“Not if we can understand this killer’s psychology,” Riley said, slipping the unfolded swan into an evidence bag that Dr.Wexler held out for her.As she sealed it, something crystallized in her mind—fragments of insight coalescing into a pattern she could almost grasp.
“This killer has law enforcement background,” she stated, the certainty in her voice drawing surprised looks from those gathered around Patricia Walsh’s body.“Or at least close proximity to it.”
“What makes you say that?”Brookman asked, his skepticism momentarily replaced by genuine curiosity.
Riley knew she couldn’t explain the details of how these insights actually came to her, but she could describe the visible clues that might make sense to others.Gesturing to the visible scene around them—the carefully positioned victim, the precisely folded origami, the derisive message- she explained, “Everything about these murders is structured around the kind of dilemmas an investigator might face.The first origami figure had a written warning not to unfold it, which immediately creates a conflict for investigators—respect the warning or potentially destroy evidence.The second figure was designed to disintegrate when touched, reinforcing that dilemma.”
She indicated the evidence bag containing the swan.“This one introduces a new twist—it was meant to be unfolded, contrary to what the previous murders taught us.The killer is deliberately creating scenarios that force us to make difficult decisions about how to handle evidence, knowing that whatever choice we make could be wrong.”
Brookman’s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as he processed her words.“You’re saying these murders are about making us—law enforcement—face impossible choices?”
“Exactly.These aren’t crimes of passion or opportunity.They’re methodically designed scenarios, almost like training exercises that confront investigators with no-win situations.”Riley looked back at Patricia Walsh’s body, still seated against the ancient oak.“Someone who understands the intricacies of evidence collection, who knows how investigators think and work—that’s who we’re looking for.”
The medical examiner’s team had begun preparing to transport the body, their movements careful to preserve any remaining evidence.Riley stepped back, allowing them space to work.
“That’s good insight, Agent Paige,” Brookman said, his tone grudgingly respectful.“Though I’d expect nothing less from someone with your reputation.”He glanced at his watch.“We need to interview Patricia Walsh’s roommate.Lucy Gilbert.I’ve already contacted her—she’s waiting at their apartment.”
“Let’s go, then,” Riley replied.“She might be able to help us understand how Walsh connects to the other victims.”
As they began walking away from the scene, back toward the park entrance where their vehicles waited, Riley noticed Ann Marie’s pensive expression.She slowed her pace, allowing Brookman to pull ahead, then touched her partner’s arm lightly.
“Something on your mind?”she asked quietly.
Ann Marie glanced at Brookman’s retreating back before responding.“I was just thinking about what you said about the killer.Do you really believe it’s someone from law enforcement?”
“I do,” Riley confirmed.“But there’s something else I’m not ready to share with Brookman.”She lowered her voice further.“I believe the killer is a woman—just as she presented herself in those therapy sessions.That wasn’t a disguise or misdirection.”
“Fawn Waller,” Ann Marie murmured.
“A false name, but a real woman.”Riley frowned, trying to articulate the certainty she felt.“There’s a distinctly female aura to these scenes—not just in their execution, but in their emotional architecture.The way the victims are positioned with dignity, the careful selection of origami figures.It’s almost...maternal in its attention to detail.”
Ann Marie considered this.“Brookman would want more concrete evidence than your intuition.”
“Which is why I’m telling you, not him.I don’t have the evidence yet, but I know I’m right.The question is, who is she?And who’s next on her list?”
They approached the perimeter where police had established a barrier between the crime scene and the gathering crowd of onlookers and press.Riley spotted the same Channel 7 News reporter from earlier, her perfectly styled hair unmoved by the morning breeze, a cameraman at her side like a faithful guard dog.
This time, however, the woman’s eyes locked onto Riley with a predator’s recognition.She ducked under the police tape before the nearest officer could stop her, microphone extended like a weapon.
“Agent Riley Paige,” she called out, the cameraman swinging his lens to capture Riley’s face.“Renowned FBI profiler.Is it true you’ve been brought in because local police are out of their depth with the Origami Killer?”
Riley’s steps faltered.The reporter had done her homework in the brief time since their earlier encounter.Around them, other journalists perked up at the sound of Riley’s name, turning their attention toward her.
“Agent Paige, is the FBI taking over this investigation?”Another voice called out.
“Is this the work of a serial killer?”A third joined in.
Riley felt the eyes of the cameras, the expectation of answers she couldn’t provide.She knew that saying nothing would only fuel speculation, but saying too much could compromise the investigation.A familiar dilemma—one that reminded her uncomfortably of the killer’s methodology.
She met the reporter’s gaze, aware that whatever she said next would be on the evening news.
*
The killer watching Channel 7’s live coverage from Liberty Meadows Park increased the volume on the television.She enjoyed hearing the name they had given her: “The Origami Killer.”
Now the female reporter’s polished voice carried an unmistakable edge of excitement as she thrust her microphone toward a dark-haired woman with shadows under her eyes.“Special Agent Riley Paige,” the reporter called her.The name stirred something deep within her memory, something from more than twenty years ago.
“We are working closely with DC Metropolitan Police on this ongoing investigation,” Paige was saying now.“What I can tell you is that we’re pursuing all available leads.I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
