Page 53 of Cross That Line

Rachel closed the door to her office as she pulled up schedules from the last three months, which she had looked at earlier, but not in great detail. Not wanting to take the time now, she printed them out and then put them in a folder. She also went into the patient files and pulled both Jack's chart and the one belonging to Mr. Kimoko. She hesitated before hitting print. Taking patient records out of the building went against every rule she'd ever followed. But Jack's life might depend on what was in them. It was a line she was going to have to cross. After putting everything in her bag, she headed out of the office.

As she waited for the elevator, she sent Tyler a text that she was leaving and would be at his place shortly. Then she went down to the garage. It had been crowded when she'd gotten to work, so she was parked on the lowest level of the employee lot, and as her heels clicked against the pavement, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

She took a quick look over her shoulder. There was no one around, but she felt like someone was watching her. She picked up the pace, her heart thundering against her chest as she practically ran to the car. She didn't fully take a breath until she was in the car with the doors locked.

It was only then she noticed the piece of folded paper on her windshield, tucked under the wiper. The last thing she wanted to do was get back out of her car, so she started the engine and drove three levels up to get out of the garage. She pulled over a block later and got out of the car to retrieve the paper.

Back in the car, her fingers shook as she read the short message: Stop now or you'll regret it.

She stared at the note for a long minute, small facts clicking into place. Someone had known what car she drove and where it was parked. Someone knew that she was trying to find Jack. And that information pointed to a person who worked at the hospital, maybe even with her. They wanted her to stop looking for Jack, stop asking questions. Or she'd be sorry.

It was a clear warning. One she should probably take.

She set the paper on her console, then restarted the car, her thoughts twisting and turning as she drove to Tyler's building.

When she arrived, she texted him. He opened the garage door a moment later, and she pulled inside, parking in the visitor's spot. Tyler was waiting at his door when she stepped off the elevator. He gave her one look, then said, "What's wrong?"

"Someone left me this." She handed him the note.

He read it, then looked back at her. "Come in."

She stepped into his apartment, and he closed and locked the door behind her.

"Where was this?" he asked.

"On my windshield. And yes, I've already figured out that someone knew my car and my parking spot, which points to a hospital employee."

He nodded, giving her a pointed look. "Maybe you should follow this advice."

"You think I should quit?"

"Someone is clearly telling you that if you keep asking questions, it could be a problem."

"Which is why I'm not going to stop. This note means I'm doing something right." She blew out a breath. "That said, I have to admit it shook me up."

"Walking away from this won't make you a quitter, Rachel. You got the ball rolling. I can keep it going."

"I know that, but I can help. I'm at East River. I'm in the best position to help you figure out who's siphoning patients to Waverly and what the hell they're doing to them when they get there. Please, let's not argue about it. I'm not stupid. I understand this could be dangerous, but I'm in." She walked farther into the room. "I printed out some information we can go through, but first, I'd really love a drink."