all over him. But shed kept the secret from him, and it now seemed like shed made the right decision because being dealt such devastating news while now being involved on a case concerning fertility was a

Hold on, she said quietly. She took a sip from her green tea latte and sitting up straight.

Yes? Jack asked. Has a lightbulb just gone off?

Maybe. She tapped the list of staff employees and said, Maybe none of the clinic employees has a record, but maybe one of them does have another reason to loathe women who are looking to bring life into the world.

Jack looked at her with great curiosity from over the top of his own Starbucks drink. Sorry, he said after he swallowed it down I dont follow.

She checked her watch. It was 4:32….still enough time.

Come on, she said, getting to her feet. Were heading back to the clinic.

***