for government contractors.” “That might tell us a lot about the perp, then,”

said Knox. “He might have a beef against the government. He might have worked

for the Feds or a contractor and been fired.” Puller said, “I’m sure you

followed that line of inquiry.” “As far as we could.” “Meaning what exactly?”

Lorne answered. “Meaning most of what those women did was classified and we

couldn’t be ‘read into it,’ as they kept telling us.

 

National security. That still means a lot today. Back then it scared the shit

out of people. So we basically got zip on our inquiries because of that.” “In a

serial killer investigation!” exclaimed Knox. “Trust me, I wasn’t happy about it

either,” said Lorne.

 

The four people sat there and stared at each other for a long moment. “Okay,”

said Knox a bit breathlessly. “Where does that leave us?” “I’m not sure,”

admitted Peckham. “At square one, maybe.” “What did the FBI conclude about all

this?” asked Puller. “I’m not sure what they concluded, because they never told

us a damn thing. But I can tell you this.” He paused, apparently wavering

whether to finish the thought or not. “We really could use whatever help you can

give us,” said Puller. “Like you said, those women deserve justice,” added Knox.

 

Peckham glanced at Lorne, who nodded.

 

Peckham turned back to Puller. “The FBI was hot and heavy over this right from

the start. They acted like the Feds always do. The eight-hundred-pound gorilla

come in to take over the investigation.