The Cold Moon (Lincoln Rhyme 7)

* Lived in Battery Park.

* Freelance copywriter.

* No known enemies.

* No warrants, state or federal.

* Checking for a connection with buildings around alley. None found.

Perp:

* The Watchmaker.

* Male.

* No database entries for the Watchmaker.

M.O.:

* Dragged from vehicle to alley, where iron bar was suspended over him. Eventually crushed throat.

* Awaiting medical examiner's report to confirm.

* No evidence of sexual activity.

* Time of death: approximately 10:15 P.M. to 11 P.M. Monday night. Medical examiner to confirm.

Evidence:

* Clock.

* No explosives, chemical-or bioagents.

* Identical to clock at pier.

* No fingerprints, minimal trace.

* Arnold Products, Framingham, MA.

* Sold by Hallerstein's Timepieces, Manhattan.

* Poem left by perp at both scenes.

* Computer printer, generic paper, HP LaserJet ink.

* Text:

The full Cold Moon is in the sky, shining on the corpse of earth, signifying the hour to die

and end the journey begun at birth.

--The Watchmaker

* Not in any poetry databases; probably his own.

* Cold Moon is lunar month, the month of death.

* $60 in pocket, no serial number leads; prints negative.