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Jason said, “You’re suggesting local law enforcement? Yes, the thought had occurred.”
Kennedy’s expression was noncommittal. “That’s one possibility and, believe me, I like that thought as little as you do. However, that was a big taskforce. We had hundreds of people including crime scene technicians and state police working to break the case.”
“Okay, but we also have to consider Pink may be lying about sharing that information. Or he may have shared the information and not remembered.”
“Given the fact he has almost zero contact with the outside world and the contact that he does have is screened…”
Jason said, “Yeah, I think someone should conduct another check into this fiancée of his, for starters.”
Kennedy nodded. “Also the doctor. Kyser. The desire to impress a doctor, let alone a doctor writing a book on serial killers, would be exactly the kind of impetus that might lead Pink to share that critical piece of information.”
“The fact remains he could have talked prior to his arrest. You said he used his brother’s van. Maybe his brother was more involved than anyone realized. Maybe someone else was involved. It’s possible Pink has an apprentice without realizing he has an apprentice.”
“Pink’s brother is dead.”
“I know, but he could have talked before he died. People do talk.”
“That they do.”
Jason said suddenly, “Both Boxner and Pink used the word disciple.”
“It’s not an unusual word. In fact, it’s a word that crops up a lot in copycat cases.”
“Maybe. Boxner was there that night, and he had access to those old files. He admitted looking through Honey’s file. That’s how he knew I was considered a suspect.”
Kennedy frowned. “Rebecca returned safely back to the party after speaking to Boxner. Are you suggesting…what? Boxner arranged to meet her later? Arranged to meet her in the woods?”
“The case he tried to build against me works just as well for him. You brought up the possibility of local law enforcement being involved. I don’t think Chief Gervase is a serial killer.”
Kennedy answered seriously, “No. Gervase is not remotely the right psychological profile. Neither does Boxner fit the profile. You don’t just suddenly turn into a serial killer because a mermaid sticks her tongue out at you.”
“Okay, but does the original profile fit this profile?”
Kennedy frowned. “We’re not dealing with the same offender.”
“But if we’re dealing with an apprentice or a former accomplice…shouldn’t the profile dovetail in certain ways?”
“It does in certain ways, and those are the ways that eliminate Gervase and Boxner both.”
It probably was pretty far-fetched as theories went. Jason said, “How about George Simpson? Was he part of the original investigation?”
“No. He’d been recently injured in the line of duty and had retired on a disability pension. Which is how he came to be running a gift shop and motel.”
“I bet he still had plenty of friends on the force. Cops are as chatty as everyone else when they’re among friends.”
Kennedy leaned forward and started the engine. “Let’s talk it over at dinner. I want to make some phone calls.”
* * * * *
Travel was a big part of the job. Jason was used to it, though he did not particularly enjoy it. The hotel was small and clean, and the adjacent restaurant had a bar, so he had no complaints with Kennedy’s choice.
He took a shower and then stretched out on the bed to do a little of his own reconnaissance. The only thing he was able to find out by browsing the FBI’s intranet personnel pages was that Kennedy was originally from Wyoming and he had a Masters in Criminal Psychology. He had a number of commendations, which Jason already knew. Kennedy did not share trivial info such as hobbies, marital status, or professional affiliations. He did not take part in any of the employee forums. His unsmiling profile photo was several years old, but Kennedy looked virtually the same, just a little sharper, harder around the edges.
“Wyoming,” Jason said. Which probably explained the occasional hint of a drawl in Kennedy’s voice. Also the Lone Ranger attitude.
Kennedy must have had a number of calls to make because it was after eight when he phoned and told Jason to meet him downstairs.
Kennedy had already been seated and was studying the wall décor—vintage advertising recommending cocaine tooth drops, canned milk, and Hudson automobiles—with an ironic eye as Jason walked in.
