“Well... not exactly. If he’s not the guy, it will start with Jordan saying he isn’t, and then the evidence will speak. We’re still looking for that third coach — Slavens — and there’s some very suspicious activity on his part.”
“How so?”
“I’m not at liberty to give you the details. But let’s say, suspicious enough that I don’t rule him out — or the possibility that he and Carlyle were a killing duo.”
And so much was left for this new official investigation — getting tests back on the shell casings for a start. If the Glock found near Kay’s late brother-in-law matched the New York shell casing, and the gun turned out to be Carlyle’s stolen pistol, then a slam dunk was coming.
Mark said, “I do think there’s enough doubt that it would be advisable for you to have police protection. Let me make a call from here, and I’ll get a patrol car out front. Right away.”
Phillip shook his head. “Not necessary.”
“If it means anything, Jordan sent me over here specifically to ask you to reconsider. I was at the crime scene. I saw what this monster did to Levi. Trust me, you don’t want to take any chances.”
The lipless smile made a terrible crease in the ravaged face. “Detective, meaning no offense, especially not to you personally — but we both know this individual certainly has the capacity to circumvent a simple parked police car. After all, he’s been outsmarting the police for over a decade.”
“I can’t argue with that, sir. But that was before. This is all catching up with him. And, all due respect, I believe police protection can create a wall between you and this madman.”
“I appreciate your concern, young man. I really do. But, no. I can protect myself.” He gestured toward his flattened features. “I was attacked once. My guard has not been lowered since.”
“I can understand that, but—”
He gestured vaguely around. “There are weapons salted here and there in my home. I am prepared for any contingency.”
This was an extraordinarily dangerous attitude, but Mark had said his piece. Ultimately, it was up to Phillip.
Shifting in the uncomfortable chair, Mark said, “I understand you’re a professor of religion.”
“Well, an instructor.” Phillip gave up a wry chuckle. “It’s hard to be a ‘professor’ online.”
“Still, that makes you an expert. Any other thoughts on that Bible verse the killer quoted to Jordan?”
“It’s amazing that she spoke to you of that.”
“Well, she did. Told me about that entire terrible night in detail.”
Phillip shook his head and formed what Mark guessed was a half smile. “She must trust you, Detective Pryor. She held that in for a very long time.”
“What about the verse?”
“Well... I can tell you that Levi thought it was the key. We spoke at length about its various interpretations, found opinions and even articles on the Net.”
Mark sighed, nodded. “I’ve done that myself, not that I’ve gotten anywhere much.”
“I’d be happy to hear your views, Detective.”
“Okay. Well. Deuteronomy is a book about the law... God’s law.”
Phillip chuckled. “That’s a statement that could be made about most books of the Bible.”
“There was a theory the coffee-shop team flirted with, early on, Jordan said... but that got tossed by the wayside. It might apply.”
“What theory is that?”
“That these were hate crimes.”
A ghastly smile appeared on the lipless lips. “You think this individual has appointed himself, what... God’s sheriff?”
“Couldn’t it be that simple? Take Jordan’s family. Her brother, Jimmy, was openly gay. Many conservative Christians consider that a sin, though I don’t believe it’s really in the Bible anywhere.”
“Leviticus,” Phillip said, correcting him. “20:13. ‘If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.’ ”
Mark smiled. “I thought I knew my Bible pretty well, but I’m out of my league talking to you.”
Phillip shrugged. “Bad habit teachers have — correcting everyone, even outside of class.”
Mark sat forward. “No, I appreciate the help. Like... I’m still having trouble with Deuteronomy. What the heck does this mean — ‘Thou shalt not wear garments of divers sorts; as of woolen and linen together?’ Any ideas?”
Phillip leaned back, gathering his thoughts. Mark watched him, the lipless mouth, the smashed nose, the loud breathing, all so hideous, and yet the vibe he got from Phillip was one of peacefulness. The man seemed... what word best described it? Serene.
When Phillip spoke, it was as if he were tasting each word before uttering it. “What if it’s a racial interpretation?”
“Racial? But it’s about clothing, isn’t it?”
“Different kinds of cloth... different races? Not to be mixed?”
Mark was nodding. “The Riveras were a mixed marriage. David Elkins’s wife is African-American. You might be on to something.”
Phillip raised a gently lecturing finger. “But I would hesitate before I went looking for a racist, some Ku Klux Klan nincompoop. This would not be an individual who considered any one race superior — just someone who respected God’s law that racial lines not be mixed.”
“But that falls apart with Levi.”
Phillip shrugged. “Levi was gay.”
“That might have been a partial motivation for Levi’s murder. But he was deeply closeted, as to his sexuality, back when his parents were killed. And they were both white, so the racial motive is out.”
Phillip frowned. “I thought he mentioned that his mother was Jewish. And I believe his father was Catholic.”
“I believe you’re right. You think religious differences might constitute a mixed marriage in this madman’s mind?”
His host gestured with an open hand. “Being Jewish is also an ethnicity.”
“Hadn’t thought of that.”
“Ethnically, I’m Jewish myself.”
“But not by religion?”
“No. Christianity is a better fit for me. But being raised a Jew has been helpful in my profession — I have a better grasp on the Old Testament, for example, than most Christians.”
“Interesting,” Mark said, but felt they were getting off the track. Still, Phillip was a godsend as a resource for Biblical interpretation.
“For the sake of argument,” Mark said, “let’s say you’re right. These families have in some way broken God’s law, and he’s going to fix it. How does he find these sinful families? Does he stalk them? If so, for how long?”
“Theology is my business, Detective. I’m afraid you’re going well beyond my skill set.”
“Right. Right, I’m sorry. Well, there’s another Bible verse to explore. This one is only implied, but it’s there.”
“Which is what?”
Realizing he might be revealing confidential police information, Mark nonetheless told Phillip about Levi’s eye having been carved out by the killer.
“ ‘If thy eye offend thee,’ ” Phillip said. “There are any number of interpretations of that one.”
“I’ll just bet. Listen, are you up for digging in yet tonight? Or should I come back tomorrow?”
Phillip glanced at his wristwatch, then shrugged. “We could spend an hour or so, yet tonight. I’m up for that if you are, Detective. But if I may be frank? You look a little tired to me.”
“I could use some coffee,” Mark admitted.
“I’ll make some,” Phillip said, rising. The lipless smile managed to seem pleasant. “Give me five minutes. You just relax... if you fall asleep, I’ll nudge you awake.”
Alone in the living room now, Mark got up, stretched, walked around a little. He would need that coffee. At the mantel, he paused at the framed photos.