I wrung my hands in my lap. What he meant was, it would help them identify other suspects in my family tree. I wasn’t sure I wanted the FBI poking around into my biological family, searching for suspects. Though I didn’t know these people, I would still be the one bringing the FBI to their doorstep. It felt like I was double-crossing them before I’d even met them. At the same time, if they were talking about an active serial killer, I wanted to help. If I let them access my family tree it could help catch a murderer. A chill ran up my spine at the thought of sharing DNA with someone capable of such horrible crimes.

Travis interrupted my thoughts. ‘Liz, this is totally your decision. You don’t have to give them your log in. But if it can help catch a killer, isn’t it worth considering?’ Travis’s forehead crinkled as he looked at me, emphasizing his point. Hannigan and Beck smiled at Travis, clearly grateful that he was urging me to comply.

Nodding my head, I exhaled, looking down at my shoes that now seemed drab compared to those amazing, expensive Louboutins I’d envied on Beck’s feet.

Looking back at Hannigan, I said. ‘I’ll give you my log in details on two conditions. If you find anything that disparages my biological family in any way, I’d like to know before the media finds out. I deserve the truth and don’t want to find out secondhand along with the rest of the country.’

Hannigan looked at me thoughtfully. ‘As this is an active investigation, we can only share limited information with you, otherwise it could jeopardize the case.’

‘Do you want my log in information or not?’ I said heatedly, not entirely sure where this newfound bravado was coming from.

I may have been testing the limits with the way I was addressing the FBI, but I was horrified by the idea that my family was wrapped up in this. I hardly knew which way was up or down anymore, and this was just more salt in the wound, more proof of how little I knew about where I came from. The agents looked at one another. I softened a little, not wanting to be too combative. I needed them to continue to share information with me and they were just doing their job.

‘Look, all I’m asking for is a heads-up. Some advance warning so I don’t find out from the news that someone in my family is a serial killer.’ I splayed my hands out in front of me for emphasis.

Hannigan stared at me for a moment and then nodded his head. ‘What’s the second condition?’