‘If you find any other family members that you clear as suspects, can you let me know? And maybe let them know I’d like to meet them? I haven’t had much luck getting in contact with any other relatives and I’d like to learn more about where I came from.’

Hannigan gave me a small smile and nodded. Quickly reaching for the list of my known male family members on the table, I pulled it closer to me and wrote down my log in information on the corner of the page before pushing it back in his direction. I also wrote down my GEDMatch information, just in case that was helpful. It hadn’t populated very many results at this point, but maybe they would see something that I hadn’t. Hannigan tore the sheet of paper off the notepad and picked it up as he and Beck simultaneously stood. Travis and I jumped up, mirroring their movements.

‘Thank you, Liz. Here’s my card,’ Hannigan extended a small, stiff business card in my direction. ‘Please reach out if you think of anything that may be helpful. We’ll be in touch if we have more questions as our investigation progresses.’

I felt rooted to the spot, staring at the business card in my hand, the inky black lettering etched into the crisp cream cardstock. They turned toward the door and my need for information took over, taking one last shot.

‘Are you sure you can’t tell me which case you’re working on? I promise I won’t tell anyone.’

Hannigan turned back around and gave me another small smile. ‘Sorry Liz, not at this point.’

With my hopes dashed, I nodded and looked back down at the card in my hands, feeling overwhelmed by everything I had just heard.

‘I’ll show you two out,’ Travis said, shaking their hands one last time and walking them to the door. I vaguely registered the click of the deadbolt turning as he locked the door behind them. When Travis came back into the room, I was standing exactly where he’d left me. ‘Come on, Lizzie, sit down.’

‘Did that really happen? Did they just tell me that I’m related to a serial killer?’ I exclaimed, settling into the couch and ringing my hands together.

‘Well, they certainly implied it. If the FBI is investigating multiple murders, that seems like all it could be. I’m so sorry Liz, this must be a lot to take in. Especially on top of finding out you’re adopted.’

I barely heard Travis, my mind still whirling around the names I’d written down for them. ‘There’s no way Cris is a murderer. I know I haven’t known him that long, and sure he’s a bit awkward, but a murderer? Really? They just have to be wrong. DNA can be wrong sometimes, right?’ I looked at Travis hopefully.