The Vanished Man (Lincoln Rhyme 5)

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Lincoln Rhyme Crime Scene

* Victim: Lincoln Rhyme.

* Perp's identity: Erick A. Weir.

* LKA Las Ve

gas.

* Burned in fire in Ohio, three years ago. Hasbro and Keller Brothers Circus. Disappeared after. Third-degree burns. Producer was Edward Kadesky.

* Conviction in New Jersey for reckless endangerment.

* Obsessed with fire.

* Manic. Referred to "Revered Audience."

* Performed dangerous tricks.

* Married to Marie Cosgrove, killed in fire.

* He hasn't contacted her family since.

* Weir's parents dead, no next of kin.

* No VICAP or NCIC on Weir.

* Referred to himself as "Wizard of the North."

* Attacked Rhyme because he had to stop him before Sunday afternoon.

* Eye color--brown.

* Psychological profile (per Terry Dobyns, NYPD): Revenge motivates him though he may not realize it. He wants to get even. Angry all the time. By killing he takes away some of the pain because of death of his wife, loss of ability to perform.

* Weir contacted assistants recently: John Keating and Arthur Loesser, in Nevada. Asking about the fire and people involved with it. Described Weir as crazed, overbearing, manic, dangerous, but brilliant.

* Killed victims because of what they represented--possibly happy or traumatic moments before the fire.

* Gasoline-soaked handkerchief, not traceable.

* Ecco shoes, no trace.

Detention Center Escape Scenes

* Squibs and bladder from fake wound--homemade, no source.

* Artificial blood (sugar syrup + red food coloring), fragments of beef bone, gray sponge to simulate brain, real blood, razor knife blade.

* DOC officer's Glock.

* Handcuffs.

* Unsuccessful attempt to clean up blood.