“Then we seem to have a contradiction. The killer marred the untouched diamonds of skin by using a stun gun on them. It would be like a killer applying makeup to a dead woman’s face and then purposefully smearing it. Granted, there are no absolutes, and there are always exceptions, and this could be one of them, but I feel the stun gun was used on the diamonds of skin to inflict maximum pain, not as part of a ritual. Because the nerve endings surrounding the incisions were frayed, burned, and exposed, the electricity would’ve been excruciatingly painful. Hypothetically speaking, if this man knew what his killer wanted, he gave it up. Something else. Serial killers rarely leave their victims alive before disposing of them.”

“Your knowledge of serial killers is impressive,” Harv said.

“At the risk of sounding morbid, they’re often most interesting and challenging cases, but they’re also extremely rare.” Salk looked at Grangeland, then back to Harv. “The FBI uses the information medical examiners discover to help formulate profiles of serials. I had my assistant do a database search and there aren’t any cases like this in our system, even for as long as we’ve kept records.” Salk looked at Grangeland. “Even your FBI has nothing like this in its ViCAP national database. We seem to have a unique case here. A special agent from Quantico’s behavior analysis unit two is flying out here tomorrow to examine at the body.”

“Okay, thank you, Doctor,” Grangeland said. “I think we’ve taken enough of your time. I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure, name it.”

“Will you please keep our visit here confidential?”

Nathan had completely forgotten about that.

“If you folks don’t want anyone to know you were here, that’s fine with me. But I have a request of my own.” He turned toward Nathan, but addressed all of them. “It’s quite obvious that you know more about this case than you’re giving up. When you’re able, I’d appreciate you sharing it with me. Deal?”

“Deal.” Nathan stepped forward and pumped hands. “You don’t miss much.”

“I’ve been doing this a long time.” Dr. Salk looked down to Nathan’s chest, then back to his eyes.

Doesn’t miss much at all.

***

They arrived in San Diego after dark, fatigued from the flight. Holly had arranged a rental sedan for Grangeland’s use. Everyone parted company for the evening.

His Clairemont home felt welcoming as Nathan plopped down on his couch and thought about the day’s events, especially his close call at the medical examiner’s office. He hated being so vulnerable, especially in front of strangers and especially after all these years. Hadn’t he moved beyond this? He stood and began pacing, then picked up his TV remote and hurled it across the room. It smashed into the wall next to the front door and exploded.