It mattered that she used that instinct for good and not evil. It mattered a lot. But the impulse to go for the jugular, no matter the consequences, wasn’t something she seemed capable of turning off. Truthfully, she didn’t really want to.

How much of a push would it require for that impulse to be turned in a darker direction? How much self-control would she have if put in a situation more ambiguous than simply catching the bad guy? What if she turned her ruthlessness against those who had wronged her and not just the system? She couldn’t deny that she’d had the urge. Until now, she managed to keep it in check by adhering to a strict personal code. But personal codes can change when put to the test. Could she be sure hers wouldn’t?

They were just pulling into the station when the text came through, pulling her out of her reverie. Jessie and Dolan got it at the same time. It was from Decker.

Body found outside Hernandez’s hospital. Early indications suggest Xander Thurman. ME confirming.

Jessie gasped involuntarily before reminding herself not to jump to conclusions.

“What is it?” Murph asked from the front seat, sensing there was news.

“They think they found my father,” she said evenly.

“Where?”

“The hospital,” she said. “I need you to take me there.”

Murph shook his head.

“Not until we know it’s legit. This could be another trick.”

“It could be. That’s why I need to go. If anyone can identify the body, it’s me. Besides, I’ll have you and your buddies there with me. Are you telling me that even with all your resources, you can’t protect me in an inherently secure facility like a hospital?”

“I can’t be sure it’s secure,” he countered.

“We’ll know it’s secure if I can identify the body,” Jessie pressed.

Murph didn’t respond. From the driver’s seat, Toomey looked over. They were almost to the entrance to the police station garage. He clearly wasn’t sure if they would be going in.

“You guys go ahead,” Dolan volunteered. “I can talk to Gayle Jerebko and get the formal confession from her. I’ll call if I have any issues.”

Murph continued to stare into the distance for a little longer, then gave Toomey an almost imperceptible nod. As they pulled over to the curb in front of the station, he spoke into his comm.

“Change of plans. Next stop is California Hospital Medical Center. XT may be down. Protectee will attempt to identify. Trail vehicle, stay alert.”

Dolan was about to get out of the car, when Jessie tapped him on the shoulder as she reached into her pocket.

“What’s this?” he asked, looking at the small recording device in her hand.

“It’s Gayle Jerebko’s confession. I had to leave my phone in the conference room so I needed something else in case she spilled her guts. Maybe listen to it before you talk to her, so she doesn’t try to play you.”

“Does she know you recorded this?” Dolan asked.