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“We’re working on it.”
“No hurry,” Gervase said acridly.
Jason understood the acridness, but until that mermaid charm had turned up, there had been a very good chance they were looking at a completely different crime, unconnected to the earlier killings. The charm changed everything. Now, yes, they were having to move fast to catch up.
Kennedy said, “Frankly, this crime doesn’t fit the classic pathology. While there are obvious indications of an organized and methodical offender, the crime itself is disorganized.”
“Like Pink,” Gervase said.
“Appearances to the contrary, Pink was not a disorganized offender.”
Boxner said, “Wouldn’t a copycat killer stick right to Pink’s playbook?”
“Not necessarily. This offender will want to add his own artistic touches. In fact, he’s probably unable to resist adding such touches.”
Gervase said, “What are some of these other deviations?”
Kennedy said, “The most obvious? Rebecca Madigan was taken from a crowded event in what amounts to full view of over fifty people.”
Jason said, “The initial attack is more bold and aggressive than Pink’s. But subsequently there’s a much more determined effort to conceal the crime?”
“That’s the way it appears,” Kennedy agreed.
“Is this his first kill?” Officer Courtney asked.
“Unknown. On the one hand, this was a bold and brutal crime efficiently carried out. On the other hand, the foolhardy nature of it would seem to indicate a neophyte.”
Jason said, “It’s got to be his first kill in Worcester County.”
Kennedy nodded. “Most likely.”
Gervase said reluctantly, “It won’t be his last. That’s for sure.”
“No,” Kennedy said. His expression was bleak.
“Which brings up another possibility. I don’t like it. None of us will like it, but I think we have to consider it. Maybe we’re not looking at a copycat. Maybe we never got the Huntsman.”
Shock rippled through the room.
“Martin Pink is the Huntsman,” Kennedy said. “We got the right guy.”
“We can’t be sure, not one hundred percent sure, Agent Kennedy. How can we be?” Gervase was regretful but stubborn.
“I’m one hundred percent sure. I’ll stake my career on it.”
Jason heard the words with a sinking feeling. Of course, Kennedy’s career was already at stake. He was just putting into words what everyone already knew.
Still. A guy like Kennedy made enemies. Why give them more ammunition? They were already loaded for bear.
Jason had the unmistakable feeling someone was staring at him. He glanced up, and sure enough, Boxner was regarding him with his usual pugnacious expression.
“Well, here’s another possibility.” Boxner continued to scowl, and for a confused instant Jason thought he was being personally addressed. “What if this accomplice of the Huntsman was someone young, someone who didn’t live here all the time, someone who didn’t come back after the first couple of murders. What if he isn’t an accomplice? What if he’s a disciple?”
Boxner’s fierce gaze never wavered. Jason, unable to believe what he was hearing, was so flabbergasted he nearly laughed. It wasn’t funny though. In fact, it was so far out of line…
No. Even Boxner couldn’t be that nuts.
Or could he?
