“Not that I know of. Some sick bastard for sure. If this were a show, I’d profile him as impotent.”
“Because the tools were used?”
“Yeah, why not just rape her?”
“We both know that rape isn’t about sex,” Echo says. “It’s about power. Maybe he gets off inflicting pain, or it gives him a release. Maybe this action doesn’t coincide with his real life. In real life sex is about intimacy. He could be married. By asserting power without using his penis, he can get the relief he needs without crossing some imaginary line.”
“That’s not a typical profile,” I say.
“No, but I attest to its merit.”
I lift my free hand to my throbbing temples. “It’s difficult to think about this objectively.”
“Of course it is. Have you done a search to find out if there have been other such assaults in the area? Or perhaps farther away, since you have visitors from out of town. Maybe this guy isn’t from Blue Gil, but he knew the coach.” When I don’t respond, she continues. “With this theory, perhaps the coach’s death fueled a need for the perpetrator to dominate. Sexual assault is the ultimate in control.”
“Why Julie?”
“Your sister may be a victim of opportunity more than a specific target.”
“It makes sense,” I concede.
“How is her friend?”
“Still missing.”
The line stays silent for a few moments as my thoughts go to Julie and what she endured. If the perpetrator isn’t from Blue Gil, he could already be gone, back to where he lives. It was like the carny and McKenzie from my childhood..
What if he took Marty with him?
Or what if he’s still here?
“Jill...”
“Yes,” I answer.
“I’d be one sick son of a bitch if I told you to keep working on this so we can recreate it in one of our shows.”
Though she can’t see me, I nod.
“So, for now,” Echo continues, “help your family. Help your town. But remember, you’re kick-ass at what you do. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to separate your personal self from the you who is fantastic at research. After all, this is your sister. You two were probably close?—”
“We aren’t—weren’t,” I admit. “I left here over six years ago. But she’s still my sister. My parents are sick with worry as are my other siblings.”
“Of course. You’re connected. Now, Jill Thorne, let me tell you again that you’re better than good at what you do. You’re tenacious and unrelenting. I’ve watched you go toe-to-toe with seasoned directors over the minutest details. If it’s possible, try to think not like a sister but like our talented researcher.
“Take a step back. Find out about similar crimes and patterns. Learn who was at that party and why. If your town is as small as it looks on the map, someone sawsomething. And then, when everyone is safe and your sister is in counseling because...yeah. Then, I want a full report. What you’re doing and seeing is intriguing to me, and I’ve seen and heard it all.”
“Echo, I don’t want my sister’s story on Netflix.”
“Haven’t you read the disclaimer? Any resemblance to real...”
“You’re saying that you’ll approve my staying longer?”
“As long as you keep me updated. I’ll tell you what. When you can, send me what you have. I’ll look at it from here. Mine is a completely different perspective. Sometimes that’s what’s needed.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, that’s what friends do. Stay safe.”
