Sam was struck by the similarities to Spencer’s case and Mary Alice’s. It had to be drugs from the same lot. “Would you mind if we took Morgan’s phone to be examined?”

“When do you need it?”

“Now would be good.”

He gave her a strange look as he got up to see to her request.

While she waited, Sam texted Freddie. Are you ok?

Yeah, just needed some air. Sorry.

Don’t be. It’s fine.

No, it isn’t, but thanks for understanding.

I do understand—better than most would.

I know.

Her heart broke for Freddie and Elin, and she hoped they wouldn’t end up in a protracted infertility battle like she’d endured. She wouldn’t wish that on anyone, especially her best friend and his wife.

Jim returned and handed her the phone. “My wife says the code is Morgan’s birthday, zero-two-one-five.”

Sam made a note of the code.

“We’ll get it back, right?”

“As soon as possible. I have to ask something else of you. Something deeply disruptive and invasive, but we need to search Morgan’s room to make sure that whatever substance killed her isn’t still in your home.”

“For real?”

“I’m afraid so. We have four sudden deaths of twenty- and thirtysomething people in the last couple of weeks that may be linked to the same batch of laced Oxy. If those pills are still in your home, we’d need them for evidence in the case we’re building against the dealer. Not to mention your safety.”

He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to process what she’d said. “You really think she OD’d? I just can’t imagine that.”

“Have you seen the autopsy report?”

“We have it, but neither of us can bring ourselves to look at it.”

“Morphine was found in her brain. The only way that happens is through opioids. They might still be in your house, Mr. Newell.”

He sighed with weary acceptance. “Okay. Fine. You can look.”

“Is there somewhere you and your wife could go while we conduct the search?”

He seemed shocked to hear that they’d be required to vacate the premises. “Ah, yeah, we have friends down the street.”

“Maybe you could call them and let them know what’s going on and get your wife situated before our Crime Scene detectives arrive?”

“I’ll do that.”

“I’m sorry again about all of this.”

“I am, too. Will you let us know if you discover something about Morgan’s death?”

She held out her notebook to him. “Please write down your name and phone number for me, and I’ll keep you posted.”

He took the pad from her, wrote the info and handed it back to her.

“I really appreciate your help.”

“If you can find some answers, that might help my wife. And me, too.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

After he left the room, Sam called Haggerty and requested he and his team come to the Newell home to conduct a search for the pills that killed Morgan. While she waited for them, she walked out into the frigid winter air and zipped her coat against the stiff breeze that made it feel even colder than it was.