He drummed his fingers on his desk. Mary hadnt been his patient. That didnt mean he couldnt access her patient file. It just meant that he shouldnt. Ashley would have his head. Hed promised her that he wouldnt do this. Specifically. Although if it came to light, Ashley would be the least of his problems. Shed made it clear that she wouldnt run interference for him again. This would be on his head.

Which was already heavy with the guilt he felt over Lexa.

He put in his password and pulled up Mary Picketts file. He was right. Shed never been Lexas patient. He scanned page after page of the file. He found Michelle Schultz on page 4. Shed been the tech who ran the blood tests that confirmed the high amount of bilirubin in Marys bloodstream. Brianna Olson turned up on page 9. Shed been the nurse who had helped Mary when she got her CT Scan.

He didnt find Lexas name until page 14 of the file. A chill ran through him. He remembered this now. Lexa had covered an overnight shift for another one of the residents. The only reason she was in this file was that shed signed off on some bloodwork that had been run. Shed probably never even seen the results. Mary hadnt been her patient, but Lexas name was there in the file.

There were other names in the file, too, though. People who, like Lexa, might not even know that they were in the sights of a killer. Any one of them might be in danger at this very moment.

Morgan hit a few buttons to forward the file to his personal email, shut down his computer, and ran, dialing Danielles phone number as he went.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Danielles phone rang four times. Morgan could imagine her looking at the Caller ID and deciding whether or not to pick up. He offered up a prayer to the cell phone gods and apparently it worked.

What is it, Morgan? She did not sound happy to hear from him.

I think I know how this whole thing started. He got to his car and unlocked the door. Getting in, he put Danielle on speakerphone.

No, Morgan. I told you. Youre too close to this. Youre off the case.

Please, Danielle! He put the car in reverse and backed out of the spot, then headed for the exit. Hear me out. I dont have to be part of anything, but you need to know about this.

There was a pause. Youre sure I need to? Her tone was dry and she emphasized the word need.

I am. Its too deep in the medical weeds. Please. Im begging you. Hear me out. This killer is not done. There are several more targets. He could be out there now targeting one of them.

She sighed. Meet me at the office, then. Im still here.