The Vanished Man (Lincoln Rhyme 5)

"With its six hundred and eighty-two rooms. Better get to it."

They left the Twins to their arduous task.

Cooper's computer beeped and he read an incoming email. "FBI lab in Washington. . . . Finally got a report on the metal shavings in the Conjurer's gym bag. They say the markings suggest they're consistent with a clock mechanism."

"Well, it's not a clock," Rhyme said. "Obviously."

"How do you know?" Bell asked.

"It's a detonator," Sachs said solemnly.

"That's what I'd say," Rhyme confirmed.

"A gas bomb?" Cooper asked, nodding toward the handkerchief "souvenir" Weir had left last night, which had been soaked in gasoline.

"Likely."

"He's got a supply of gas and he's obsessed with fire. He's going to burn the next victim."

Just like what happened to him.

Fire quote murdered him--his old persona--and by murdering someone else he feels better; it reduces the anxiety that the anger builds up in him. . . .

Rhyme noticed the hour was approaching 12:00. Almost afternoon. . . . The next victim was going to die soon. But when, 12:01 or 4:00? A shudder of frustration and anger started at the base of his skull and vanished into his stony body. They had so little time.

Maybe no time at all.

But he could come to no conclusions based on the evidence they had. And the day dragged on, slow as an IV drip.

A fax arrived. Cooper read it. "From the document examiner in Queens. They opened up the newspaper that was in the Mazda. No notations anywhere and nothing was circled. Those're the headlines."

He taped it to the board.

Electrical Breakdown

Closes Police Station

for Almost 4 Hours

New York in Running

for GOP Convention

Parents Protest

Poor Security at

Girls' School

Militia Murder Plot

Trial Opens Monday

Weekend Gala at Met

to Benefit Charities

Spring Entertainment