“That is total and utter bullshit. He’s just twisting words to justify his insane actions,” grumbled Frankel. “And this man is definitely nuts.”

“I think I have to agree with my father on this one,” said Rachel. “What might seem crazy to us has allowed Silver to stay true to his so-called mission.”

“And it’s pretty clear he isn’t finished yet.” Grant scrolled down his computer screen toward the end of the interview.

Ferguson: You say you still have a mission to complete. Does that mean you have set your sights on three more victims?

Silver: You’ll understand if I don’t answer that question.

Ferguson: I thought you wanted to, using your words, “set the record straight.”

Silver: And I have to this point. Austin Grant will know when I’m done.

It wasn’t the only time that Silver had mentioned Grant by name. Earlier in the story, while recounting the bank robberies, Silver had confirmed it had been Grant who put him behind bars. His subsequent statement might have been the most chilling of all, at least for those huddled in Grant’s study on Christmas day.

Silver: I hope the commander sees how his actions led me to seek salvation, allowing the Lord to send me down the path where I can now set things right.

“He’s essentially blaming you for all this,” Frankel pointed out.

“The notion wasn’t lost on me.”

But it wasn’t the only thing troubling Grant. He couldn’t imagine why Prior Silver had granted the interview in the first place or run the risk of being captured by the Yard when there were no assurances that Ferguson wouldn’t renege on the deal to keep the authorities away.

“Something about this doesn’t feel right,” Grant murmured.

“Why do you say that?” asked Frankel.

“Every move Silver has made to this point has been calculated—from his choice of victims to the clues he’s been taunting us with.” He glanced at Rachel. “Even the texts from Sergeant Hawley’s phone seem to be specifically timed.”

“Except for that one outside the church,” Rachel reminded. “After your eulogy apparently got under his skin.”

“Even so, one could argue that was still on point. That Silver was just marking territory to let us know he was still in control.” Grant tapped the computer screen. “I guarantee you he has a very specific reason for doing this right now. Remember, he told us we’d hear from him directly after Christmas.”

“But today is Christmas,” Frankel said.

“One could argue after Christmas starts when the clock hits 12:01 on December twenty-fifth,” Grant posed. “Silver probably planned on releasing this tomorrow on Boxing Day, fulfilling his promise. Ferguson and Michaels jumped the gun.”

“Michaels?” asked Rachel.

“Monte Ferguson’s editor at the Mail. He should be along any minute.”