The Cold Moon (Lincoln Rhyme 7)

* Black flakes--roofing tar.

* Checking ASTER thermal images of New York for possible sources.

Other:

* Perp was checking out victim earlier than attack. Targeting her for a purpose. What?

* Have police scanner. Changing frequency.

* Vehicle.

* Tan SUV.

* No tag number.

* Putting out Emergency Vehicle Locator.

* 423 owners of tan Explorers in area. Cross-reference against criminal warrants. Two found. One owner too old; other is in jail on drug charges.

BENJAMIN CREELEY HOMICIDE

* * *

* 56-year-old Creeley, apparently suicide by hanging. Clothesline. But had broken thumb, couldn't tie noose.

* Computer-written suicide note about depression. But appeared not to be sucidally depressed, no history of mental/emotional problems.

* Around Thanksgiving two men broke into his house and possibly burned evidence. White men, but faces not observed. One bigger than other. They were inside for about an hour.

* Evidence in Westchester house:

* Broke through lock; skillful job.

* Leather texture marks on fireplace tools and Creeley's desk.

* Soil in front of fireplace has higher acid content than soil around house and contains pollutants. From industrial site?

* Traces of burned cocaine in fireplace.

* Ash in fireplace.

* Financial records, spreadsheet, references to millions of dollars.

* Checking logo on documents, sending entries to forensic accountant.

* Diary re: getting oil changed, haircut appointment and going to St. James Tavern.

* St. James Tavern

* Creeley came here several times.

* Apparently didn't use drugs while here.

* Not sure whom he met with, but maybe cops from the nearby 118th Precinct of the NYPD.

* Last time he was here--just before his death--he got into an argument with persons unknown.

* Checked money from officers at St. James--serial numbers are clean, but found coke and heroin. Stolen from precinct?