Page 22 of For Fear

The crunch of gravel under tires snapped Morgan's attention to the approaching car. Dr. Reid's silver car slid into a parking spot, its engine cutting off with a soft purr. Morgan's eyes narrowed as the therapist emerged, his usual composed demeanor visibly shaken.

"Well, would you look at that," she muttered to Derik. "Our good doctor seems a bit rattled this morning."

Dr. Reid's gaze locked onto them, a flicker of unease crossing his face before he managed a strained smile. "Agents," he called out, his voice steady but lacking its usual warmth. "What brings you here so early?"

Morgan stepped forward, her stance casual but ready. "Just a few more questions, Doc. Mind if we step inside?"

Dr. Reid hesitated, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for his keys. "Of course, of course. Though I'm not sure what else I can tell you."

As they followed him into the building, Morgan's mind raced. Was his nervousness just the natural reaction of an innocentman faced with persistent law enforcement, or was there something more?

Inside the polished office, the air felt thick with tension. Morgan settled into a chair, her gaze never leaving Dr. Reid as he took his seat behind the desk.

"Dr. Reid," she began, cutting straight to the chase, "have you ever treated a patient named Evan Rhodes?"

The therapist's brow furrowed in concentration. After a moment, he shook his head. "No, I'm afraid that name doesn't ring a bell. May I ask why?"

Morgan studied him carefully, searching for any sign of deception. But there was nothing – no hesitation, no tell-tale fidgeting. Either Dr. Reid was an exceptional liar, or he truly had never heard of Evan Rhodes.

"He's our latest victim," Derik explained, his voice gentle but firm. "We were hoping to find a connection between him and the others."

Dr. Reid's eyes widened. "Another one? That's... that's terrible. I wish I could be of more help."

Morgan leaned back, her mind working furiously. If Evan wasn't connected to Dr. Reid, then their theory about the killer targeting the doctor's patients was falling apart. But something still felt off. Morgan's eyes narrowed, her tattooed fingers drumming against the arm of her chair. Dr. Reid's answer hadn't satisfied her. There was more here, just beyond her grasp.

"Let's approach this from a different angle," she said, her voice carrying an edge honed by years behind bars. "Have you treated any other patients who fit the profile of Lila and Simon? Former prodigies who lost their way?"

Dr. Reid's brow furrowed, the lines on his face deepening. He opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly wrestling with something internal. Morgan leaned forward, her instincts on high alert.

"Doctor," she pressed, "if there's something you're not telling us—"

"No, no," Dr. Reid interrupted, raising a hand. "It's not that. I'm just... considering patient confidentiality." He sighed heavily. "There is one name that comes to mind. Victor Harmon."

Morgan exchanged a quick glance with Derik. "Tell us about him," she urged.

Dr. Reid leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant. "Victor was... exceptional. A writer of immense talent. His novels and essays were critically acclaimed, beloved by readers worldwide."

"Was?" Morgan prompted.

"Yes, well," Dr. Reid continued, "Victor's life took a dark turn. Drugs. His addiction decimated his career, left him spiraling."

Morgan's mind raced, drawing parallels between Victor and their victims. "But he was your patient. Did he recover?"

Dr. Reid nodded slowly. "Unlike Lila and Simon, Victor managed to turn things around. After extensive rehabilitation, he reinvented himself as a public speaker on addiction. He travels the country now, sharing his story of redemption, but mostly is based here in Dallas.”

As Dr. Reid spoke, Morgan couldn't shake a growing unease. A former prodigy, fallen from grace, now preaching about overcoming addiction? It was too perfect, too convenient.

"Do you have any way to contact Victor?" she asked, fighting to keep her voice neutral.

Dr. Reid hesitated. "I... I suppose I could find his information. But surely you don't think—"

"We just want to talk to him," Morgan interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. "He might have insights that could help our investigation."

As Dr. Reid reluctantly reached for his files, Morgan caught Derik's eye. They both knew they had stumbled onto something significant. Whether Victor Harmon was their killer or not, he was undoubtedly a piece of this twisted puzzle.

And Morgan was determined to solve it, no matter where the trail might lead.

Morgan's fingers tapped an impatient rhythm on her thigh as she waited for Dr. Reid to dig up Victor Harmon's contact information. The office suddenly felt claustrophobic, the walls closing in with each passing second. She could feel Derik's eyes on her, knew he was reading the tension in her shoulders.

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