CLAIRE

After finding Dr. Mitchell's contact information, I called the number. It rang four times before a woman's voice answered, cautious and uncertain.

"Hello?"

"Dr. Mitchell?" I asked. "Dr. Sarah Mitchell?"

"Who's asking?" she replied, her tone immediately guarded.

"My name is Claire Cross," I said. "I'm married to Julian Cross, and I'm calling about a case you worked on eighteen years ago."

Silence on the other end. "Elena Cross," I continued carefully. "You signed her death certificate."

More silence, then a sharp intake of breath. "I can't talk about that," Dr. Mitchell said quickly.

"Please," I said. "We just need a few minutes of your time, we think there's...