Ill assume thats a yes. I ask because if I told you that I had this bratty, ill-mannered little asshole of a child that I simply could not get a handle on, would it be safe for me to assume you knew exactly what I was talking about because you have a child?

No, because my child is not a bratty, ill-mannered little asshole.

I figured not. She has a mother that is very dedicated to her job from what I can tell. I imagine your child is maybe a bit stubborn, though naïve. Maybe always seeking your approval. Maybe your child

I did not come here to discuss my child with you, Rachel growled.

Alex waved her comment away, clearly not caring. All Im saying is that you cant paint a single picture of every child. The kid that eats crayons or bullies others is likely not a fair comparison to your own child. The same is true of people that have committed horrendous crimes. I have done some truly deplorable things…but I believe I am still maybe not quite as bad as, say, a Gacy or a Dahmer. Do I understand the things that broke in me that made me want to kill? Yes. But trying to use me as a template for whatever other monsters youre trying to pick apart is not going to work. And quite frankly, its fucking insulting.

It wasnt nearly the reaction shed been looking for and his gradual defensiveness was a surprise. Shed made the mistake of thinking hed want to talk to herthat picking his brain for thoughts and motives on a cold case might make him feel important.

Im not going to be your inside man, Alex said with a leering smile. Im not going to be your Cliffs Notes on how killers work, how we see death, how we

He stopped here and cocked his head, observing her like a curious animal might. There was something different in not only in his attitude, but his eyes It was as if a switch had been flicked and he was undergoing some sort of Jekyll and Hyde routine.

What? she snapped. The feeling that he was somehow studying her was unnerving.

I thought I saw it when you were here last. Something…something in you. Something in your eyes. Remember? Something broken.

She rolled her eyes, embarrassed that shed made this foolish choice. She started to get to her feet, not at all interested in being Alex Lynchs mental plaything.

Youre dying.

Alex spoke the words simply, but it had the effect of someone pulling a gun and shooting at her. She wheeled back around to him, expecting him to be smiling. Instead, there was an uncertain expression on his face. He nodded and added: Arent you?

She knew that she did not need to actually answerthat her silence was all the answer he needed. She also felt that her face had gone about ten shades of red.