Now, he said, sitting back down. Youre probably wondering why I called you in here. Ive gone over the Kavers file, and I must say Im impressed. Your fingerprints are all over the investigation. How early on did you suspect him?

Harley felt a flush of warmth at this praise, but she kept her voice level. He was a good match for the profile, even before we had any hard evidence: troubled childhood, solitary youth, abusive tendencies. We had ruled out a few promising suspects before Kavers ever showed up on our radar, so I was initially skeptical. As soon as I started digging, though, I realized he checked a lot of boxes.

The smoking gun was the ex-girlfriend, is that right? Howd you make that connection?

By chance, actually. For a lone wolf, he spent a lot of time with womentried to, anyway. Kavers didnt really have a social circle, and none of his relationships went beyond a few dates, so it was difficult to learn much about his life.

She crossed her legs as the details of the case returned to her. A subtle sense of unease came with them, but she ignored it. John Kavers hadnt been the first serial killer shed come across, and he probably wouldnt be the last.

But then we happened to speak with a waitress at a pub he frequented, she continued. She led us to the ex, who proved to be a gold mine. Told us how Kavers insisted on her dressing in a cheerleader costume, calling him Daddythat kind of thing. He nearly choked her out on more than one occasion.

Shit, Newbury muttered. Wasnt the first time enough to convince her he was bad news?

The face of Kaverss ex-girlfriend, Jessica, surfaced in Harleys mind. There had been an almost pleading note in Jessicas voice as she asked what would happen to Kavers, as if she had never truly escaped his hold over her. Maybe she hadnt. The thought sent a chill down Harleys spine.

Desperate people in desperate situations, Harley replied. Theres no telling what theyll do.

But it was the fibers from the van that sealed the deal.

Harley nodded. Sounds like you already know the story.

Newbury leaned back with a sad shake of his head. There are some real monsters out there, which is exactly why we need people like you who can get in their heads, think like them. From what I hear, you really get in the zone when youre working.

Thats a polite way of saying I dont have friends.

He laughed. To be exceptional, one must sacrifice the ordinary. Our work doesnt end after weve put in our forty hours. If I had a team of agents with your dedication… He trailed off, frowning and tapping his fingers on the desk. He seemed to be holding something back.

Anyway, he went on, thats some of the finest work Ive ever seen.

Harley shook her head ruefully. Not according to Pope.