Kate flipped through the file folder. There was very little to see: Alvins application, his resume, a single work-accident report, old insurance information, and three years worth of W2s.

Do you know why he moved? Kate asked.

He never did tell us. He was very hush-hush about it. I figured he was maybe going across the country or something. To hear he moved here to go somewhere like Deton is sort of strange to me.

Any problem with him while he was working here?

Not a single one that I can remember.

Did you ever meet his wife? DeMarco asked. Her name was Wendy.

No. Afraid not.

Do you maybe ever remember him mentioning that his wife had gotten pregnant?

No, I dont. But now that I think back on it, it wasnt just that I sometimes got the feeling that he wasnt happy here. Near the end, I always thought he seemed sort of distracted…sad, maybe. Like his mind was on something else.

Kate considered all of this, nodding slightly. She exchanged a look with DeMarco and they got to their feet at the same time. Mr. Coleman, do you mind if I snap a few pictures of these documents in his file?

No, thats fine. Can I ask…is Alvin okay?

Kate then broke the news of what had happened. She left the office, asking Mr. Coleman to please contact her if he thought of anything else. As they took their leave, she thought she saw a sad look on the old mans face as he peered back into the past and, perhaps, wondered if he had missed some essential clue regarding the mental state of a former employee.

***

Following a mostly fruitless trip to Coleman Furniture and Cabinets, Kate headed back toward Main Street and located the police station. Like most of the other buildings along this little stretch, there was plenty of parking out front and very little foot traffic along the side of the street. When they entered the little police station, Kate was grateful that there were no scrambling reporters or idling new vans to slow her progress. It made her thankful to be away from the headache of Deton, even if for only a day.

With the unexpected mystery of Wendy Fullers infertility, Kate felt as if she was being pushed as she entered the station. She made a direct line to the small reception desk sitting almost centered several yards away from the front door. Before the officer at the desk could so much as look up to them, Kate was already talking.

Were Agents Wise and DeMarco, with the FBI, Kate said, flashing her ID. I need to speak with someone associated with records to get details on two former Waynesboro residents.