“Not really.”
“Okay. How about Number Two.”
Lacy handed him the sheet for Bryan Burke and said, “The following year, 1992.”
Herman looked at it and said, “South Carolina.”
“Yes, each was in a different state.”
He smiled and made notes. “Motive?”
“Their paths crossed in college when the killer was a student. Number Two was one of his professors.” Lacy was careful not to use the words “law school.” That would come later. Allie had not told Herman much about her and had not revealed where she worked or who she investigated. Again, that would be discussed later in the afternoon.
Number Three was Ashley Barasso. Lacy said, “Four years later, in Columbus, Georgia. We know nothing of motive, only that they were in school together.”
“College?”
“Yes.”
“Was she sexually abused in any way?”
“No. She was fully clothed, nothing was disturbed, no sign of molestation.”
“That’s unusual. Sex is a factor in about eighty percent of serial crimes.”
Number Four was Eileen Nickleberry, in 1998.
With Number Five, Danny Cleveland, Lacy said, “Our man took a break for eleven years, at least as far as we know.”
“That’s quite a gap,” Herman said, studying the photo. “Same knot. He doesn’t want to get caught, too smart for that, but he wants someone to know that he’s out there. Not at all uncommon.” He scribbled more notes as his wife appeared and offered them cookies. She did not stay in the kitchen but Lacy got the impression she was close by, probably listening.
Number Six was Perry Kronke down in Marathon. Herman studied the photos and asked, “Where did you get these?”
“They were given to us by a source who’s been working on this for many years. Freedom of Information Act, FBI clearinghouse, the usual. We have photos from the first six crime scenes but not the last.”
“Too recent, I suppose. Poor guy was out fishing, just minding his own business. In broad daylight.”
“I’ve been to the scene and it was pretty remote.”
“Okay. Motive?”
“They crossed paths in the workplace, probably a disagreement over a job offer that didn’t materialize.”
“So he knew him too?”
“He knew all of them.”
Herman just thought he’d seen it all and was visibly impressed. “Okay, let’s see the last one.”
Lacy handed over Number Seven and Number Eight, and explained their theory that the first victim was the target and the second arrived on the scene at the wrong time. Herman studied the summaries and photos for a long time, then said with a grin, “Well, is that all?”
“That’s all we know about.”
“You can bet there’s more, and you can bet he’s not finished.”
They nodded and both took a bite of a cookie.
Herman said, “So, now you want a profile, right?”
Allie said, “Sure, that’s one reason we’re here.”
Herman put down his pen, stood and stretched his back, and scratched his chin as he thought. “White male, age fifty, started his mischief when he was mid-twenties. Single, probably never married. Except for the first two, he kills on Fridays and weekends, clear indication that he has an important job. You mentioned college, and it’s obvious he’s bright, even brilliant, and patient. No sex angle, so he’s probably impotent. You know the motive, driven by a sick need for revenge. Kills without remorse, which is usually the case. Sociopathic to say the least. Antisocial but, being educated, probably manages to put up a front and maintain what appears to be a normal life. Seven crime scenes in seven states over a twenty-three-year period. Very unusual. He knows the police won’t dig deep enough to link the crimes. And the FBI is not involved?”
“Not yet,” Allie said. “That’s another reason we’re here.”
“He knows forensics, police procedure, and the law,” Lacy said.
Herman slowly sat down and looked at his notes. “Quite unusual. Even unique. I’m impressed with this guy. What do you know about him?”
Lacy said, “Well, he certainly fits your profile. He’s a judge.”
Herman exhaled as if somewhat overwhelmed. He shook his head and thought for a long time. Finally he said, “A sitting judge?”
“Duly elected by the voters.”
“Wow. Quite unusual. Narcissistic, split personality, able to live in one world as a respected, productive member of society while spending his off-hours plotting the next kill. It’ll be hard to nail this guy. Unless.”