his next victim won't know better than to be caught alone with an adept, will she?"

his next victim won't know better than to be caught alone with an adept, will she?"

"Is Ramirez taking charge of this investigation?"

Loomis nodded. "Temporarily, until the Bureau can send out a field agent."

"When's that going to be?"

"I don't know. That's up to the Bureau."

"So then when this field agent arrives, he'll be taking charge, but meanwhile, you're working under

Ramirez?"

"Let's say we're working together. Professor Ramirez is primarily an administrator. He has no

background in criminal investigations. But he's advising me on the . . . unique aspects of this case."

Ginny Fairchild was busily scribbling notes.

"Look, do me a favor, Ginny, please, and just report the facts," said Loomis. "The facts are bad enough

as they are. Don't go spicing it up any, okay?"

"A story like this, I won't have to," she replied. "Have you got any leads yet?"

"Nothing I'm at liberty to discuss."

"In other words, no."

Loomis did not respond.

"So Ramirez will be checking on all the adepts in town for you," she said.

"Professor Ramirez is merely acting in an advisory capacity, pending the arrival of the Bureau field

agent," Loomis said. "Until then, I'll be conducting the investigation myself."

"Oh? Can you read minds, as well?"

Loomis frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"You mean you didn't know? Ramirez is a sensitive."

Loomis stared at her. "Where the hell did you come up with that?"

"You really didn't know? He didn't tell you?"

"No, he didn't."

"Well, that's interesting."

"Where did you get this information?"