She said it as matter-of-factly as a bank teller cashing a check, but with a softness in her voice that spread seeds of ice in my belly.

He didn't kill Yvonne Bennett. I proved it.

Bastilla put away her pad. She got up, then hooked her bag on her shoulder, finally ready to go.

Material linking him to the murder was found in his home. He murdered a sixth woman the summer after his release. His most recent victim was murdered thirty-six days ago, and now he's murdered himself.

Crimmens licked his lips as if he wanted to eat me alive.

How do you feel now, Mr. Thirty-a-Year?

I shook my head at Bastilla.

What does that mean, you found material?

Something in your files might help us figure out how he got away with it, Cole. Talk to Levy. If we have to subpoena, we will, but it'll be faster if you guys come across.

I stood with her.

Waitaminute what does that mean, you found something? What did you find?

A press conference is scheduled for this evening. In the meantime, talk to Levy. The sooner the better.

Bastilla left without waiting, but Crimmens made no move to follow. He stayed on the file cabinet, watching me.

I said, What?

Escondido and Repko.

Why are you still here, Crimmens?

You don't recognize me, do you?

Should I?

Think about it. You must've read my reports.

Then I realized why he was familiar.

You were the arresting officer.

Crimmens finally pushed off the cabinet.

That's right. I'm the guy who arrested Byrd. I'm the guy who tried to stop a killer. You're the shitbird who set him free.

Crimmens glanced at Pike, then went to the door.

Lupe Escondido and Debra Repko are the women he killed after you got him off. You should send the families a card.

Crimmens closed the door when he left.

Chapter 2

ON A moonless night three years before Bastilla and Crimmens came to my office, someone shattered Yvonne Bennett's skull in a Silver Lake parking lot, one block north of Sunset Boulevard. The night was warm, though not hot, with the scent of spider lilies kissing the air. The weapon of choice was a tire iron.