Morgan shrugged. I need to have an attention to detail to do my job well.

A lot of people need it, but they dont all have it, Hernandez said, wryly. Some of my fellow agents dont have those kinds of observational skills.

It wasnt anything Morgan hadnt heard before. Hed always been able to take in details that others missed and keep them catalogued in his brain. Still, it never hurt to be recognized. Thanks.

If Lexas murder is truly connected to Michelle Schultzs murder and I am convinced they are it means someone is targeting medical professionals. We could really use someone on the team who understands how the medical system works and what makes the people who do this work tick. No one at the Bureau came up with what you just figured out. She paused, those dark eyes watching him, calculating.

Morgan wasnt sure what she was getting at. What are you suggesting?

Would you be willing to consult with the Bureau on this investigation? She sat back again in her chair.

Consult? For the FBI? How would that even work?

Yes. Give your expertise. Lend us that keen eye for observation. Help us wrap this case up before anyone else gets hurt.

It was so out of left field that Morgan couldnt quite grasp what she was saying. Him? Consult with the FBI? He was a doctor at a major hospital. He barely had time to eat most days, much less play around with law enforcement. Plus, based on his reaction to viewing Lexas body that morning, he wasnt sure he could handle it. He shook his head. Im sorry. I dont think thats a good idea.

Why not? She was clearly disappointed.

He shook his head. Im already too emotionally involved in whats happened here. I doubt I would be much good to you.

Dont sell yourself short. Youve already been a huge help. She paused for a moment. Sometimes emotional involvement isnt all bad. It focuses you. You care.

That feeling that hed had standing over Lexas body in the morgue came back, the way her face merged with Fionas. He couldnt do it. Im sorry, but no.

Hernandez stood up and straightened her trouser legs. Well, let me know if you change your mind. Thank you for what youve given me so far.

Morgan watched her walk out the door and then turned to the files on his desk. He sighed, trying to work up the energy to tackle them. There was no spark in him when he looked at the work before him. Hed felt a glimmer of one when Danielle had told him his theory fit what shed been seeing.

Maybe saying no to her offer wasnt the right choice. He hoped he hadnt just made a huge mistake.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Danielle sat in her FBI-issued Chevy Impala outside the house where Lexa Windham grew up in Bethesda. It was a split-level mid-century modern house. Nice, but not too special.