The Naturals, #2
Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Chapter 14
Overview
Cassie, Lia, and Michael secretly infiltrate a Colonial University frat party to gather intel on Emerson Cole’s murder. Lia stirs tensions, Michael profiles grief, and Cassie engages a lead: Professor Fogle’s TA. He confirms Emerson’s connection to Fogle’s class and lures Cassie to see lecture slides in a locked hall, escalating their off-books investigation.
Summary
On the drive to Colonial University, Cassie observes Lia in the front seat with Michael, noting Lia’s deliberate emphasis that Cassie is doing this for Dean. Lia directs a detour for red cups and Gatorade to fake party punch, subtly needling Michael while setting their cover.
They enter the crowded frat party and split roles: Lia dances and spots lies, Michael reads emotions to identify those most affected by the murder, and Cassie profiles from the edges. Despite many conversations, most leads yield gossip unrelated to Emerson Cole’s death.
A boy in black—Professor Fogle’s teaching assistant—approaches Cassie. He pontificates about mortality, reveals he knew Emerson from Fogle’s “Monsters or Men” class, and mentions a specific lecture of interest. Playing to his ego, Cassie steers him to share more.
The TA offers to show Cassie Fogle’s slides and dangles a key to the lecture hall, proposing they leave the party to view them. Recognizing the opportunity, Cassie meets Michael’s eyes and silently signals him to follow, pushing their unauthorized investigation forward.
Who Appears
- CassieProfiler protagonist; infiltrates the frat party, engages Fogle’s TA, and signals Michael to follow the lead.
- LiaLie detector; orchestrates the outing, stirs Michael–Dean tension, procures cover supplies, and scans partygoers for lies.
- MichaelEmotion reader; drives, profiles mourners at the party, and tracks Cassie’s promising lead.
- Professor Fogle’s TA (unnamed)Self-important student; knew Emerson from class and invites Cassie to view Fogle’s lecture slides in a locked hall.
- Emerson ColeMurder victim; her connection to Fogle’s class guides Cassie’s lead at the party.
- Professor FogleSerial-killer course instructor; person of interest whose lecture and slides become the chapter’s investigative focus.