Dead Hunt

either. With him she was simply helpful. She helped other prisoners in his classes. She didn’t proclaim that she had found religion, which, as you know, is common. She listened to what Rivers had to say. That won him over and that is her special gift. Her methods are subtle and their effect is often subconscious. And that is why I think she’s dangerous and why I think she has killed other husbands—she is so very accomplished.’’
Kingsley sat nodding as she spoke. When Diane stopped he was quiet for a long while.
‘‘Interesting analysis,’’ he said. ‘‘And I agree with it. It’s hard to explain those subtleties to a jury. It’s lucky you found that cotton ball filled with all that evidence.’’ He relaxed, sitting back in his chair. ‘‘You know, I had to study hard to become a profiler—I still have to take workshops to keep up on the latest information. But Clymene is a natural.’’
‘‘I believe you’re right,’’ said Diane. ‘‘I’m still just a little unsettled about what she wanted to speak with me about. You know, waiting for the other shoe to drop.’’
‘‘You want me to give the DA a report on your visit with Clymene?’’ said Kingsley.
Diane eyed him suspiciously. ‘‘That would be good. I really don’t have the time,’’ said Diane. ‘‘Thank you. Talking to Grace, profiling her husband, talking to the DA. I don’t know what to think. What should I think?’’ Diane stared at him.
Kingsley blushed under her steady gaze and grinned. ‘‘Actually I have a favor to ask.’’
‘‘Favor? Does it have anywhere near the value of speaking to the DA and Grace for me?’’ asked Diane.
‘‘No. I definitely will have to sweeten the pot,’’ he said.

Chapter 12
    ‘‘This sounds like something I would want to say no to,’’ said Diane. She had pushed her teacup away and sat with her forearms resting on the table, scrutinizing Kingsley. She was envious of Clymene’s ability to size people up so quickly that it seemed as if she was reading their minds.
    ‘‘You will say no at first. I know that because I’m a profiler.’’ He grinned.
‘‘Okay, what is it?’’ asked Diane.
‘‘I’m working on a book about Clymene and some other cases,’’ he said.
‘‘Clymene told me,’’ said Diane.
Kingsley stopped, coffee halfway to his lips. He sat looking at Diane for several seconds.
‘‘Okay, that’s a surprise. I never told her,’’ he said.
‘‘Did you tell Rivers?’’ asked Diane.
‘‘No. No one outside the FBI knows except you.’’ He shook his head and finished his sip of coffee. ‘‘It must have been something in the way I asked questions, or my organization of the questions.’’ He shrugged. ‘‘I told you she is a natural profiler. Anyway, I’m writing a book—’’
‘‘I didn’t think FBI agents could do that,’’ said Diane. ‘‘Some prohibition against profiting from your work?’’
‘‘I’m writing a textbook to be used for training profilers. The idea is to do in-depth case studies of different types of serial killers,’’ he said. ‘‘The classic killers that we already know so much about compared with killers like Clymene who are harder to detect and catch because their patterns aren’t as obvious.’’
‘‘Clymene was motivated by profit,’’ said Diane. ‘‘Would she really be called a serial killer even if it turns out her body count is high?’’
Kingsley nodded. ‘‘I think so, but there is debate about that. Motivation makes a big difference.’’
The wind picked up, sending them a cool breeze. Diane’s paper napkin blew off the table and into the air. She jumped up and snatched it before it got away entirely. She had seen them take off like kites and sail out of sight.
‘‘Let’s go inside the restaurant,’’ she said.
Kingsley looked at his watch. ‘‘Why don’t we have an early dinner?’’
‘‘That’s fine,’’ said Diane, hoping because it was almost the end of the day that nothing else would happen concerning the Egyptian artifacts.
She nodded to the waitress, who followed as Diane went to an out-of-the-way booth in the back of the restaurant. Kingsley ordered prime rib. Diane ordered marinated salmon. After taking their orders, the waitress brought them both iced tea.
Kingsley took a drink of his tea and set it down. He pursed his lips together as though trying to recall what he was talking about.
‘‘Yes, Clymene is a for-profit killer. I believe she