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“I’m just giving you information, Ms. Bell.”
“But you’re here right now because you think someone in my group put a bomb on a boat.”
“No.”
She raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips. “Don’t lie to me, Agent Costa.”
“I’m here to discover the truth. If that leads me to your organization, I will find out. I have no preconceived notions about Island Protectors or anybody involved. John here says you’re honest and straightforward, so I’m being honest and straightforward with you. We don’t know who bombed theWater Lily. This could be a one-time attack designed to kill one specific person—or it’s the first of a series of bombs, and I will do everything in my power to prevent anything else like this from happening again.
“What I need from you, Ms. Bell,” Matt said, “is any information that might help us. For example, we know that the overwhelming majority of bombers are male. A profile would suggest he is highly detail-orientated, above average IQ, and takes pride in his ability to plan. Often socially distant, he is less likely to work with a partner. The spectacle of the explosion is more important than the destruction itself—usually, a bomber is motivated to be destructive before latching on to any cause. If this is a specific target bombing, then the profile would change. Murder would be the focus, and the bomb is simply the mechanism.”
Donna’s expression changed from self-righteous anger to interest as Matt spoke, which emboldened him.
“We’re pursuing both possibilities,” Matt continued. “IP is the largest environmental group on the island and has had long-standing issues with West End Charter. We both know that good groups with nonviolent missions can have misguided—or downright evil—people within them. Not the group’s fault. Whoever planted that bomb is solely responsible for the deaths of nine people. What I’m asking from you is to think about the people who are involved with IP. The bomber most likely wouldn’t talk about bombing specifically but might be prone to advocating more militant actions to promote your cause. And because this is a tourist town, also consider any new members—maybe a seasonal hire, who comes to meetings or joins your protests but no one knows him, though he says all the right things.”
Donna leaned forward. “If you think I’m going to sic the FBI on any of my members, John clearly didn’t tell you who I am.”
“I want you to look at your people and assess them critically.”
“And what if I’m wrong? What if I look at a new kid—call him John Doe—and think, well, he’s not from here. He’s quiet. Just showed up one day and picked up a sign and helped with a project. Oh, no, he’s suspicious. Better turn him in to the law.”
“You’re a smart person, Donna. You know what I mean.”
“Yes, I do. And I’m not going to let you or John here give a rectal exam on any of my people and then when you catch them in a misdemeanor send them up the river to do a year and change.”
“That’s not how I operate.”
“That’s howallof you operate.”
Matt had thought because of her interest in what he said that Donna would prove more helpful.
“What do you know about the vandalism last year?” Matt asked.
Donna glared at John. “You dragging those poor kids through the wringer again?”
“They did it, Donna,” said the sheriff. “They were caught on security tape. Craig admitted it. They’re lucky they didn’t do jail time.”
“Because jail is such a good idea for a couple of idealistic kids who made a mistake. You’re a piece of work, John.”
“You’ll remember I recommended probation, not jail,” John said, not backing down.
“Oh, how we rewrite history. They had no record, no one would have convicted them. You just convinced yourself that you were being the do-gooder here, when they are going to be in debt for a decade to pay off the restitution!”
“They caused a lot of damage, Donna.”
This wasn’t getting them anywhere. Matt intervened. “I’ll be talking to the two in question, hope to remove them as suspects. It’s a long way from vandalism to murder.”
“Damn straight,” she said.
“I’m not asking you to betray anyone,” Matt continued. “I’m asking you to watch. To assess. And let me know if anyone is behaving out of character.”
“You’re wasting your time,” Donna said. “I know my people, and no one would do anything like this. I’m done. I’ve given you more than five minutes. Now you can leave.”
Matt handed her his business card. “If you change your mind.”
“I won’t.”
But she took the card.
