“Physical clues?” Banks asked.

“Not exactly.”

“Then you have no physical evidence linking him to the crimes?”

“We have evidence.” Once more she checked her watch. Sweat gathered around her; she felt very hot. Her anxiety mounted. In minutes she would be standing in the same house as the monster. She added, “I’m sorry I can’t be more specific.”

“They didn’t tell you everything about this guy, did they?”

The remark caught her off balance. “Why do you say that?”

“It’s obvious, Kelly.”

She almost asked him what was his point. But she was his guest. She could not be rude. Just being there, she was out on a limb with Slate. If all this led nowhere and he found out about her trip, she could get fired. Tony would love that. She would be even more at his mercy.

Kelly suddenly felt confused. She sought for its source. Something in her immediate surroundings was giving rise to the sensation. Bottle in hand, Banks continued to stare at her. She saw him and understood him. But she felt as if there were things around her that she was seeing and not understanding. The amount of exercise equipment bothered her—she didn’t know why. Then there was the picture of Banks’s father—it also troubled her. Even the style of the apartment; it was important in a way she couldn’t pinpoint.

Banks took a step closer. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She paused. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you everything I know.”

“Don’t let it bother you. Like I said, I don’t think you know that much about this guy.”

“Really?”

He nodded gravely. “Yes.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s just an impression I get.” He paused. “I’m not trying to be rude.”

“You’re not being rude.” She paused. “Are you sure Grander’s on his way?”

“Yes. He’ll be here soon.”

“But he’s always late?”

“Yes.”

She turned and stared out at the flowing river, the trees, hoping the natural setting would settle her mind. But her confusion deepened. There was a portion of her mind that refused to quiet; it marched forward in search of significant connections. Why? With her back to Banks, she asked her next question.

“Why did Professor Shelly call you a lazy goat on the phone?”

“I don’t remember him saying that.”

“He did. I remember.”

“I told you, we’re old friends. We’re always teasing each other.”

“Oh.”

“Are you sure nothing’s bothering you, Kelly?”

“I’m sure.” She did not like him calling her by her first name. She had invited him to do so but she wished he would stop. More than anything else, she suddenly wanted to get out of the apartment. She stayed, though; she had come far, and she had a job to do.

Banks moved until he stood a mere arm’s length from her back.