If there was a common thread, it had escaped everyone’s attention.

 

But the obvious connection was the national security tag. Only they hadn’t been

allowed to follow up that lead.

 

So maybe I should look at the case a different way, then. Not from the evidence.

Not from the victims. But from the killer’s perspective.

 

That was far easier said than done.

 

Getting into the head of a psycho was not going to be pleasant.

 

He had looked down at the pictures again when his phone buzzed. It was Knox.

“Yeah?” he said. “You didn’t say much on the trip back.” “I didn’t have much to

say.” “I’ve got to check out for a bit, then I’ll be back.” “Problems?” “Like

you, my entire career is based on problems.” “Well, good luck.” “You too,” she

said, her voice a little strange, he thought.

 

Puller clicked off, set his phone down, and looked at the photos again. He was

getting a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. This whole case screamed

cover-up. And he still didn’t know if his mother’s disappearance was even

connected to it. He could be wasting time working on a case that might have

nothing to do with what he had set out to accomplish.

 

But as he looked down at the photos of the dead women he also realized he could