An Evil Mind Read Free Page A

followed. ‘You look well.’ He addressed Hunter. ‘But then again, you always do, Robert.’
    ‘So do you, Adrian,’ Hunter replied unconvincingly, stepping toward the man and shaking his hand.
    Adrian Kennedy was the head of the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) and its Behavioral Analysis Unit – a specialist FBI department that provided support to national and international law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of unusual or serial violent crimes.
    Hunter was well aware that unless it was absolutely mandatory, Adrian Kennedy never traveled anywhere. He now coordinated most of NCAVC operations from his large office in Washington, DC, but he was no career bureaucrat. Kennedy had begun his life with the FBI at a young age, and quickly demonstrated that he had tremendous aptitude for leadership. He also had a natural ability to motivate people. That didn’t go unnoticed, and very early in his career he was assigned to the prestigious US President protection detail. Two years later, after foiling an attempt on the president’s life by throwing himself in front of the bullet that was destined to kill the most powerful man on earth, he received a high commendation award, and a “thank you” letter from the president himself. A few years after that, the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime was officially established in June 1984. They needed a director, someone who was a natural leader. Adrian Kennedy was the name at the top of the list.
    ‘This is Special Agent Courtney Taylor,’ Kennedy said, nodding at the blonde woman.
    She moved closer and shook Hunter’s hand. ‘Very nice to meet you, Detective Hunter. I’ve heard a lot about you.’
    Taylor’s voice sounded incredibly seductive, combining a sort of soft, girlish tone with a level of self-assurance that was almost disarming. Despite her delicate hands, her handshake was firm and meaningful, like that of a businesswoman who had just closed a major deal.
    ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you too,’ Hunter replied, politely. ‘And I hope that some of what you’ve heard wasn’t so bad.’
    She gave him a shy, but truthful smile. ‘None of it was bad.’
    Hunter turned and faced Kennedy again.
    ‘I’m glad we managed to catch you before you’d left for your break, Robert,’ Kennedy said.
    Nothing from Hunter.
    ‘Going anywhere nice?
    Hunter held Kennedy’s stare.
    ‘This has got to be bad,’ he finally said. ‘Because I know you’re not the sort to sugar-talk anyone. I also know you couldn’t care less about where I am going on my break. So how about we drop the bullshit? What’s this about, Adrian?’
    Kennedy took a moment, as if he had to carefully consider his answer before finally replying.
    ‘You, Robert. This is about you.’

Four
    Hunter’s attention wandered over to Captain Blake for a brief moment; as their eyes met, she shrugged apologetically.
    ‘They didn’t tell me much, Robert, but the little I know sounds like something you would want to hear.’ She went back to her desk. ‘It’s better if they explain.’
    Hunter looked at Kennedy and waited.
    ‘Why don’t you have a seat, Robert?’ Kennedy said, offering one of the armchairs.
    Hunter didn’t move.
    ‘I’m fine standing, thank you.’
    ‘Coffee?’ Kennedy asked, indicating Captain Blake’s espresso machine in the corner.
    Hunter’s gaze hardened.
    ‘All right, fine.’ Kennedy lifted both hands in a surrender gesture, while at the same time giving Special Agent Taylor an almost imperceptible nod. ‘We’ll get on with it.’ He returned to his seat.
    Taylor put down her cup of coffee and stepped forward, pausing just beside Kennedy’s chair.
    ‘OK,’ she began. ‘Five days ago, at around six in the morning, while driving south down US Route 87, a Mr John Garner suffered a heart attack just outside a small town called Wheatland, in southeastern Wyoming. Needless to say, he lost control of his pick-up