Chapter 4 #2
He snorts. “That’s the LAPD motto, but yes, something like that.”
“I see…” I hum. “Was this code established before or after joining the Bureau?”
He frowns. “What do you mean?”
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.
"Well, each scenario has different implications. Either this drive to protect was innate—something you were born with, perhaps a result of environmental factors—like your early childhood experiences. Or it was professional—instilled in you by the Bureau during your training.” I pause, studying his defensive expression. “Which one fits the bill, Agent?”
His lip twitches. “I am not your patient, Safia. Don’t analyze me.”
I snort. “I was simply asking a question. If I were to analyze you, I fear you’d storm out given your current reaction.
I take it you don’t enjoy people peeling your layers back.
” He doesn’t respond, his knuckles white as he grips the coffee mug.
I cast him a knowing smile. “Neither do I, Agent Kane. Perhaps it’s best if we focus our interactions on the case, and the case only. ”
He grits his teeth, and for a fleeting moment, I’m the lion. “The arrow.”
“Yes, the arrow.” I open the tablet and pull up the photographs of the carving.
I rotate the screen 180 degrees and zoom in.
“Do you see how the tips of the arrow are slightly curved? It’s faint, and the ME attributed the deviation as a result of an uneven surface, but I feel like it was intentional.
I had Di Rossi run this image through the database, and she got several hits.
I’ve been combing through her findings, and I believe I found the symbol that most closely resembles the carving. ”
Kane sucks in a sharp breath as I pull up an image of a Nordic rune.
“Tiwaz?” he reads the script below the symbol.
I stare at the rune. “The Tiwaz Rune is part of the ancient runic alphabet. It symbolizes the Norse god Tyr and represents justice, sacrifice, and victory through self-discipline. Some researchers posit that the rune embodies a warrior's path and the pursuit of higher ideals.”
“Or it’s just an arrow.”
I roll my eyes. “This unsub is intelligent, we should assume that everything has a meaning. For example, why would he administer exactly eighteen lashes to each victim? Why not thirteen? Why not three? Given the ritualistic nature of the killing, we need to explore every avenue. It could give us insights on the unsub’s motive. ”
“So, based on your analysis, the unsub is seeking justice?” Kane asks as Delta brings two plates of food to the table.
He ignores her, his attention solely focused on me. It’s unnerving. His undivided focus. It makes me feel like I’m the limelight, the star of a show. But it also makes me feel like I’m under interrogation, a suspect in a crime.
“If the unsub wished for the authorities to be aware of his intentions, his meaning, why wouldn’t he use a more obvious symbol? Why make us chase theories?”
I shrug, inhaling the scent of freshly made waffles.
He was right. The food smells delicious.
“It could be self-gratifying and not meant for us.
The rune might be a personal symbol, something that resonates with him on a deeper level.
Perhaps it's a way for him to feel a sense of control or power, aligning himself with the attributes of the Tiwaz Rune. He might see himself as a warrior delivering his form of justice.”
Kane takes a moment to absorb my theory, then asks, “So, you’re saying the rune is a reflection of his self-image?”
“Exactly,” I reply, cutting into my waffle. “It’s possible that he sees himself as an arbiter of justice, someone who sacrifices for a higher cause. This could be his twisted way of enforcing what he believes is right.”
Kane nods, seemingly lost in thought. “And the eighteen lashes?”
“Numerology might play a role here. The number eighteen could have personal significance or symbolic meaning. In some traditions, numbers hold powerful connotations. It’s another piece of the puzzle we need to understand.”
Kane methodically rubs his chin, watching me intently. “I’m glad you’re on the team, Safia. I knew we’d benefit from your expertise.”
I smile, a glutton for praise. “I also requested the crime scene images for the first two murders.”
He frowns. “You have the crime scene images.”
“Not of the bodies. The surroundings. I noticed a match on the ground near George Burg’s body. It could be meaningless, but given the nature of this unsub, I want to be thorough. If I’m correct, we’re hunting a remarkably intelligent man.”
Agent Kane cocks his head. “You almost sound like you admire him.”
I swallow, my appetite suddenly dwindling.
“Perhaps, but it’s like admiring a deadly lightning storm. It’s beautiful from afar, but devastating when you’re in its path.” Agent Kane’s chest rises as he takes a small breath. I quickly add, “But make no mistake—he's still a monster, and we’ll catch him.”
The corner of Kane’s plump lip curves up. “Yes. Yes, we will.”