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wasn't just restrained, he was staked out. The killer
wanted to take his time over this, to enjoy it. I don't suppose there's
any way to check for semen deposits or evidence of sexual assault?'
It took me a moment to realize that this last question was aimed
at me. 'Not when the body's this badly decomposed, no.'
'Pity' He made it sound as though he'd missed a dinner party
invitation. 'Still, from the amount of blood on the floor, it's obvious
that the wounding was done while the victim was still alive. And I
think the genital mutilation's highly significant.'
I spoke automatically. 'Not necessarily. Blowflies will lay their eggs
around any body opening, including the groin. The insect activity
doesn't mean there was a wound there. We'll need to carry out a full
examination to determine that.'
'Really' Irving's smile had set. 'But you'll allow that the blood
came from somewhere? Or is the mess under the table just spilt
coffee?'
'I was just pointing out that--' I began, but Irving was no longer
listening. I clamped my mouth shut, angrily, as he turned to Gardner
and Jacobsen.
'As I was saying, we've got a bound and naked victim who was tied
down and in all probability mutilated. The question is whether the
wounds were the result of post-coital rage, or frustrated sexual
tension. In other words, were they inflicted because he got it up, or
because he didn'tV
His words were met by silence. Even the forensic team had broken
off to listen.
'You think the motivation's sexual?' Jacobsen asked, after a
moment.
Irving feigned surprise. I felt my dislike of him edge up a little
more.
'I'm sorry, I thought that would have been obvious from the fact
the victim was left naked. That's why the wounding is important.
We're dealing with someone who is either in denial about
his sexuality, or who resents it and takes out his self-disgust on his
victim. Either way, he isn't openly homosexual. He could be married,
a pillar of society. Perhaps someone who likes to boast about his
female conquests. This was done by someone who hates what he is,
and who sublimated that self-loathing into aggression against his
victim.'
Jacobsen's face was expressionless.'I thought you said the killer was
proud of what he'd done? That there was no sign of shame or regret?'
'Not over the actual killing, no. He's beating his chest here, trying
to convince everyone - including himself - how big and tough he
is. But the reason he did it, that's another matter. That's what he's
ashamed of
'There could be other reasons why the victim's naked,' Jacobsen
said. 'Could be a form of humiliation or another way to exercise
control.'
'One way or another, control usually comes down to sex.' Irving
smiled, but it was starting to look a little forced. 'Gay serial killers are
rare, but they do exist. And from what I've seen I think that may well
be what we've got here.'
Jacobsen wasn't about to back down. 'We don't know enough
about the killer's motivation to--'
'Forgive me, but do you have much experience with serial killer
investigations?' Irving's smile had frost on it.
'No, but--'
'Then perhaps you'd spare me the pop psychology.'
There wasn't even the pretence of a smile now. Jacobsen didn't
react, but the twin patches of red on her cheeks betrayed her. I felt
sympathy for her. Outspoken or not, she hadn't deserved that.
An awkward silence had descended. Gardner broke it. 'What about
the victim? You think the killer might have known him?'
'Maybe, maybe not.' Irving seemed to have lost interest. He was
tugging at the collar of his shirt, the rounded face flushed and beaded
with sweat. The cabin had cooled since the window had been
opened, but it was still stiflingly hot. 'I'm done here. I'll need copies
of forensic reports and photographs, along with whatever information
you have on the victim.'
He turned to Jacobsen with what I imagine he thought was an
engaging grin. 'Hope you didn't mind our little difference