The Naturals, #2
Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Chapter 36
Overview
Briggs returns with the king of spades from Trina Simms’s pocket, confirming Daniel Redding’s involvement and message to Dean and the FBI. Sterling reframes the case as two offenders: a dominant strategist and a subordinate. Cassie lowers the UNSUB’s age floor to seventeen and identifies the role as apprentice, not partner.
Summary
Late at night, the team gathers as Agents Briggs and Sterling return and present evidence from Trina Simms’s pockets: a king of spades. Dean admits he suspected Redding’s involvement because Simms died right after Dean, Cassie, and Michael visited her, paralleling Redding’s past manipulations.
Dean explains Redding’s pattern of technical truths and psychological control, noting Redding knew where to find the professor and would ensure Dean recognized his influence. Sterling adds that the card also taunts the FBI, signaling they are playing Redding’s game.
Sterling analyzes the first crime’s mixed organized and disorganized elements, concluding there are two offenders: a dominant planner and a subordinate executor. Dean agrees, framing the dynamic as control and compliance.
Considering Redding’s motives—ownership of Dean and the desire to mold another—Cassie proposes lowering the UNSUB’s age floor to seventeen, implicitly connecting to Dean’s age and the mentorship dynamic Redding craves.
The team solidifies the new model: they are not dealing with a copycat nor true partners. Cassie labels the second offender an apprentice, with Redding orchestrating from prison and using the murders to manipulate Dean and the investigation.
Who Appears
- Dean ReddingProfiles the UNSUB, recognizes Redding’s message, and reframes the offender dynamic as dominance and compliance.
- CassieNarrator; steers the discussion to specifics and lowers the UNSUB’s age to seventeen, naming him an apprentice.
- Agent SterlingIdentifies mixed organized/disorganized signatures, concluding two offenders; acknowledges Redding’s psychological game.
- Agent BriggsReturns with evidence from Trina Simms— the king of spades—confirming Redding’s involvement.
- LiaHighlights Redding’s half-truth tactics and supports Dean during the discussion.
- SloanePresent during the late-night debrief; contributes by listening as analysis unfolds.
- JuddHouse guardian who keeps the team up with coffee during the late-night wait.
- Daniel ReddingImprisoned killer manipulating events; sends the king of spades to taunt and control.
- Unknown apprentice (UNSUB)Younger subordinate directed by Redding; likely around seventeen; carries out attacks.