“Thanks. You may call me Kelly.” She cleared her throat and was surprised at her nervousness. “I’m here in regards to Michael Grander. He’s a suspect in a series of murders that have been committed in various parts of the country. He—”

Banks snorted. “I’m sorry, Michael’s no murderer. He’s one of the most passive people I know. Why do you suspect him?”

She took a pen and notepad from her bag. “I’ll get to that in a minute. But first I need to ask a series of questions about Grander. I’ll rattle them off, one after another, and you might feel like you’re being interrogated. I apologize ahead of time. I know this must be difficult for you. He’s obviously an important student to you.”

Banks shrugged. “We’re not that close, I just know him. But I’m willing to answer your questions if you’ll answer mine when you’re done. Agreed?”

“I’ll tell you what is permissible. First, how long have you known Grander?”

“Five years.”

“As a faculty adviser?”

“Yes.”

“His specialty is mythology?”

“Eastern mythology, yes.”

“How old is he?”

“Forty.”

“He’s working on his doctorate?”

“Yes. He has been working on it for ten years.”

“Why has it taken him so long?”

“He’s in no hurry. He enjoys traveling.”

Not a small point. “He is wealthy, then?”

“His family is. I don’t know his exact finances.”

“But he must have access to money to travel so much?”

“I would not disagree with that.”

“Has he traveled much in the last few months?”

“He comes and goes.”

“So he does not maintain a full class load?”

“No. He’s working on his thesis. I don’t think he’s taking any classes this quarter.”

“Is he handsome?”

“What?”

“Is he attractive?”

“Yes. By most standards, one would say he is very handsome.”

“Has he studied in England?”

Banks paused. “I don’t know. But I know he’s been there.”

“Do you know if he spent substantial time there?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Is he married?”

“No.”

“Was he ever married?”

He hesitated. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“Please. tell me about this nothing.”

Banks shook his head. “He’s no longer married.”

Kelly considered. “Do you know if his ex-wife is still alive?”

“She died in some kind of accident. They were still married at the time.” He added, “I know the loss still haunts Michael to this day.”

“What was the accident?”

“I don’t know.”

She pressed. “You’re sure?”

Banks hesitated. “Not exactly. It had something to do with a fire.” He looked uncomfortable. “I’d rather you asked him these questions. If you met him, you’d know right away he wasn’t a murderer.”