“So in addition to the waiting room, an intake suite, and this ballroom, they have individual offices?”

“If you’re doing individual therapy, you can’t be interrupted because your partner needs to look at the files.”

“So these…” Marge pointed to the back wall lined with oak-veneered cabinets. “That’s where the case files are kept?”

“The recent ones, yes.”

“You don’t lock them up?”

“Of course they’re locked!” Maryam was offended. “Pardon my impudence, but why exactly are you here? Shouldn’t Dee Baldwin be your concern? Shouldn’t you be out looking for her?”

“We’re doing that, Dr. Estes—well, not us personally—but the police have made Dee Baldwin a top priority. We are here because we need some help.”

“Help?” Maryam licked her lips. “How?”

“Information kind of help,” Oliver said. “We’re looking into culprits. Since Dr. Baldwin treated some disturbed people, we were wondering if one of his patients might have done this.”

“Like a revenge thing,” Marge added. “Do you know of any patient who swore a vendetta against either one of the Baldwins?”

A shake of the head. “Nothing comes to mind. And even if someone came to mind, I couldn’t help you. Patients have confidentiality.”

“Not when it conflicts with the immediate well-being of someone who’s alive,” Marge said. “You know the Tarasoff case.”

“It doesn’t apply when the person’s already dead.”

“Now, that’s a good point,” Oliver said. “So you shouldn’t mind answering a couple of questions about Ernesto Golding.”

“I can’t help you because I don’t know anything about Ernesto Golding.”

“Maybe we can take a peek at his file?” Oliver said.

“Certainly not!” Maryam protested. “I can’t give you that kind of permission. You’ll have to wait for Dee.”

“That may take a long time,” Oliver said. “Like in forever.”

“That’s a horrible thing to say!” Suddenly, Maryam burst out crying. “This is just awful! Who could have done something so dreadful? Dr. Merv didn’t have an enemy in the world.”

The two detectives let her cry for a few moments. Then Oliver asked, “How well did you know the Baldwins?”

“Except for the occasional holiday party, I only knew them professionally. I’ve worked here for eighteen months, and not a cross word has been exchanged. They’ve been wonderful to me and wonderful to their patients. Dedicated psychologists and fabulous mentors.” Again, the tears overflowed. “My God, this is so…so upsetting!”

Sobbing once again. Marge got up and placed a soft hand on her back. “I know that you feel as if you’re violating them…by talking about their cases.” A meaningful sigh. “Let’s do this. Tell me what you can about them and their patients. What you would feel comfortable with.”