The Broken Window (Lincoln Rhyme 8)

"So you'd say that the man who printed this out knows computers."

"Yeah, he'd have to, I guess. Only he didn't print it out."

"What?"

"You can't print or download anything. Even with the print screen command. There's a filter on the system--to prevent stalkers, you know. And you can't crack it. It's like what protects copyrighted books online."

"Then how did he get the picture?" Rhyme asked.

Pam laughed. "Oh, he probably did what we all do at school if we want a shot of a cute guy or some weird Goth chick. We just take a picture of the screen with a digital camera. Everybody does that."

"Sure," Rhyme said, shaking his head. "Never occurred to me."

"Oh, don't worry, Mr. Rhyme," the girl said. "A lot of times people miss the obvious answer."

Sachs glanced at Rhyme, who smiled at the girl's reassurance. "Okay, Pam. Thanks. I'll see you later."

" 'Bye!"

"Let's fill in the portrait of our friend."

Sachs picked up the marker and stepped to the whiteboard.

* * *

UNSUB 522 PROFILE

* Male

* Possibly smokes or lives/works with someone who does, or near source of tobacco * Has children or lives/works near them or near source of toys

* Interest in art, coins?

* Probably white or light-skinned ethnic

* Medium build

* Strong--able to strangle victims

* Access to voice-disguise equipment

* Possibly computer literate; knows OurWorld. Other social-networking sites?

* Takes trophies from victims. Sadist?

* Portion of residence/workplace dark and moist

NONPLANTED EVIDENCE

* Dust

* Old cardboard

* Hair from doll, BASF B35 nylon 6

* Tobacco from Tareyton cigarettes

* Old tobacco, not Tareyton, but brand unknown