“There’s almost nothing useful in her psychiatric evaluations,” I cut her off.

“How could you possibly know about her medical records . . . ?”

“Because I am part of the ATF national response team that is investigating these fire-related homicides,” I measured my words. “And I work with the FBI, as I’ve already said. All of the cases we’re talking about are my jurisdiction because I’m a consultant for law enforcement at a federal level. But my duty is not to arrest anyone or smear an institution such as yours. My job is to bring justice to the dead and give as much peace as possible to those they left behind. To do that, I must answer questions. And most important, I am driven to do anything I can to prevent one more person from dying. Carrie will kill again. She may already have.”

The director was silent for a moment. I looked out the window and could see the dark blue helicopter on its pad being towed out onto the tarmac.

“Dr. Scarpetta, what would you like us to do?” Dr. Ensor finally spoke, her voice tense and upset.

“Did Carrie have a social worker? Someone in legal aid? Anyone she really talked to?” I asked.

“Obviously, she spent a fair amount of time with a forensic psychologist, but he isn’t on our staff. Mainly he’s there to evaluate and make recommendations to the court.”

“Then she probably manipulated him,” I said as I watched Lucy climb up on the helicopter’s skids and begin her preflight inspection. “Who else? Anyone she may have gotten close to?”

“Her lawyer, then. Yes, legal aid. If you would like to speak to her, that can be arranged.”

“I’m leaving the airport now,” I said. “We should be landing in approximately three hours. Do you have a helipad?”

“I don’t remember anyone ever landing here. There are several parks nearby. I’ll be happy to pick you up.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. My guess is we’ll land close by.”

“I’ll watch for you, then, and take you to legal aid, or wherever it is you need to go.”

“I would like to see Carrie Grethen’s ward and where she spent her time.”

“Whatever you need.”

“You are very kind,” I said.