Page 91 of Rules

"And you believe the escaped suspect, Michael Thorne is behind this?" she asked.

"Yes." I explained the roses.

"And the lady you're interested in runs that flower shop?"

I nodded.

"Do you have any concrete evidence linking Michael to these crimes?"

"The circumstantial evidence is compelling," I said, a defensive edge creeping into my voice. "We know his methods, his psychology. This has his fingerprints all over it. Law Summers and I both believe it."

"Law is Wallace Summers? The government bounty hunter?"

"Yes, he's back in Whispering Pines to capture Michael."

"And how's that going? Bounty hunters are known to operate by their own rules. Especially ones hired by the government."

I unclenched my jaw, not wanting her to pick up on any tension Law and I might have. "We get along great. No problems, we've known each other since grade school."

"This Michael," She cocked her head the other direction. "What drives him, do you think? Why return to Whispering Pines? Why this elaborate game?"

Good grief this lady jumps topics like we're on a trampoline. "Michael is motivated by power. Power over people. Also, revenge and control. He likes playing with people, manipulating them. Making them feel helpless while he demonstrates his power."

"And how does that make you feel? Being targeted by someone with those motivations?"

"I'm not being targeted," I said automatically. "The town is."

Dr. Salinger raised an eyebrow, prompting me to reconsider.

"Alright, maybe I am a target. But I'm not afraid of him, if that's what you're asking."

"I'm asking how you feel, Tobias."

Taking a deep breath I answered. "Frustrated. Angry. I want to catch him before he hurts anyone else." I leaned forward. "Look, I understand what you're trying to do here, but digging into my feelings isn't going to help me catch Michael."

"Perhaps not directly," she conceded. "But understanding your own reactions might prevent you from playing into his hands."

That gave me pause. "How so?"

"People like this Michael, thrive on creating emotional responses. Anger, fear, and helplessness are the reactions that can cloud judgment, lead to mistakes." She studied me. "If he's targeting you specifically, it's because he believes he can manipulate your actions through your emotions."

I considered this. "So you're saying I should... what? Not care about the crimes he's committing?"

"Not at all. I'm suggesting that awareness of your own emotional responses gives you power over them and therefore over him." She folded her hands in her lap. "For instance, your anger at him, and at Commissioner Clark, and me for bringing up your relationships is palpable. How might that anger affect your ability to make a decision?"

"I make rational decisions," I insisted.

"Are you? Let's consider another example." Her tone remained even, professional. "Let's get back to the flower shop business owner."

My stomach tightened. "No."

"Touched a nerve, have I? Instantly I know you have feelings for this person. And by observing your body language and your response I know you have strong feelings for them. That gives an opening for someone like Michael to manipulate you and perhaps her."

The thought of Ruth being in danger because of me had kept me awake more nights than I cared to admit. "I've taken steps to ensure their safety."

"While maintaining emotional distance?"

"Yes."

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