The Investigator’s Misreading

The Ax

Detective Burton’s inquiry follows real connections among the victims but misreads Exman’s disappearance, allowing Burke to remain concealed for now.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Coincidence at First A Coincidence at First from "The Ax". A Coincidence at First Two Applicants, Two Victims Burton learns through Willis and Kendall that two candidates for a job have been murdered.

A Coincidence at First from "The Ax". A Coincidence at First Two Applicants, Two Victims Burton learns through Willis and Kendall that two candidates for a job have been murdered.

A Coincidence at First Two Applicants, Two Victims Burton learns through Willis and Kendall that two candidates for a job have been murdered. He initially treats the shared application as possibly coincidental. Canvassing for a Link Because he does not yet know what he is looking for, Burton questions people with paper-industry connections. Burke’s interview for the same job makes him part of the inquiry.

Burke’s First Interview Burke’s First Interview from "The Ax". Burke’s First Interview Photographs Presented Burton shows Burke photographs of Everly and Asche and asks whether he knows them.

Burke’s First Interview from "The Ax". Burke’s First Interview Photographs Presented Burton shows Burke photographs of Everly and Asche and asks whether he knows them.

Burke’s First Interview Photographs Presented Burton shows Burke photographs of Everly and Asche and asks whether he knows them. Burke expresses sadness at their deaths while denying recognition. An Unresolved Meeting Burton leaves without identifying Burke as the killer. Burke interprets the encounter as evidence that he remains safe, though the detective has begun assembling the details that can connect the victims.

The Contract Gathering The Contract Gathering from "The Ax". The Contract Gathering A Past Meeting Place Burton links Everly, Asche, and Exman to a government-paper contract gathering in Washington.

The Contract Gathering from "The Ax". The Contract Gathering A Past Meeting Place Burton links Everly, Asche, and Exman to a government-paper contract gathering in Washington.

The Contract Gathering A Past Meeting Place Burton links Everly, Asche, and Exman to a government-paper contract gathering in Washington. Representatives from competing companies had attended at the same time. A Possible Association Burton cannot prove the men met one another, but sees the event as a plausible connection. The past provides a structure that might explain the present crimes.

Exman Vanishes Exman Vanishes from "The Ax". Exman Vanishes A Sudden Absence Exman leaves his job and disappears, leaving his car behind.

Exman Vanishes A Sudden Absence Exman leaves his job and disappears, leaving his car behind. Burton interprets the flight as suspicious and investigates Exman’s relationships and home life. A Strong but Wrong Theory The police find guns and learn about Exman’s marital difficulties. Those details reinforce their suspicion even though they have not discovered that Burke killed him.

The Prime Suspect The Prime Suspect from "The Ax". The Prime Suspect A Theory Shared Burton tells Burke that Exman is now the prime suspect and may have fled to Singapore.

The Prime Suspect from "The Ax". The Prime Suspect A Theory Shared Burton tells Burke that Exman is now the prime suspect and may have fled to Singapore.

The Prime Suspect A Theory Shared Burton tells Burke that Exman is now the prime suspect and may have fled to Singapore. He explains that Exman had a troubled personal life and many weapons. Burke’s Temporary Protection Burke listens without correcting Burton’s assumptions. The false theory buys him time, but the detective’s discovery of a shared past among victims leaves the case open.

Late June 1997

A few years before the murders, recalled July 3, 1997

After Burton questions Exman, late June 1997

July 3, 1997