by Robin Mahle
“I think so. And, it’ll give me a chance to show him what I’ve worked up so far on this case. It’s the opportunity I’ve been hoping for.”
“Congrats, Reid.”
“I’d hold off on that. It’s a process—he has assured me.”
“I’m sure he has. Looks like he’s doing this by the book. I wonder if Scarborough has anything to do with that?”
“Oh, you can bet on that. I won’t hold it against him, though. This is on me and I got it.”
“I know you do.” Vasquez turned to Agent Pearson. “You ready to divvy up that client list?”
“I need to get hold of Ramos. He’ll want in on this.” He turned to Kate. “You want to make a call to Phelps?”
“Later. He’s got his hands full right now.”
Vasquez eyed her and pulled her back for a moment while Pearson continued toward his office. “Be careful. You don’t want him to get wind of what’s happening between you and Phelps. You’ll be the one who looks bad and it might affect Quinn’s decision.”
“I’m watching out for that.”
The list they’d received from Sunburst Chemicals was extensive and included hotels and resorts and some retail. It hadn’t been quite the slam dunk they’d expected, but it was all they had right now while Kate waited on DNA from Bowen.
“What we really need is for the Department of Forensic Sciences to get their shit together and see if they get the same results on the other victims,” Pearson added.
“More importantly, if we can determine the other pieces are from the same cut of cloth? We’ll be golden.” Vasquez stopped. “You know, Reid and I should head back. We’ll put some pressure on the forensics team and see how far out their results are. And, we can work on the names you’ve given us.”
“Probably best. I’ll start working on my list and recruit Ramos as well as a few of my team. The sooner we can figure out where this material came from, the better.” He offered a greeting. “Appreciate you two coming out here today. It’s nice when we can all work together.” He smiled.
“You have no idea,” Kate replied.
Kate stepped out of Vasquez’s car. “Thanks for the ride. I’m going to head out to meet Quinn. Are you going back inside?”
“For a while. I’ll start working the list. You go on. I’ll be anxious to hear what Quinn has to say. I’ll see you bright and early.”
“Don’t hesitate to call if you find something.” Kate continued toward her car as Vasquez walked inside the WFO.
Having Quinn’s opinion was no small deal. According to Nick, he was the best he’d seen. Of course, he probably wanted to forget about the last profiler he’d known not so long ago. Kate would reserve judgment.
She pulled out of the garage and checked the time. “Damn.” With the press of a button, she waited for his line to answer.
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Where are you?” Nick asked.
“I’m heading to Monroe’s for dinner with Agent Quinn. Are you still at the office?”
“Yeah. I’ll be here for a little while longer. We’ve received some additional information that’s proving useful, so I’m helping the team work through it. I didn’t realize you’d had plans with Quinn.”
“I didn’t. He called me earlier and I suggested we meet for dinner since I was heading back from Baltimore kind of late. I figure it’s a good opportunity and I don’t want to pass it up.”
“No. Definitely not. Go—enjoy. By the way, how did Baltimore go?”
“Good. We’re getting closer. Looking for the origins of the fabric and Vasquez and I stopped in to see the progress our team was making on the forensics testing. They hope to know more tomorrow. So, fingers crossed, we’ll start getting somewhere.”
“You don’t need luck, Kate. Just your sixth sense. Take advantage of this dinner with Quinn. Play up your strengths.”
“I know the deal. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“I’ll wait up.”
She continued driving through downtown until reaching the restaurant. “Only five minutes late. Made better time than I thought.”
The valet opened her door.
“Thank you.”
“Here’s your ticket, ma’am. Enjoy your dinner.”
Kate walked inside the restaurant and headed toward the host when she spotted Quinn wave a hand toward her. She smiled and continued on. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Not at all.” He stood and greeted her. “Glad you could make it. Must’ve been a crazy day for you.” He pulled out her chair.
“Nothing you’re not accustomed to, I’m sure. I just spoke with Agent Scarborough. Says you all are making progress on your New York case.”
“I think so. The rest of them are still working. I turned over my info late this afternoon.”
“So you don’t go out in the field at all?” Kate picked up the menu.
“I do sometimes. But mostly I get called to do profiles, which does require a decent amount of travel. I always visit the field offices and start building a rapport with the agents.”
“That’s a good way to do it.”
“Glad you approve.” Quinn turned to the waitress who had just appeared. “My guest has arrived.”
“What can I get you to drink, ma’am?”
“House white is fine, thank you.”
“And you, sir? Can I top you up?”
“Sure. Thanks. Gin and Tonic.”
“Right away.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest you needed my approval in some way.” Kate felt flustered by his comment.
“I’m just giving you grief, Reid. Relax. This isn’t an interview.”
It sure as hell felt like one to her. “Right.”
“So, how’s your investigation going?” Quinn continued to peruse the menu.
“Feels a little start and stop, you know? But we’re making progress.” She wondered if now was the right time to ask for his advice on her profile. She had no idea what type of meeting this was, business or pleasure.
“That’s how it usually goes, but you know that. You’ve got enough cases under your belt to understand how it works.”
“I do, but seems like each one is different.”
“They are and it’s good you recognize that.”
“Glad you approve.” A smirk masked her face.
“Touché.”
“So, Agent Quinn…”
“Call me Noah. We’re not in the office.”
“Noah. Can I ask, is this a social call or are we here to talk about the job?”
“You don’t mince words, do you, Agent Reid?”
“It’s Kate.”
“Of course. Well, Kate, I guess you could say I’m trying to learn a little bit more about you. Your thought processes. Understand how you operate during an investigation.”
“Okay. Well, that’s good. Because I was hoping to get your opinion on what I’ve got so far in terms of a profile.”
“I’ll tell you what. Email me what you have. I’ll read it now and give you a 30,000-foot view of what I see.”
“Right now?”
“Sure. Won’t take me long. Let me take a look. Food won’t be here for a few minutes. I’ll give you some quick thoughts. Will that do?”
“Yes. Thank you. That would be great.”
“Good. Let’s see what you’ve got, Kate.”
13
Quinn finished reading the report as they reached the end of their meal. He placed his phone on the table. “I’m very impressed. But…”
Kate’s heart dropped into her stomach. “It’s not enough.”
“Well, no, but I think you knew that. I’ll tell you what.” He checked the time. “Shit, it’s almost 10. I’m sure you’d like to head home.”
“No, what is it? What were you about to say?”
“You have time to go back to the office? I’d like to show you something that I think will help you over the hump.”
“Yes. Of course, I’d love that.
” This was what she’d hoped for. Insight from the man who, in Nick’s opinion, was the best in the field.
“Then we’ll settle up and head out. If you’re sure it’s okay?”
“I don’t have any other plans. I’d like to do this.”
As she followed Quinn in her car headed for BAU Headquarters, she grew curious if Nick was still there and made the call. “Hey, it’s me. Don’t suppose you’re still at the office?”
“Actually, I just left. Are you on your way home?”
“No. I’m following Quinn back to Headquarters. I was kind of hoping you’d still be there.”
“What are you heading back there for?”
“At dinner, he asked that I forward the profile I created, and based on its current form, he offered to provide me with additional insight. So we’re going to his office. I hope that’s okay. I know it’s late.”
“Hey, whatever you need to do—you know that. If he can help and potentially offer you a break in this investigation, go for it. I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Thanks, hon.”
“No thanks necessary. Just let me know when you’re heading home so I don’t worry too much, okay?”
“I will. Love you and don’t wait up.”
Situations had arisen in the past when Nick exhibited overly protective behavior and she’d wasted no time confronting him about it. That was all it took for him to willingly take a step back, reminding himself how he never wanted to be that way toward her. Sometimes it was just a man thing, sometimes it was more. But this time, there was no reluctance in his tone. A measure of relief that brushed aside any distractions. Because the time for distractions on this investigation was over.
The security gates were just ahead and Quinn passed through quickly. While the grounds never really closed, it wasn’t nearly as busy as during the day when law enforcement from around the country came and went along with FBI staff and trainees. She almost missed her time here and thought about Will Caison. Meeting with Fraser the other day stirred memories of her crossing paths with Will some months ago. It had been a horrific time for the Bureau and the country and while much of the memories still remained at the forefront of the nation, the Bureau and the country continued on, as they always had.
“Badge please.” The guard at the gate leaned toward Kate’s window.
“Oh, sorry.” She rummaged through her purse and retrieved her ID. “Here you go.”
He scanned the ID and raised the gate. “Have a good evening, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” She continued through and followed Quinn toward the parking area nearest the BAU offices.
Quinn waited for her to exit her car. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” Kate followed him inside.
The elevator doors parted, exposing the expansive open space lined with cubicles and offices and a spectacle of advanced technology. If one were a fan of baseball, this place would be considered “The Show.”
Kate continued to follow Quinn to his office, noting several staff working diligently at their desks. “Thanks for doing this, Agent Quinn.”
He held open the door to his office. “Technically, we are at the office, but please, it’s still Noah. And we’re on all the same team, aren’t we? I’m here to help. Go on in and have a seat.” He followed her inside and headed toward his desk. “Okay, first of all, let me say that what you’ve developed so far is good—very good. However, it’s clear you’ve hit a hurdle.”
“I have. We are working on the origins of the fabric scraps left inside the victims’ mouths, but as of yet, we’ve only received information on one of them.”
“Okay. And your report also states that you believe this individual to be male, Caucasian, and approximately twenty-five to thirty-five years old.”
“That’s correct.”
“Aside from that description covering a broad range of individuals, it’s also considered one of the most generic and obvious.” He held up pre-emptive hands. “Now, before you go on, let me explain myself. While the majority of serial killers are exactly as you’ve detailed here, there is one glaring possibility that I believe has been overlooked.”
“And that is?”
“Per your file, no sexual assault on any of the three victims appeared to have taken place.”
“From what we know right now, that’s correct.”
“And, another contributing factor I see that is quite substantial and meaningful is the note. Now don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of white male serial killers with Oedipus complexes and other ‘mommy issues,’ and so the use of the word ‘whore,’ in those instances, wouldn’t be out of place. But in this case, because the killer wrote the note in what you believe is red lipstick?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, red lipstick. Whore and red lips, one could venture to say, are synonymous. That’s not to say all women who wear red lipstick are whores, but most whores wear red lipstick. At least, that’s what we are led to believe through television, pornography, and even some mature video games. But I think I’m veering off-base here. Let me continue by saying this, I notice you suggest that the link between these women is their association with a political figure.”
“That’s right. However, I’m getting push back on that theory.”
“In this town? I bet you are. That said, today you discovered the fabric was a scrap of high-end bedsheet.”
“Possibly from a hotel,” Kate continued.
“Okay, good. So, you have three women, shot dead, a scrap of high end sheet shoved in their mouths with the word ‘whore’ written in red lipstick. And—all three worked or were associated in some manner with a male politician.”
“I haven’t found the third connection yet to the politician, but I’m working on that.”
“So let’s just assume, then, that the third victim is also connected.” He held her gaze.
Kate could see that he was trying to coax an alternate conclusion to her assessment and perhaps she had begun to see what he was getting at. It was an assumption that was very much outside the norm and a situation that rarely occurred in a serial murder investigation. It seemed not impossible, but improbable. “You don’t think it’s a man. You think it’s a woman taking revenge?”
“Have you not considered the possibility?”
“I can see where you’re coming from and, frankly, I hadn’t concluded that as an option. But there’s one thing that I discovered when I visited the crime scenes and viewed the victims during their examinations.”
“And that is?”
“The trajectory of the entry wounds suggests the killer was taller and, in some cases, significantly taller than the victims, meaning it’s likely the shooter was male.” Kate noticed a smile appear on Quinn’s face. She was right and he knew it.
“Well, that does make a difference. But I still maintain you should consider the possibility the killer is female. And, wasn’t the first victim shot in her car? The angle of the entry wound would imply nothing other than the fact that the victim was sitting. Look, if nothing else, it’s entirely possible you could be dealing with someone behind the scenes. Or worse, multiple killers. I know you’ve come across that before.”
He’d done his research. And while she hadn’t expected the intrusion into her background so soon, it had to happen at some point in this process. That said, it was something she hadn’t considered. She thought she had him and he just turned the tables.
Quinn pulled up a file on his computer. “Come around.”
Kate approached the other side of his desk.
“This is an investigation I consulted on about two years ago.”
She began to read aloud the summary he’d opened. “An often overlooked theory is that a woman has the potential to inflict horrendous pain upon her victims. This is a case where a man is not able to see beyond a woman’s traditional role in the world. That of wife, mother, caregiver. Because of that, the capture and conviction of a female serial killer is rare indeed. Howeve
r, what is not debated as much as it should be is the possibility that a woman could control another individual—a husband, a son, or lover—into committing brutal acts upon victims she seeks out for whatever reason, whether known or unknown to the one being controlled. This is the phenomenon I am currently exploring in the profile below.” She turned her attention to Quinn. “You’ve considered this before?” Kate returned to her seat.
“Yes. However, we can’t be sure that’s what you’re dealing with now. I’m simply showing you another possible avenue to venture down.”
Kate nodded. “I hadn’t considered this. To date, the cases I’ve worked have been fairly cut and dry in regard to the gender of the unsub.”
“And in general, that’s the case, but in reading your assessment, I’m able to draw parallels to this investigation you just read from.”
“I can’t thank you enough for opening my eyes. I’m still in the very early stages, but with three women dead, I don’t have time to follow the wrong path.”
“I’m not saying you’re wrong. I’m just opening your eyes to the possibility you could be.”
“Thank you. It means a lot to me that you took the time. It really does.” She began to rise.
“I think I’d like to head out. Seems I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Noah showed her out. “Of course. And thank you for letting me impart some wisdom. Believe it or not, it’s not something I get to do often. But, Kate, I do see a great deal of potential in you.”
She stopped at the door and turned toward him. “Even though I could be chasing the wrong lead?”
“That’s part of the process, so don’t beat yourself up about it. You’ve been a field agent for the past few years. This is a new arena for you. I can tell you that I’ll be tightening up the list of prospects again tomorrow. And just so you don’t lose any sleep, you should know that you’re still in the running.”
Her relief was evident. “Thank you. Thank you very much.”
“Good night, Kate.”
“Good night, Noah.” She walked out of the office and into the elevator and when the doors closed, the anxiety that had built up to that point was finally released. “Oh, thank God.”