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agents.
    Different weapon in every case, says his blue-suited cousin. Forensic evidence indicating multiple perps.
    Multiple perps at the same scene , adds the first agent.
    Which is rare, says Baxter, glaring at the younger men. Highly unusual.
    Were still getting in evidence reports, Chief, says Mayeux, but the M.O. does seem to have varied a great deal in almost every case.
    As did the signature, says Baxter.
    The killer left notes? I ask.
    Baxter shakes his head. Signature is the offenders behavior at the crime scene. He looks at me closely, as if judging whether to continue. Behavior beyond that strictly necessary to commit the crime. Individualized behavior.
    Oh.
    There is no signature in these cases, Dr. Lenz says imperiously. Its all staging. But the trophies in California varied not an iota.
    Trophies? I echo. What kind of trophies?
    Why dont you tell us? Mayeuxs partner asks, pointing an index finger at my chest.
    The room goes silent, and in that instant I feel the first ripple of real fear in my chest. Am I a suspect in this case?
    Several looks are exchanged, none directed at me.
    Do I need to call an attorney?
    Finally Baxter breaks the silence. Mr. Cole, Im going to go out on a limb here. I am not merely a special agent. Im the chief of the FBIs Investigative Support Unit. We profile and help the police hunt violent serial offenders, whether theyre killers, rapists, arsonists, bombers, or kidnappers. When crimes of this nature are committed, the individual who reports any of them is always considered a suspect. Serial offenders frequently report their own crimes as part of an attempt to avoid being found out, or to gain enjoyment by assisting in an investigation of themselves. In this case youve reported all the crimes. When I was apprised of this situation last night, the Unit began an exhaustive check of your background, including all your movements during the past two years. It sounds drastic, but its standard procedure.
    Baxter glances at his watch, which he wears with the face inside the wrist, military style. Dr. Lenz and I have spent the past few hours putting together a preliminary profile of the offender in these murders. And frankly, its one of the most difficult jobs weve ever undertaken. At this point I wont say why, but Dr. Lenz believes that you are probably not the killer in this case. I concur. Im not saying you couldnt be involved in some wayit would be irresponsible of me to rule you outbut Im willing to proceed today on the assumption that you are what you claim to bea Good Samaritan coming forward in an attempt to see justice done. Obviously, other womens lives are at risk as we speak. An atmosphere of cooperation is the best thing for all of us at this point. If you wish to consult an attorney, that is your right, but at this time no one hereBaxter fires a sharp glance at the New Orleans police officersintends to charge you with any crime.
    When he finishes, no one speaks. Everyone but Baxter and Lenz seems to be looking at his shoes. I may be making the worst mistake of my life, but I decide to trust Baxter, at least to the extent of not calling an attorney.
    What kind of trophies? I ask again.
    An unusual one, Baxter says thoughtfully.
    Maybe hes a taxidermist, cracks Mayeuxs partner, winking at Mayeux.
    Make a note of that, Maria, says Chief Tobin, and watches the brunette pounce on her notepad.
    Taxidermists do not mount glands, Dr. Lenz says scornfully.
    Houston P.D. says he took the whole goddamn head, snaps Mayeux, unwilling to tolerate the psychiatrists superior tone. And thats what he did here.
    I am looking for a place to sit down, but no one notices. I whisper, Someone cut off Karin Wheats head ?
    Thats classified information, says Baxter.
    Mayeux snorts at the spook-speak.
    That is not accurate, Mr. Cole, corrects Chief Tobin. Someone did cut off Ms. Wheats head, but that information is not classified. Still, I would strongly suggest that you keep the knowledge to yourself. The