Question G

[Jonetta]

Kim chose to keep Stacey & Penn in the dark about the case’s connection to her past, over Bryant’s strong objections, until the second murder. However, Stacey astutely sensed that something was missing. What do you think of Kim’s decision at the time?

[Sharon]

I understand her apprehension. She didn't want to expose her vulnerability if she didn't have to; mainly because she didn't want to see pity in her team's eyes.

[Robin]

I think Kim did not want Stacey or Penn knowing about her past problems. She thought she could handle the case with Bryant's help and catch the killer. When a second murder patterned after her past pops up, she knows that she is going to need help from the whole team.

[Lynn]

I agree with both Sharon and Robin on this question. This goes back to Kim's desire to compartmentalize her past.

[Sharon]

The more I think about this question, I realize how strong Kim is. There are a lot of people who would find it difficult to share with close colleagues all the horrendous details of their childhood. For Kim, her personal pain isn't as important as justice.

[~Teresa]

Kim is an extremely private person and as Lynn pointed out tries to keep her past compartmentalized. She doesn’t want anyone’s sympathy or, more importantly, want her team to analyze each case they pick up to make sure it won’t trigger her. It took courage for her to allow her team in.

[Jonetta]

As much as she believed this case was connected to her, Kim wanted to wait until it was clearly definitive before opening up her past to the team. There is safety in keeping a past you’ve risen above secret from your colleagues, no matter how close you’ve become. I empathized with her as if I were in her same shoes, I wouldn’t want my work associates to know these intimate details.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Agree with all of you. As the book progresses and we find out more about Kim's life I admire her even more. Poor girl, what a childhood.