It didnt sound so bad. It might even be interesting. And if he helped catch the bastard who had killed Lexa? Well, theyd better not leave him alone with whoever it was. It might give his life some purpose, something that had been missing for a long time. He thought it was on the verge of returning as hed worked with Lexa. Seeing her learn and grow. Helping her become the amazing doctor she was destined to be. It had brought some joy back to what hed done that had disappeared long ago.

Maybe her death could help give him some purpose, too. When would we start?

Danielle stood. Tomorrow morning. First thing. Meet me at FBI Headquarters downtown. Well hit the ground running.

CHAPTER TEN

The next morning, Morgan took the Metro to the Federal Triangle Station and walked the five minutes to the J. Edgar Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. It wasnt much. Typical for the era during which it was built, it was a great example of American Brutalism. In other words, it was ugly. Squat. Low. Blocky. Clouds seemed to press down on it, making it look even more menacing.

Was he doing the right thing here? This was a different world than the one he was used to. Danielle was right. He knew medicine. He knew hospitals. What did he know about law enforcement? Or the FBI? How much would he really be able to contribute?

There was only one way to find out.

Morgan joined the line of people waiting to enter the building and pulled up the collar of his fleece jacket against the morning breeze. The chill was back in the air. It was supposed to rain before the afternoon. Hed probably be on his way home before then.

Finally, it was his turn to enter the building and go through the metal detector, emptying his pockets of keys and change and money clip and retrieving everything on the other side. He froze for a second, overwhelmed by the giant seal on the floor that proclaimed the fidelity, bravery, and integrity with which the Federal Bureau of Investigation operated. He skirted around it. It seemed wrong to step on it. He tried to nail down the unfamiliar emotion he was experiencing.

Oh. Nerves. It had been a while since hed felt that!

He told the Black woman in her early forties behind the security desk that he was there to see Danielle Hernandez and then stepped back. You got an appointment?

Shes expecting me, he answered.

She stared at him for a second, clearly unimpressed, then adjusted her blue uniform shirt. ID, please.