Another glance in the house. “As well as can be expected. You can imagine what a shock this was. I don’t think it’s something one ever gets over.”

“It must have been a shock for you as well.”

“That’s putting it mildly.”

“Mr. Grander, may I ask a few questions?”

“Michael, please, you may ask what you want. I don’t forget that it was you who saved my life and Julie’s.” He stepped off the porch and headed for the barbecue. “But let me check the food. First I was watching it, then Julie was—now I think it’s burning. Can I offer you something to drink?”

“Do you have Sprite?” She could manage soda these days, but not her favorite, Coke.

“Plenty of Sprites in here.” He stooped beside an ice chest and tossed her a cold can. They had a couple of burgers on the grill, plenty of chicken. She wondered if she could eat the latter, if she chewed slowly and didn’t have sauce. She had not eaten on the flight. She was experimenting with her diet these days. But she still never went anywhere without her digestive enzymes. She watched as Michael picked up his utensils and flipped the burgers. The Sprite tasted like heaven in her dry throat.

“We’ve been trying to build up a background on Professor Gene Banks,” she said. “The Bureau is interested in the psychology of all serial killers. But Banks is particularly interesting because he has never revealed what he did with the bodies of his victims. You were a student of his for several years, and were obviously close to the family during that time. I’d like you to tell me what you can about him.”

“You’re too polite. You know I wasn’t merely close to the family. I was sleeping with his wife, and still am.”

“When did the affair begin?” Kelly asked.

“Two years ago. It’s not something I like to brag about. I’ve never been involved with a married woman before. In my defense I can say that I love Julie. She feels the same about me. It was as if we were thrust together.” He added, “We never imagined our involvement could have led to such catastrophic results.”

“Do you believe it was your affair that sent Banks off?”

He was surprised. “We were told your version of what he said when he was alone with you. Didn’t he blame us?”

“Yes. But I have thought about what he said for the last few months and I find the motivation rather simplistic for such a complex character. Don’t get me wrong, a feeling of betrayal is a powerful thing. But I think it’s only part of the equation. Banks—Gene—was obviously deeply disturbed before you started sleeping with his wife.”

“I thank you for saying so, Kelly. But it’s hard not to blame oneself.”