Sign of the Maker (Boston Crime Thriller Book 4) by Brian Shea (novel books to read TXT) 📗

I can give you a very rough overall based on what you sent me. I wouldn't hang my hat on what I'm about to say. There's a lot that goes into developing a true profile of value."

"I got it. Trust and verify. Believe me when I say this: anything you can provide would be better than what we have right now.”

“The fact that there exists this connection to a fringe IRA group makes me consider the strong possibility that this is a contract killer. There are significant problems if that proves true. First off, if it's a hired gun, the possibility of multiple operators. This may be why they're able to execute so many attacks and remain unseen."

"Because they're never the same person." The prospect of hunting one killer was bad enough. Kelly couldn't imagine a team of them. The thought dizzied him.

"It's a possibility you're going to need to consider. And consider seriously. But I also did a quick workup under the possibility it’s a solitary bomber. This is also a very high possibility, considering the technical skill required to execute these attacks. I can give you an idea of the type of person he is. Maybe that will expose a pattern."

"That'd be great."

"Your guy. And we're going to assume by law of averages, based on the historical data for this type of crime, your unsub is male. His attention to detail will likely border on the obsessive. With that said, he's going to be somebody who’s neatly groomed, clean-cut. The fact that he's been able to mirror another bomber’s attack and move about undiscovered leads me to believe he's capable of hiding in plain sight. I doubt he has any remarkable physical features, and if that's true, it would support the difficulty you've had in obtaining any eyewitness accounts."

Kelly thought about Collins and the massive scar stretching across the left side of his face. No missing a guy like that.

"This guy's good, Mike. You and the rest of your team need to take this slow. Watch your six. I imagine anybody capable of pulling off three large-scale attacks while maintaining his anonymity is prudent and calculated enough to prepare a contingency plan in the event he finds himself cornered by law enforcement."

"Will do. I really appreciate your eye on this one."

"Anytime. I just wish I could be there. But I'm hunting another monster right now and feel like I'm getting close."

"We'll touch base on the backside of this thing. Stay safe."

"And Mike, keep in mind that just because I worked up a quick profile doesn't mean you're going to find him. It took nearly two decades to capture the Unabomber. And I hate saying this, but I think you’re facing someone of equal intelligence, maybe more so."

The knot in Kelly's stomach tightened. Twenty years. His city had been attacked three times in less than twenty-four hours with a potential fourth bomb less than two hours from the indicated time of detonation. "With your insight, we'll be able to review all of the witness statements and see if we can generate a potential lead."

"If somebody’s operating independently and not under contract, then I'll go out on a limb and say these attacks may be a personal vendetta. But if there were only six, as Collins alluded to, then I'm not sure where that leads this. You might want to go back at Collins and test him a bit to gauge whether there's something or someone he might be protecting. Somebody who knew about their group and would benefit from eliminating all of its members."

"Saying that brings me back to my argument with Langston. Collins said McLaughlin is a target. The guy's just thrown his hat in the race for mayor. If what Collins said is true about Mclaughlin's past, then he'd have the most to gain."

"I'd suggest feeling him out on this. Treat him like a potential target. Warn him about the impending attack and see how he reacts to it."

"Langston's on his way to meet with McLaughlin as we speak."

"Gotta run, Mike. Last thing before I go. I imagine that by the time these attacks went into effect, your guy’s surveillance was complete. Meaning, even if you identify a potential target location, you're unlikely to find him sitting outside watching. He probably did that for days, weeks, or maybe months beforehand."

"Where does that leave us?"

"Nowhere good," Gray answered honestly. "I wish I could be of more help. I really do. Call me back if there's something else I can do. I'll keep looking at it, and I'll bounce it around the other brains in the office."

"Thanks, Sterling."

"Anytime. And Kelly, watch your back. Because if there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that your bomber isn't done yet."

21

Langston and Salinger had been sitting in the spacious waiting room for about ten minutes. Langston sipped noisily from the paper cup containing the lukewarm coffee he'd poured from the pot in the corner of the room. The sugar didn't melt, and he struggled to swallow down the slurry at the bottom. It moved along the inside of the cup like slow-moving lava until it disappeared into his mouth and down his throat.

"That's why I hit the vending machine." Salinger held up a can of Dr. Pepper.

"I'll take crap coffee over the twenty-three flavors of blended additives used to make up the poison you're drinking." Langston felt like a hypocrite. He actually loved Dr. Pepper. But after a doctor put him on a restrictive diet, the heavyset FBI agent had been disciplined enough to avoid all soda.

"Are you really still planning on retiring in three years?"

Salinger had broached the topic in a variety of ways over the brief courtship of their new partnership. Langston understood where it came from. Salinger was a bright shiny badge, excited for every case crossing their desk. Langston's years and experience had long since tarnished his.

"Like I said before, I'm not doing this job without a gun on my hip." Langston crushed the paper cup and