“Do you want to hear the rest of the letter?” Scott seems to be getting testy about the frequent interruptions.

Cooper finds his equilibrium first. “Yes, Dr. Scott, please continue.”

“We come at things from very different perspectives—you with your creative sensibility, and me with my scientific bent—but I believe we’re alike in so many ways. It would be exciting to meet at some point. Perhaps there’s something I can do to lighten your burden—you only need ask. You know my offer still stands, and I would be delighted if you would consider donating. Not a complete donation of course, haha, but a professional exchange between friends.

“I hope your studies are going well, and the FBI isn’t bothering you too much. Your recent subject seems fascinating. Perhaps when you’ve tired of her, you might point me in the right direction—”

Emma turns away.

“I do enjoy a challenge.” Scott’s voice is sharp. “That’s it.”

Cooper watches Emma as he speaks in reply. “Can you tell me about the signature, please?”

“Your friend, Siegfried. It’s signed in blue pen.”

“Does Gutmunsson know you have the letter?”

“His mail typically arrives early—he’ll know if we’re holding it. But he isn’t aware of what arrives when. Pradeep sorts the mail before he enters the big room with Simon’s breakfast and correspondence, so we could pull this letter for at least twenty-four hours before Simon would be any the wiser.”

Cooper focuses now on the softly blinking red Conference light on the phone housing, then he makes a decision. “Dr. Scott, I’m going to give you some instructions. I’d like you to keep the letter and envelope in the bag and hold it in your office. No one should be allowed to touch it. I’m sending someone from Washington to collect it. Does Gutmunsson’s paper trash go out with the garbage? I’d also like you to cancel the garbage collection for this morning.”

“I think the garbage has already gone.”

Cooper grimaces briefly. “Okay, then I need to find out where it’s delivered and disposed of. Otherwise, let Pradeep arrive on shift with Gutmunsson’s breakfast and the rest of his mail as normal. Don’t interrupt his usual routine at all and don’t mention the letter. I might need to interview him at some point. I’ll call you in advance of our arrival.”

“Certainly.”

“Thank you for contacting me about this so quickly, Dr. Scott, I appreciate it. Please thank Pradeep as well. I’ll be in touch again shortly.”

Cooper ends the call, presses more buttons, speaks over his shoulder to Martino.

“Mike, I’m taking this one, and I’ll need you with me on the ground. Call Howard Carter and tell him to hold the fort at Berryville today. Talk to him about the press conference—” His call is answered and he changes tack. “Gerry, it’s Ed. I need Carlos Dixon to suit up and collect a letter from St. Elizabeths asylum that was sent to Simon Gutmunsson. It sounds like the Butcher.… No, he’ll need to delay the court appearance, this takes priority. Tell him he’ll need a partial kit. Prints and trace from the asylum’s superintendent, the mail delivery guy, and Gutmunsson’s attendant… No, Gutmunsson hasn’t touched it, but we have him on file anyway. Organize a team to do a trash hunt—the hospital has already released the garbage, they’re finding out where it went.… We’ll need Documents, so tell Linda to get set up. Also Hair and Fiber, and you’ll want to see if you can get anything off it.… Yeah, I’ll be there in an hour.”