Huston thought for a moment. “Anyone else think he consented to that search too easily?”
“You were convincing,” Lynch said. “You made him think we’re only interested in drug crimes.”
“Even so. Shouldn’t there have been a little more hesitancy? A few seconds’ pause?”
“Not necessarily,” Trey Suber said. “If this is Zachary, he’s probably been planning for exactly such an incursion for years. He thinks he’s taken every precaution. He may be thrilled it’s finally happening.”
A flash of annoyance crossed Huston’s usually kindly face. “I don’t need your Serial Killer 101 tutorial, Suber. I’m well aware of the narcissistic serial killer personality profile.”
Suber didn’t look bothered by Huston’s cutting remark—to the contrary, Kendra noticed that he seemed pleased to have provoked such a strong response. Suber was smirking as he stepped toward Huston.
Griffin cut in before Suber could say anything. “The point is, we got the okay to search Hagstrom’s house and car. Let’s do it and see where we stand. Okay?”
Suber nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
Metcalf nodded toward Hagstrom. “In the meantime, what do we do with him?”
“He stays here,” Griffin said. “At least until our search is finished.” He turned to Kendra. “I’d like you to be there with us when we look his place over.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
Griffin addressed the other occupants of the cramped room. “I don’t want to give him a chance to change his mind. We’re going in as soon as we can. I’m bringing in an evidence response team to lift prints, swab for DNA, and pick up whatever else they can.” He checked his watch. “Okay, we’ll meet downstairs in five. Let’s move.”
*
IN FORTY MINUTES, THE GROUP was assembled in front of Hagstrom’s condo in Carlsbad, accompanied by two ERT vans. They waited on the sidewalk outside while Griffin allowed the videographer and forensic specialists to make their initial sweep.
Trey Suber walked up to Kendra and Lynch. “These situations always remind me of the Aurora theater shooter.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask,” Lynch said.
Suber pushed up his glasses. “He was the shooter who mowed down those people in that movie theater. He booby-trapped his house with explosives rigged to detonate in case law enforcement caught on to him and raided his place.”
“Charming thought,” Kendra said. “Surely the people going in here are being cautious.”
“I wouldn’t bet on it. You’ve been part of several serial killer investigations, Dr. Michaels. How many agents have you seen taking time to look for door triggers or tripwires?”
“Somewhere around … none.”
“Exactly. A booby-trapped home is still an incredibly rare serial killer phenomenon, of course.” He smiled cheerfully. “But it would only take one to ruin your day.”
“I can see that. Thanks for putting yet another terrifying thought into my head, Suber.”
“Happy to help.”
She spotted Metcalf standing alone a few yards away. She turned back to Suber. “I need to talk to Metcalf for a minute. Tell you what, why don’t you fill Mr. Lynch in on the details of the bomb-making theater killer. Would you do that?”
His smile became even wider. “Sure. Delighted.”
Lynch gave her a desperate glance. “Uh, are you sure you don’t need me with you over there…?”
She smiled. “Not in the slightest. Have fun.”
While Suber reeled off facts and figures, Kendra approached Metcalf.
“What’s going on, Metcalf?”
He tensed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Jeez, touchy much?”
“Whenever Kendra Michaels asks me what’s going on, it usually means she knows exactly what’s going on. And it’s almost always something that will cause me a great deal of discomfort.”
“You’re being silly.”
“Am I?”
“Yes.” Kendra lowered her voice. “Unless you feel awkward about sleeping with your fellow FBI agent.”
“Dammit.”
Her lips turned up at the corners. “I told you that you and Gina would make a good couple.”
He glanced around to make sure no one could hear them. “How in the hell did you know?”
“You’re wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday.”
“So? I’ve often worn the same suit two days in a row.”
“But today, for the first time I can recall, you smell of 50:50 shampoo, moisturizing body wash, and bar soap, all made by Giovanni. Either you’ve suddenly become incredibly brand loyal or you got ready for work at a hotel this morning. Gina’s hotel. I told you I’ve known people who’ve stayed there. I know Giovanni is their house toiletry brand.”
“Shit.”
Kendra smiled. “And how’s it going?”
Metcalf sighed. He still looked uncomfortable discussing it, but he continued. “Good. You were right about her. She’s not as tough as she seemed at first. We have fun together.”
“I’m glad. I’m happy for you, Metcalf.”
“Hey, it’s not like we’re getting married or anything.”
“I know. But it’s still nice to see you make a connection with someone.”
Gina Carson walked toward them. “Griffin says the ERT is almost finished with their sweep. We’ll be inside within the next couple of minutes.”
Kendra nodded. “That’s good.” She glanced at her watch. “Because I have to be out of here in another forty. I have an appointment.”
Gina looked at her, shocked. “Can’t you cancel it? This is a very strong lead. It may change the entire direction of the case. Griffin thinks he needs you.”
“And he’s got me. For the next forty minutes. But unless we find either a body or Zachary inside that house, I’m going to keep my appointment. I’ve committed too much of my time as it is to this hunt. I told you when I began that it’s not the only thing that’s important to me. Griffin has an entire dream team to analyze any evidence he finds hidden in there.” She grimaced. “Or not. And I’ve put a child on hold too long who doesn’t have a team to tell him whether I’m doing the right thing for him. He just has to trust me.”
She frowned. “I still think you could postpone—”
“You’re not too certain that Hagstrom is our man, are you?” Metcalf interrupted, his gaze narrowed on Kendra’s face. “You agree with Huston?”
“I’m not certain about anything without firm evidence. Maybe we’ll find it in that house.” She shrugged. “I do believe that Zachary is capable of setting up a scenario to lead us away from him or just to make fools of us. Could Hagstrom be a key figure? We’ll have to find out. Is he Zachary? He could be. Merely because I’d judge Zachary to be a master actor and Hagstrom isn’t projecting any of the chilling vibes you’d expect from a totally merciless serial killer.”
“What do you think?” Metcalf asked softly. “Guess.”
“I’ve told you what I think. Stop pushing me.” She turned to Gina and smiled. “You’ll learn he can be a real pain in the ass. But most of the time he’s worth it. Just hang in there.”