Page 45 of Silent Scream
Twenty-Five
The siteshe’d left yesterday now looked like a small walled city. The entire edge of the property was surrounded by interlocking metal fencing. There was an entrance at the top of the site and one at the bottom, each guarded by two constables. Others roamed the fence edge, keeping within the eye line of other officers. Kim was satisfied that the perimeter was secure.
A corral had been set up along the top of the site for press but she could see they were already spilling out along the fence line. Two white tents had been erected; one around the pit and another for the technicians to store equipment.
Kim headed into the first tent but was not prepared for the sight of the skeleton in the pit – or the effect it would have on her. She had attended many crime scenes; had witnessed bodies in every stage of decomposition, but this one was just bone. When tissue was still present it felt as though there was something to return to the family, something of the person left to bury and mourn. But bones felt anonymous, featureless; like the foundations of a building but without the architecture that made it unique. Kim realised she didn't like that thought one little bit.
She was also shocked by the tiny amount of space the skeleton occupied.
'No clothes?' Kim said as the forensic archaeologist came to stand beside her.
‘Good morning, Detective,’ said Cerys.
Yep, she always forgot that bit.
'To answer your question, it doesn't mean there weren't any clothes. Only that they're not there now. Different materials deteriorate at different rates. Depends how long they're in the ground. Cotton can disappear in ten years or so, whereas wool can remain intact for decades.' Cerys turned towards her. 'I wasn’t too sure you’d be back.’
They both stepped away as technicians took photographs from every angle. A yellow marker had been placed alongside the length of the bones.
‘We didn’t get much time to chat yesterday,’ Kim said.
Cerys tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. ‘Didn't have you down as the chatting type but okay ... I'm twenty-nine years old, single and childless. My favourite colour is yellow. I have a weakness for chicken-flavoured crisps and I am enlisted in the Territorial Army when I'm not busy knitting.’ Cerys paused. ‘Okay, I lied about the knitting.’
‘All good to know but that's not really what I was asking.’
‘Then ask the question you want to, Detective.’
‘How qualified are you for this job?’ Kim said without flinching.
Cerys tried to hide her smile but her eyes lit up. ‘I achieved my degree in archaeology at Oxford eight years ago. I then spent four years travelling on archaeological projects, predominantly in West Africa, came home and earned my forensic science degree and have spent the last two years trying to gain respect in a male-dominated arena. Sound familiar, Detective Inspector?’
Kim laughed out loud and offered her hand. ‘Glad to have you on board.’
‘Thank you. Now, the bones have been exposed and I’m waiting for the anthropologist to discuss removal. I have to be sure we don’t under cut or over cut.’
Kim looked at her blankly.
‘Sorry, we need to be as careful as possible that we don’t either take too much or too little. We can’t go back and do it again.'
Kim's expression remained unchanged.
Cerys thought for a moment. 'Okay, imagine the ground as a brick wall. Each course of the wall is a period in time. If we take too much of the soil we risk encroaching on other events that occurred before the murder and which could give us false information.'
Kim nodded her understanding.
'Once the bones are removed we’ll begin sifting the soil for clues.’
‘Ah, Detective, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.’
Kim heard the familiar voice of Keats, her favourite pathologist.
‘Detective Inspector Kim Stone, please meet Doctor Daniel Bate. He is the forensic anthropologist from Dundee and will be working both here and at my lab for the duration of this case.’
The male offering his hand was two inches taller than Kim, with the build of an athlete. His jaw was strong and his hair black. Startling green eyes offered an interesting contrast with the darkness of his features.
Introductions ensued between Cerys, Keats and the new boy. The handshake he offered Kim was strong and firm.
Immediately, Doctor Bate started walking around the pit and Kim took a moment to observe him. He didn't look like a scientist. His build appeared more suited to an outdoor profession that called for physical activity. Kim supposed his attire of jeans and a sweatshirt didn't help.
