The report was then written like a psychological evaluation, and much of the style mimicked Alison’s.However, while that might be classed as copying in some way, Alison didn't believe the report was written by a layperson.She did not agree with the report's findings, but they obviously came from a place of education, and the reasoning within was sound in its own way.A lot of psychology was open to interpretation, and doctors often disagreed in their assessments.Still, the author took that a step further and disagreed with almost everything in Alison's psychological assessment.
"What do you see?"Moore asked."Help me to understand."
"The evaluation style is similar to my own, the terminology is professional, and the approach is analytical.Whoever wrote this is educated.I don't believe anyone could write this without formal training in psychology.The main thing to take away from the report is that the author reaches the opposite conclusion from mine.I can only assume they killed Thomas to make a point."
"So, this is not a gang killing?"Moore asked.
"I don't know," Alison complained."The way he was killed makes me think it could be a gangland execution, but the inclusion of the report doesn't make any sense.Why write the report unless they wanted to target me in some way?And why kill him?To prove a point?Perhaps a gang could have killed him and then made the report to throw us off?Or if it's retaliation for Thomas almost killing someone, then it brings his rehabilitation into question.If one small thing had changed, Thomas could have killed the man, and we wouldn't be here talking about this right now.He'd still be in prison."
"If it’s not a gang execution, what else could it be?"Moore asked.
"This is not the first time it would have happened, and not the first time in the last month, but someone could be targeting me," Alison said."Perhaps my mind is only going there because I worked a case like that last week in Reno, but I’m faced with another document at a crime scene with my name on it.It could be that, or it could be a critique of the justice system and early releases in general."
"And who would be motivated to do that?"Moore asked.
"Yeah, that’s the question," Alison said."We need to look into Thomas more.If he wasn’t rehabilitated, then maybe he did get involved in something else, and that could lead to the killer.Either way, I’ve stood at crime scenes like this before.I really hope that I’m wrong, but this feels like the beginning.I don’t think our killer is done, which means there are more dead bodies coming."
CHAPTER THREE
Alison was shown to a makeshift desk down at the police station where she could work.It had only been a few hours since she had taken the phone call from Detective Moore about the dead body, and at that time, she had tried to rebuff her so she could work the Katrina Sands case.She knew that wasn’t going to happen now.She was firmly integrated into the Thomas Warren case.
Alison texted Derek to let him know what was happening and to ask him to continue with the Sands case if he were assigned to it.Just as when she was in Reno on the Nathan Cross case, she would rather have been investigating the case possibly connected to her sister.Still, if she wasn’t able to do that, she trusted no one more to stand in her stead than Derek.
"We’ll get you set up here in just a moment," Detective Moore said."I know you weren’t keen to take the case, so I appreciate you being here.There’s no one around here who doesn’t know what you’ve done over the past two years.We’re all happy to have you in the station.I only hope we can wrap this one up quickly so you can get out of here."
"I do, too."Alison gave a wry chuckle."There’s one thing that I’ve learned over the past two years, and it’s perhaps one of the most important lessons."
Detective Moore raised her eyebrows, leaning in to listen.
"When it comes to cases that I’m involved in," Alison continued, "there's no such thing as a quick resolution.I seek out the worst people out there to bring them to justice, and they seem to seek me out, too.I hope you’re right, but I’m prepared to be here a lot longer than I plan to."
"If you need to leave at any point, we’re happy to have you for any duration," Moore told her warmly.
"I’m here to the bitter end," Alison replied.
Moore smiled and continued setting up the workstation.
"You mentioned that you spoke to someone at the community center about Thomas," Alison said."Who was that?"
"Michael Bridges," Moore said."He’s the center manager."
"I’d like to speak with him," Alison said.
"All right, let me get you his number," Moore said.
The phone number was delivered to Alison’s desk along with a mug of coffee.An order was also put out for sandwiches and other snacks.They were just getting started, and everyone had a feeling that it would be a long day.
Alison dialed the community center manager's number and held the phone to her ear.
"Hello?"the man answered.
"Hello, Michael Bridges?"Alison asked.
"Speaking."
Alison shifted in her chair to get a little more comfortable."Mr.Bridges, my name is Dr.Alison Payne.I’m working with the local PD on the unfortunate death of Thomas Warren."
"Yes," Michael said sadly, and Alison could almost hear him shrink as he spoke.
