Page 99 of Race to Save Her

Chris used his flashlight to get a better look at what Cisco had located. It glistened slightly but some of it was already a dried crimson stippled along some low-lying ivy. Some spots were larger than others.

“Blood,” she said. “Did John show you how to collect evidence like this?”

“Yes.” He took off his backpack and pulled out several canisters. He took several photos and put on gloves to collect some of the evidence on top of the leaves for testing.

“That’s great,” she said, watching the deputy. She knew it had to be the killer’s blood—it had to be.

They continued as the undergrowth became shorter and it was easier to see that someone had recently made their way through the area.

Cisco slowed his pace and started sniffing more intensely as he began to follow a scent.

“He’s onto something,” she said quietly to Chris.

They trailed along behind the big dog until they finally came to a roadway. It was some type of private road, but unclear if it belonged to one of the bordering properties.

They stopped.

Cisco still worked the immediate area and then he stopped too. The trail had run cold.

Katie could clearly see recent tire tracks for a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV. It looked as if their killer had been picked up.

“Let’s get some photos,” she said. “Try to get as much detail as possible so John can examine them and possibly find the make and model of the car that matches the tires.”

Chris started to document the area. He seemed to be a natural at it. Katie thought he might do well in forensics as well as cold cases. The deputy bent down, careful not to move the light gravel of the road. He pulled a dollar bill from his pocket, laid it next to the tire-impression evidence.

When he was finished he looked to Katie.

“I think we’re just about done.” She looked in the direction the vehicle most likely drove, which was back to the main road: Heritage Drive. “Let’s head back.”

Chris nodded. He seemed to have an energized gait after helping with the case.

“By the way, great job,” she said.

Cisco barked as if he agreed with the compliment.

FIFTY-EIGHT

Monday 1710 hours

Katie and Chris had rushed their findings to John at the forensic division before he went to the police impound. Chris went back on patrol to finish his shift. Cisco was at the police K9 training facility until Katie was ready to go home for the day. Katie had been in contact with her partner to share what each had learned. It was decided she would be in the office updating the murder board and McGaven would stay at the police impound as the car was processed. They were running out of time; the clock was ticking to find Patricia. They didn’t want to wait until her body surfaced.

McGaven arrived at the police impound just as John showed up to help his forensic technician. It was like a garage except there were a few stalls like those used for auto painting or when dissecting and searching a vehicle for evidence that was involved in a crime scene.

“How is it going?” said John as he grabbed a protective jumpsuit and booties, quickly putting them on.

“We’re getting more information and unfortunately another body,” said McGaven.

“In this business, that means you’re making progress,” said John with a grim expression.

“Katie says it’s changing up the game,” said McGaven with a smile. He paused, then added, “I don’t mean to get personal, but is she okay?”

“That is a personal question,” said John as he laughed. “You’re her partner. She confides in you.”

“I know and we’re close, but you know she holds a few things so close she doesn’t let anyone know about them.”

“She does. We all have secrets when it comes to emotions and tough things we’re dealing with.” John looked at McGaven. “Don’t worry, she’s dealing with it. If there’s ever anything I think you need to know about—I’ll tell you.”

McGaven nodded. He knew Katie was in good hands and he respected John. He’d proven to be an excellent forensic scientist and solid backup when things got dicey—proving his expertise and friendship many times over.