Quinn - Iris Johansen [32]
“Then why would he be this reckless and risk everything?”
“But you see, no one knows how clever he is. No one knows what power he has. It may have been enough for him to have this delicious secret for all these years. But now that his confidence has grown, and he thinks that no one can touch him, he’s ready to be admired by one and all. He even gave himself a name, Zeus, so that there’s no question of anonymity.”
“Power,” she murmured. “Who has more power than a god?”
“And Zeus was far from virtuous and completely absorbed in his power. The choice was logical.”
“Is that hunger for fame common in serial killers?”
“It’s not uncommon. Some are satisfied to stay beneath the radar for their entire career. Others get restless and want to thumb their noses at authority and show their power. My guess is that maybe when they found the remains of that little boy by the freeway, he got a taste of notoriety and liked it. Then when the news story appeared in the paper this morning, he was primed to exploit it and show everyone what a truly superior fiend he was. That call to the media wasn’t only to twist the knife in the Bristol family. He was hungry for more attention, more fame.” He shrugged. “But often that need for public attention only lasts for a limited amount of time, and they go underground again.”
“So he may not make any other calls?”
“As I said, it’s not predictable.”
“But if he did call again, you’d have a chance of catching him. The newspapers wouldn’t be caught off guard again, they’d be prepared. You could set up ways to trace him.”
“If.”
“But Slindak said this may be a break in the case. Dammit, stop being negative.”
“I told you I’d never lie to you. Any change in the status quo offers opportunities, but it’s not a sure thing. I’ve briefed you on all the theories and my experience with them, and that’s all I can do.”
“So what are you going to do? Are we still going to that shoe factory downtown?”
“No, I’ll give that job to one of Slindak’s men. I have to go and question Brian McVey and that program director from CNN.” He added emphatically, “And you are not going with me. I want answers, and all I’d get would be questions from them if you were within viewing distance.”
“I’m not arguing. I realize I’d be a distraction.”
Since the moment he’d seen her. “As I said, you can check into the Hyatt. The media may still track you down, but we won’t make it easy for them.”
She shook her head. “Too expensive. I’ll be fine at the house.”
“I’ll put you on my expense account.”
“You wouldn’t do that. You’re too honest. Which means you’d probably be paying for it out of your own pocket.”
“One night. Just enough time to take the heat off,” he coaxed. “Otherwise, I’d feel obligated to camp out in front of the house. It’s worth paying for your room just to make sure I get a good night’s sleep.”
“It’s not worth it to me.” She paused. “There’s a cheap motel about two miles from the house. I’ll check in there with my mother for tonight. I don’t need the Hyatt.” She made a face. “I’m no fancy Easterner who has to have room service and a concierge.”
“Yeah, guys like me need a lot of care and nurturing. Otherwise, we just wither away. Where is this motel? I’ll take you there, then go to your house and pick up your mother and have her choose some clothes to pack for you.”
“I can call her.”
“Where is the hotel?” he repeated.
“It’s the Rainbow Inn on Piedmont.”
“Sounds very whimsical.”
“Not very. You’ll turn up your nose at it.” She leaned wearily back in the seat. “Ask me if I care.”
“After my stint in the Middle East, it takes a lot to make me turn up my nose. If it has a shower, I’m good with it.”
“It has a shower.” She was silent for a moment. “Mr. Bristol said he’d pray for me. I’d rather he prayed for Bonnie. But he doesn’t think she’s alive. When he was talking, I was having trouble … I still have a chance. Things were different in her pattern from the other children who