Page 30 of Evil Bones
“First, the act must be truly horrific.”
“Like kidnapping and torturing a child.”
“I think everyone would agree that qualifies as evil. Second, the act must be intentional.”
“Malice aforethought.” I used the legal expression.
“Yes. The act must be preceded by some degree of planning.”
“Not triggered by sudden emotion, like jealousy or rage. In other words, the violence isn’t impulsive.”
“Exactly,” she agreed. “When did you complete your psych degree?”
“Yeah, yeah.” I circled a wrist for her to continue.
“Third, the level of suffering inflicted must be extreme.”
An image of Bear flashed in my brain. Mercifully, he’d been shot.
“Finally, the nature of the act must seem inexplicable.”
“Incomprehensible to normal people,” I said.
She nodded. “Beyond what the average Joe can imagine or understand.”
“The average Joe.” I picked up on her phrase. “Do you believe that the ordinary person is capable of this type of premeditated violence?”
“Many violent acts are committed by the mentally ill. Nevertheless”—she raised a finger to emphasize her point—“I’d give that a yes.”
“What do you mean by the ‘mentally ill’?” I hooked air quotes around her words.
“Persons with psychosis.”
I looked a question at her.
“Those with schizophrenia, which primarily affects thought processes, and those with manic depression, which primarily affects mood.”
“It seems the term ‘psychosis’ covers pretty broad territory.”
“Indeed. It’s kind of a catchall for any condition that disturbs one’s grip on reality.”
Our food arrived, tempura and sushi platters. We fell into a companionable silence as we dipped and ate.
Adina broke it.
“Don’t get the wrong impression, Tempe. Most mentally ill people go their whole lives never hurting anyone.”
“Are you and your colleagues able to predict who among the mentally ill might become violent?”
“There are known risk factors.”
“Such as?”
Adina thought a moment. “Command hallucinations.”
“Hearing voices that urge violent acts.”
“Yes. Also, delusions of persecution.”
