“The ring symbolizes commitment, a relationship. This tells us the unsub is targeting women they’ve identified as in relationships. It helps us build victimology which is a key piece to the profile. The aggressive and hateful nature of taking the ring off the victim and shoving it down their throat tells us the unsub feels some type of resentment toward those in happy relationships,” I explained.

“So they were probably hurt at some point in a relationship?” Len asked.

I had her full attention.

“It’s highly likely a woman left them or broke their heart. I would be willing to guess the unsub was engaged or in a serious relationship with a woman that ended poorly,” I answered.

There were other possibilities, but this was the one that fit the case the best. I always considered all my options, though.

“Of course, there is also the chance something else triggered them. They could have grown up in a household with an unhealthy relationship. Maybe they witnessed their mother being unfaithful. This is why we don’t rely solely on the profile to make an arrest.”

“I think I get it now,” Len said.

I moved down the wall to other pieces of evidence we’d hung. “You confirmed the theory that the unsub targets those in relationships. You were with Jake that night, you were engaged, the unsub likely saw the pair of you at the bar,” I explained and pointed to the question mark we’d hung to represent Jane Doe, or Len.

“And now, you also know about the drugging,” Len pointed out.

I could see the excitement on her face. She moved along the wall with me, her mind starting to piece together exactly what I saw.

“Which tells us the unsub needs the victims weakened. It could be because they hunt in such a populated area, but it could also mean they’re impaired in some capacity. It also tells us they like the rush of power. I wouldn’t be surprised if they carried this over to their work, put themselves in positions of power in their daily life.”

“I think I’m starting to see what you mean,” Len said, leaning against me as I stopped moving down the wall. “Each of these is like a puzzle piece. We just need to figure out how it all fits, right?”

I nodded. “The sheriff and Ethan from the pub fit the profile we’ve built so far the best, but we don’t want to blind ourselves from other options, since we don’t have all the pieces yet. That’s why we are considering multiple people,” I said, waving at where I’d hung them.

“So you’re pretty much saying we have everything and nothing all at once,” she sighed.

“I’m saying we have a hell of a start, and with you by my side, there is no doubt in my mind we will figure this all out.”

* * *