“Noted.”

“And I want you to wear a wire when you talk to him.”

“I disagree,” Bell says.

“Pardon?”

“She didn’t wear a wire the first time.”

Cooper straightens. “We weren’t sure if his information had value the first time.”

“Right.” Bell crosses his arms. “And now Gutmunsson will anticipate it. He knows how the FBI works. If he thinks she’s wired, he’ll just lie.”

Cooper frowns, undecided. “Miss Lewis?”

Emma is thinking of the things Simon Gutmunsson might say now that he knows her identity. The way she might react. She suspects Bell has thought of it, too. The only way she can express her gratitude for his kindness now is to avoid looking at him.

“A wire would be hard to conceal. I wore a T-shirt last time. If I come in wearing a jacket to do a follow-up, Gutmunsson will know. He’s aware that we’re curious about his Pennsylvania information—we can’t afford for him to think we’re invested. I can write down everything he says after I come out of the interview. I have a pretty good memory.”

She thinks she might have laid it on too thick, but Cooper gives his assent. As he ushers them out of the Cool Room, away from Behavioral Science, Emma controls the urge to high-five with Bell. He may not high-five back.

She speaks quietly as they walk fast behind Cooper, heading for the elevators. “Travis, what’s the problem?”

Bell’s lips are pursed. “Gutmunsson is the problem. I don’t think we should rely on anything he says. He might help us for fun, then turn around and give us false leads, and he would find that equally funny. He doesn’t actually care if the Pennsylvania killer is caught. For him, the longer this circus goes on, the better—he gets more attention that way.”

“Sure. But I think we can use that self-interest and arrogance against him.”

“He’s too smart. He’ll see you coming around the corner.” Bell’s eyebrows knit, which means he’s about to say something she won’t like. “And Gutmunsson isn’t only interested in Pennsylvania. You heard Kristin. He’s interested in you.”

She’s saved from replying—they’ve already reached the elevator. Standing all together, waiting, she has another thought. “Mr. Cooper, does the bureau know we’re getting information from Gutmunsson about the Pennsylvania case?”

Cooper watches the numbers above the door. “I’m heading up the unit. I know. If I know, the bureau knows.”

Emma looks at Bell. He’s watching her. His blank expression speaks volumes.

The elevator dings.

The door opens, and a tall, big-boned man in a dark suit steps out. He’s in his late fifties. Emma thinks, He’s carrying too much weight to be a field agent, and the way Cooper kowtows to him confirms it.

“Sir.”

“Special Agent Cooper.” A North Carolina accent, broad features, and a beady eye. He might’ve been military once—now he looks more corporate. “Good timing. You gonna make the budgetary committee meeting?”

“No, sir. Lab in Washington is ready with final reports on Pennsylvania. I’ve got to be up there.”