He strained to listen. Could Pickett have gotten here first? Was he already inside? Were they too late?

Inside, there was a scuffling noise and then a shout. Danielles eyes narrowed and her head cocked a bit to one side. She knocked again. Dr. George Clark! This is the FBI! Please open the door!

There was a thump as if something had been knocked over. Morgans heart raced. He looked over at Danielle.

Dr. Clark! Danielle knocked again, then reached down to try the knob.

The door was unlocked.

Im going in, she told Morgan. Please, for the love of God, stay here.

Before he could answer, shed unholstered her weapon and banged the door open. FBI! Everybody freeze!

What the hell? A mans voice yelled. Is this some kind of joke?

Danielle came back to the door a couple of seconds later and motioned for Morgan to come in with her. Her weapon was back in its holster.

Morgan followed her in to find George Clark on the living room floor where hed clearly been wrestling with this two sons. A side chair had been knocked onto its side. That must have been the thump. Clark and his kids probably hadnt heard the knock on the door over the noise of their own roughhousing.

I assure you, Dr. Clark. This is no joke, Danielle said.

Morgan stepped forward. George. Its Morgan Stark here. From Georgetown. Can we ask you some questions? He exchanged a look with Danielle. If Clark was Picketts next target, it didnt seem like he was here. Had Morgan gotten it wrong again?

Clark got up from the floor. Morgan! Good to see you. Absolutely. Hold on a second. Let me get these ruffians settled. He turned to the kids. Do you guys want to watch some cartoons?

Both the boys jumped up and down. Yes! Cartoons!

Fine. Just dont tell Mom, okay? Clark winked at Morgan. Ill be right back. He left the room with the kids.

Could we have beaten Pickett here? Morgan asked Danielle.

Danielle blew out a breath. Im not sure. Somethings not right, though.

Clark came back into the room and motioned for Danielle and Morgan to come in. So whats this about? he asked.

Mary Pickett, Morgan said.

Clarks face fell. We probably should sit down. That was a bad one. He turned to lead them into the living room. Do you want a glass of water or something?

Danielle shook her head. Im afraid were in a bit of a hurry, Dr. Clark. What can you tell us about Mary Pickett?

Clark scratched at his neck. Probably the worst mistake Ive made in my entire medical career. He turned to Morgan. You know how it is when you come in on Monday morning and theres a stack of files and test results on your desk?