Page 65 of The Whispering Girls
“For what?”
“For one person to accomplish in that close of a timeline.”
“Two killers?”
“Not necessarily. But I think there might be someone either coordinating or helping with the props.”
“Based on?”
Katie paused before she answered him. “There’s quite a bit of detail at these crime scenes. And the hospital scene needed tobe well coordinated. It would have been much easier to pull off with assistance. I just still can’t see how the hospital murders are connected to Theresa’s and TJ’s.”
“Things aren’t adding up.”
“Exactly. But it’s possible that we’re supposed to think that.”
Once McGaven took several more photos, the detectives cautiously followed the trail they’d uncovered. It wasn’t a steep trail, but it had obviously been carefully cleared and not just trampled into existence. Once at the bottom, it was obvious a vehicle had been parked there recently.
“Those are definitely tire impressions,” said Katie.
McGaven took several photos, again using a dollar bill for reference.
Katie’s mind spun. Things were falling together as to how, but the why and who were still foggy in her mind. The crime scenes said a lot about the killer, their preparation, their skill, the timing, a message, and the end result.
“Maybe John can research the tire, make, and model of the vehicle?” she said.
“I bet he can.”
They took a few more minutes documenting the overall area.
“I’m sending these to my computer and to John as well,” McGaven said.
“Great.”
“Do you still want to use Cisco?”
“Yes, I don’t want to miss anything. The weather looks as if it’s going to storm again and then if there is anything to find—it will be lost forever.”
“Onit,” he said.
Katie geared up Cisco just as if it were a serious priority or search. She made sure his vest was secure and his eyes were protected. She also changed her shoes to more appropriate tactical outdoor boots.
“Cisco ready?” said McGaven.
“Yep.” Katie put a shorter leash on the dog due to the thick sections of the forest. That way she could keep control and not have him get tangled. “Cisco, let’s go,” she said.
“Want me just behind you?” Gav asked.
“That works. The wind is very calm.”
Once they reached the area and headed to the right, Katie said, “Such,” meaning to search.
There were piles of leaves, some cleared spaces animals had used as trails, and underbrush just like most places this time of year. Cisco took off at a fast pace, much quicker than what was usual for him. He seemed to have caught the scent of something strong and was going to make his way there in a hurry. It definitely wasn’t his regular moderated speed and sweeping search on a grid pattern.
“What’s up?” said McGaven trying to keep up with Katie and the dog.
“I don’t know. He’s on scent.” She tried to slow down Cisco, then made the decision to let him off leash.
Cisco’s big paws moved through the leaves and it became clear that he was heading toward something big. Katie kept a running pace, keeping her eye on the black dog gaining speed.
