Euzent seemed pumped to share his observations with the group. “First let’s look at whether or not you actually have a serial killer here. A serial killer hunts humans for the sexual-type thrill and believes he can do it over and over, never expecting to be caught. Clearly your man is confident in his skills . . . yes, I’m going to say it’s a man instead of a woman. The odds are with us, and there’ve been a few other signs that tell me we’re dealing with a man.

“Our unsub does not expect to be caught. He’s orchestrated three elaborate scenes without being noticed during the staging. I know you’re still analyzing trace evidence, but for the most part, he hasn’t left obvious clues to his identity. He has to be feeling pretty proud about that. He’s going to want to do it again.”

Moans sounded from the group.

I don’t want another early morning on a bridge tomorrow.

Euzent gave a sympathetic smile. “I know. But from what I’ve seen, most unsubs enjoy their power to keep you hopping. They’re addicted to that feeling, and can’t keep up their standard of discreetness. They get sloppy as they focus on achieving satisfaction. This is what separates the serial killer from the mass killer. Typically the mass killer has an endgame strategy. He has a statement to make and doesn’t expect to come out alive. These are your school and mall shooters.”

Ava saw heads nodding all around the room. Clearly this didn’t describe their unsub.

“He’s also not a spree killer. Although three bodies in three days can indicate a spree, I see too much thought and planning in these deaths.”

More nods.

“But how can you say he’s getting a sexual thrill from these deaths? There’s no sexual abuse of the bodies. I can’t believe every serial killer is sexually motivated,” stated Mason.

“Correct. He hasn’t sexually abused the bodies. The thrill he’s receiving is comparable to a sexual thrill. It’s the manipulation, domination, and control of the crime that feeds the same pleasure center. He’s not ‘getting off’ at the scene or with the victims; he’s experiencing an identical high. Often they’ll use fantasy to later remember the deaths and staging the scene to achieve a sexual release. This can be when the serial killer will start speeding up his game. His memories and fantasies of the deaths are insufficient, so he goes hunting again to satisfy his need for the thrill. But our unsub has set an amazing pace already. I don’t think the sexual thrill is his driving factor. I think it’s the control and domination of these particular men and the need for the world to witness it.”

Ava raised a hand. “We’ve been debating a theory that Carson Scott was chosen as the first victim to shine the brightest spotlight on the deaths from the very beginning.”

“I completely agree,” Euzent stated, nodding emphatically. “Especially since the third victim has yet to be identified. He’s clearly a quiet man whose death wouldn’t command a lot of attention. Scott’s death would. And did.”

“But is that the only reason he was chosen?” asked Ava.

“Good question. I don’t think we have enough information yet, but we’ll keep that in mind as a possibility. It raises a question about the motive. Was there a different motive altogether for Carson Scott? As soon as we understand the motive, we’ll figure out the who. We need to analyze the why, aided by the analysis of the how.”

That’s why we’re sitting here. Ava took a deep breath, impatient for Euzent to give them some juicy meat to chew on. BAU agents had a tendency to microanalyze everything, but that was the process that made them the experts.

“Sometimes you have to look at what’s not present at the scenes,” Euzent went on. “Here’s what I don’t see in these cases. Our victims aren’t wrapped in a sheet or covered in some way. A killer will often take that extra step when he has a bit of remorse or is demonstrating some tender feelings.”

Mason and Zander snorted in unison. Ava had to smile. Yes, thinking of their unsub having tender feelings was a stretch.

“There’s been no attempt to give the victims some dignity or possibly hide them from sight of other people. Someone who does this would be a person who doesn’t feel good about what he’s just done. Our unsub proudly displays the victims for all to see. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the victims and has no remorse.”

“Clearly,” muttered Mason.

“But what about the bandaged wrists and clean bodies?” asked Ava. “Do you see that as an indication of feelings for the victims? He’s apparently taken some care to make them presentable.”

“Excellent point. I’ve taken that into consideration, but I feel that he’s bandaged them and cleaned them for his own requirements in preparing his scenes, not out of any sympathy. The cleaning is most likely to remove some evidence and the bandaged wrists are to make the victim easier to work with.”

Ava leaned back in her chair, mulling over the agent’s words.

“I think the unsub is getting back at people he believes hurt or slighted him.”

The atmosphere in the room perked up and Ava nodded. They’d all felt the controlled anger expressed by the public display of nudity and violence.

“Now, why is our subject taking this path to express his displeasure?” Euzent paused and looked around the room. “Let’s consider what brings a man to this action. Obviously, when most people are pissed off, they don’t hang their naked neighbors from the closest bridge, so why did our guy take that step? And repeat it two more times so far?”