Delusion in Death

dancing with the feds, giving the media face time, and running in circles.”
    “We are carrying a lot, Lieutenant.”
    “We?” Sanchez rounded on his partner. “I’m carrying you, sister,just like always. And while I am Dallas sucks up all the manpower, all the resources. Every case we’ve got, that you dumped on us, is backed up because the lab’s put everything else on hold—on your authority.”
    “I’ve got a mass murderer who could strike again at any time, anywhere in the city,” Eve began.
    “Yeah, and you’re nowhere. You’d rather see this department go to hell than step back and let the feds take it. Get this, and get it straight, when you go down for screwing this up, I’m not going down with you.”
    He strode out, bulling by Callaway. Carmichael hunched in. “He hasn’t had much sleep, Lieutenant.” With a last nervous look, she hurried out after Sanchez.
    Eve let out a long sigh, dragged her hands through her hair as she turned. She jolted, wished she could pull off an embarrassed blush, but thought her expression accomplished the same thing.
    “Mr. Callaway, thanks for coming in.”
    “Your detective made it sound important.” He glanced back in the direction Sanchez and Carmichael had taken, didn’t quite mask the smirk before he sent Eve a sympathetic look. “It must be a difficult situation for you.”
    “Everyone’s overworked and on edge. If you’ll come with me, we’re set up in a conference room.”
    “I’m not sure what I can do,” he said as Eve led the way. “How I can help.”
    “You knew several of the victims, of both attacks. You’re familiar with both locations—the layout, the employees, the neighborhood. My sense, when we talked before, is you’re observant, and the fact you were actually in the first location may help.”

    “Believe me, I’ve gone over that evening countless times.”
    “We’re hoping if we talk you through it again, you may remember some small detail. I’m not going to lie to you—” Oh yeah , she thought, I am . “We’re in a bind.”
    She opened the door to the conference room, blocking the way for just a moment to make sure her voice carried in. “I have to tell you what we discuss here, what you see here is confidential. I’m trusting you, Mr. Callaway.”
    “You can. Please, call me Lew.”
    “Lew.” She tried for a relieved smile as she gestured him inside. “Detective Peabody, my partner, and Doctor Mira, our profiler.”
    Peabody nodded, continued to work on a computer while Mira rose, hand extended. “Thank you for coming in to consult.”
    “I consider it my duty.”
    “If only more did.”
    “Do you want some crappy coffee, something from Vending?” Eve asked him.
    He gave her an easy smile. “Crappy coffee’s just fine.” He moved forward to the boards, shifted to study the victims. “All of these people. I knew how many. The media’s reported so much. But seeing them like this, all together. It’s shocking.”
    “Those responsible have a great deal to answer for,” Mira stated.
    “You’re looking for more than one person?”
    “We’ve determined it’s not possible for a single individual to pull this off.” Eve spoke briskly as she programmed a pot of coffee. “It’s too complex, involves too much risk, too much planning, too many steps.”
    “At this time,” Mira put in, “we feel it’s most probable we’re dealing with a group.” She gestured to the victim board again. “In each case one of these people sacrificed themselves for the whole.”

    “My God.” He took the coffee Eve offered, ignored her. “But why?”
    “We have a few theories, but foremost, if there’s a group, there’s a head.” Eve took a seat. “Whoever that is, must be charismatic, dominant, and highly organized and intelligent. The target locations catered to businesses and offices like your own.”
    “People who work and live in that area,” Mira continued, joining Eve at the table so Callaway stood in the position of dominance. “We expected, and hoped, he would issue a statement, reveal his agenda or demands. The fact that he hasn’t proves him canny and very, very dangerous. He understands the value of noninformation, of inciting fear and panic. Those who believe in him believe in that agenda. Without that information …” She lifted her hands.
    “Which is where you might be able to help,” Eve told him. “We’ve been able to eliminate some of the victims, through background checks,