Izzy appeared onscreen. "This is a new experience, sweetie."
"Hate for you to be bored, Iz. Listen, do a search on Doctor Francis. I want a complete history — if she lives in an apartment, include surveillance tapes from her home if you can get hold of them."
"Will do. You have a six-thirty appointment with Doctor O'Hearn."
O'Hearn certainly didn't waste time. She glanced at her watch. She'd just have enough time to return the cat and get there. "Thanks, Izzy."
"Have a nice evening."
Sam started the car and headed out of the parking lot. All the while, the eyes watched, burning into the back of her skull.
Chapter Nine
Gabriel leaned back in his chair and glanced at his watch. Seven-thirty. He wondered how Sam was doing with O'Hearn. He'd phoned the doc earlier, calling in a favor and getting Sam squeezed in. He just hoped O'Hearn could discover the reason for Sam's continuous bout of headaches.
"Search completed," the com-unit intoned.
Gabriel rubbed his eyes and then studied the com-screen. "Results?"
"All four victims were adopted from the same state care center. All four victims were placed in care on the same day."
Coincidence? Not likely. "Did you find the birth certificates for Harry Maxwell and Carmen Brandon?"
"Yes."
"Who's listed as the mother?"
"Emma Pierce."
So Emma was the link. "Is there a complete list of all children handed into State care that day?"
"Searching. One moment please."
Gabriel tapped the desk and watched the blank screen. And couldn't help thinking a pink fuzz-ball twirling a purple boa would definitely be more interesting.
"Seventeen children were entered into the care of the Greenwood center that day."
He shook his head. Seventeen children and no one had thought that odd? "Get me the complete list of names, their adoption records, birth certificates and current location."
"List and adoption records onscreen. Searching for birth certificates and location."
The list was in alphabetical order, with the adoption details beside each name. Gabriel scanned through the list. One name, half way down, jumped out at him. The air left his lungs, as suddenly as if someone had punched him in the gut. Miranda Jones, now Miranda Stern. His sister.
He reached for the viaphone and quickly dialed Stephan's secure number.
"Byrne speaking."
Obviously he wasn't alone in the office, or he would have used the vidscreen. Gabriel swore softly. "We need to find Miranda, quick."
"Why?"
"I just discovered all four murder victims had Emma Pierce listed as their mother, and they were adopted from the Greenwood State care center. Miranda's one of seventeen children that came in on the same day."
"She's moved. Charles will know where she's at." Though there wasn't the slightest change in his voice, he could feel his brother's sudden alarm. Felt it, because it was in him as well.
"Maybe not. The reason Miranda moved in the first place was the almighty argument she'd had with him."
"Give him a call, and then let me know. This meeting will be finished in ten."