Page 55 of Shadow of Doubt
Colin continued to hope smoke inhalation had gotten this guy first, but the trail of gasoline straight to his body probably said otherwise. Colin studied the victim. There didn’t seem to be any change or attempt to remove the remains.
He introduced Brooklyn to Kelsey.
“Nice to meet you,” Brooklyn said but kept her focus in the distance.
“I’m sorry it’s under such difficult circumstances,” Kelsey said.
“How’s your progress coming?” he asked Kelsey to move them along, yet try not to come across as judgmental.
“I get it, it doesn’t look like I’ve done a thing, does it?” She wrinkled her nose. “But I assure you I’ve been busy. We’ve completed the photos, and I’m in the process of stabilizing the remains before moving and transporting them.”
“Stabilizing?” Brooklyn asked, but looked at Kelsey instead of the victim.
She shifted the plastic bottle to her other hand. “As I mentioned, the person’s fingerprints and DNA are often destroyed in high-temperature fires, which we have here. They’re the most resilient part of the body. However, with victims this severely burned, the dental remains are the fastest and most reliable way to gain ID.”
“I hear abutcoming,” Dev said.
“You’re right.” She compressed her lips into a flat line. “But incinerated dental remains can be fragile, falling apart in transport and leading to errors in ID. So if we can stabilize them before transport we have a better chance of being accurate. We have a new method to accomplish that. Special spray glue.” She held up the spray bottle. “I’m setting a virtual cast over the victim’s jaw, and we’ll have better odds of finding his ID.”
“Seems like you really are on your game,” Brooklyn said.
“They’re the best at what they do,” Dev said. “And that includes using new and cutting-edge procedures. Superhuman forensic staff.”
“I assure you we’re very human.” Kelsey waved a hand. “We do our best and are fortunate that researchers like to partner with us to test new products and procedures.”
“What about DNA?” Colin asked. “Do you still think that’s a viable option?”
Kelsey frowned. “I don’t know yet. I mentioned the heat factor, where there’s an inverse correlation. The higher the burn temperature, the less DNA is maintained.” She stared at the remains. “Emory’s test group used two different techniques to obtain DNA on burn victims. Both worked well, one better in fires that burned with higher temperatures like we have here.”
“But it’s different than the basic DNA tests performed for crimes?” Dev asked.
Kelsey nodded. “This technique allows for the amplification of shorter DNA fragments. I know that means nothing to you, but it’s useful in those hotter fires. So Emory has several methods she can use, and our chances of a DNA identity are better than if we hadn’t been called in.”
“I’m thankful you came,” Brooklyn said. “I will forever be in your debt.”
“Glad to do it.” Kelsey gave a soft smile that she seemed to have at the ready at all times, even at a gruesome scene like theone surrounding them. “We would love it if you found a way to pay it forward but don’t require it.”
“I will.” Brooklyn’s firm tone said she fully intended to do so. “You can count on it.”
Kelsey tipped her head at the body. “That’s all I have for now, and I need to get back to it, but you’re welcome to check in with Sierra.”
“We will,” Colin said. “Thanks for your help.”
He escorted Brooklyn across the house, picking their way through rubble and debris. Chelsea had joined Sierra and was snapping photos of something by a marker.
Colin wanted to ask about the item right off the bat, but he didn’t want to be rude, so he introduced Brooklyn.
They exchanged greetings, and Sierra introduced them to Chelsea, who cast a quick smile then went back to work.
“What have you found that Chelsea can’t seem to look away from?” Brooklyn asked.
“Sorry, we all get like that on the job at times.” Sierra cast an apologetic look at Brooklyn. “Nothing particularly unusual, but could be crucial to the investigation.”
“Okay, now I wouldn’t be able to look away either.” Brooklyn’s coloring started to return. “But your marker is hiding the item.”
“Sorry,” Sierra said. “It’s a shell casing. Looks like a 9mm, but that’s just a guess. Grady, our weapon’s expert, will have to confirm. Regardless, it could be proof that a bullet had been discharged here. Or not. Just a casing dropped. Could’ve been left as a way to lead us off track. We won’t know unless we recover a slug.”
“Mind if we take a closer look at it?” Dev asked. “We all have weapons chambered for 9mms.”
