Rachel nodded her agreement, but she was already pulling up the number to Regency Fertility Clinic. The line was answered in her ear as they came to the doors of the station.

Regency Fertility Clinic. How can I help you?

Rachel said: Yes, Im looking for Doctor Pauline Vick.

Dr. Vick? the woman asked.

Yes. Is that an issue?

Sort of. Dr. Pauline Vick hasnt worked here for about six weeks. She took a job with Baltimore Regional Hospital.

Oh, I see. Do you happen to know if shes still running consults for Greenfield Womens Clinic?

Sorry, but no I dont.

Rachel ended the call and instantly pulled up the number for Baltimore Regional Hospital. As she put the call through, she looked to Jack and said, Run a search for any criminal record. Shes no longer with Regency and they couldnt tell me if shes stull doing consults. Just as Jack nodded, the line was answered, and Rachel did her best to be as polite and cheerful as possible. Hello. This is Special Agent Rachel Gift. Im currently in town on a case and I was hoping I could speak to a Dr. Pauline Vick. I understand that shes employed there currently.

One moment, the receptionist said.

While on hold, Rachel looked over to Jack and saw that he was scrolling through the database for any information he could find on Pauline Vick. After several seconds, he shook his head and said: Nothing here.

It took another minute or so for the receptionist to come back. When she did, she sounded very apologetic. So sorry about the wait. She is on rotation today, but Im told shes currently meeting with a patient. Can I take a message?

Rachel considered it for a moment, but decided it would be best to take action rather than play phone tag. That wont be necessary, she said. But thank you.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

When Rachel and Jack arrived at Baltimore Regional, Rachel could not help but feel that they were stuck in some sort of cyclone that kept them perpetually moving.

Rachel showed her badge as they approached. I called about Dr. Vick about twenty minutes ago, she said. Its very important that we speak to her as soon as possible.

One moment, the receptionist said without any real spirit. She placed a call on her landline phone, waited, and then started speaking to someone on the other end, trying to locate Dr. Vick. When she was done, she looked back to Rachel and Jack with a rehearsed smile and said, Shes in one of the doctors lounges right now, but she only has ten minutes before her next appointment.

Any idea which lounge? Jack asked.

Dr. Vick is in prenatal, so it would most likely be the one all the way at the end of the third floor.

Thanks so much, Rachel said, already moving away from the visitors desk and toward the elevators.