Page 37 of Her Last Whisper

Katie and McGaven spent some time moving the furniture around in her office so that both desks were offset enough for them to easily move around. They organized the boxes out of the way, so they wouldn’t be running into them every time they got up from their desks. Katie wanted to ask John if they could use the empty office across the hall to store the other cold-case boxes. It was already empty, larger, and had its own security code.

Katie leaned against her desk and let out a sigh. She knew that a lot of work needed to be accomplished. “Sorry that I put you to work doing physical labor right away, but this feels much better,” she said.

“I agree. I felt a bit like a bull in a china shop the way it was before.”

Katie pulled together everything that she had on Amanda’s case and sat down at her desk facing McGaven. “Okay, this is what we have so far.” She had made another copy of Amanda’s file and the first-week update she’d given the sheriff.

McGaven began reading and looked up in surprise. “When have you had a chance to sleep?”

Katie laughed. “Basically, just yesterday. I’m actually feeling quite rested.”

“It’s a waiting game with forensics and the autopsy report,” he said. “What’s this?” He pushed the file forward, referring to the clothing Amanda wore when she was first found.

“I don’t know why Detective Petersen, the investigator originally assigned to the case, didn’t have it tested, but he claimed that it wasn’t necessary. At least it wasn’t misfiled or lost. It’s getting tested now.”

“Petersen is an interesting guy,” McGaven mused, without elaborating. “So you’ve spoken to Detective Petersen, Deputy Windham, Dr. Smith at the psychiatric hospital, and Marco Ellis at the First Memorial Hospital.” He quickly read the result of the interviews and the notes that had been written by Petersen.

“What do you think?” she said.

“You haven’t been able to contact anyone from Amanda’s family?”

“I looked into it. I spoke with two cousins out of state—otherwise Amanda had no family. I don’t think there’s anything that needs to be followed up on with them.”

“That just leaves the boss, girlfriend, and the ex-boyfriend.”

“Yes, but there are so many possible suspects at the hospital. But my gut tells me that the killer either works there or has business there. At this point we can’t rule anyone out.”

“This is interesting about Jane Doe. Do you think that link has legs?”

“Yes, I’m not sure how but I think she might be a key missing piece to this investigation.”

“This takes me to these notes you’ve been getting.”

“Yeah, I’m trying to figure them out. Both are with John to see if we can get any prints, but I’m not hopeful.”

“You think it’s the killer taunting you? Or someone related to the killer trying to help you?”

“I really don’t know. We have to move ahead and see where all this fits.”

McGaven stared at her. “Either way, you need to be careful. It may be a wacko, or not—watch your back.”

“Hey, I’ve got Cisco.”

“Still.”

“I will be careful, don’t worry,” she said. “Okay, here’s my plan.”

“Shoot,” he said with his eyes wide and ready to get to work.

“This is the part that most detectives hate.”

“Not sure that I’m liking the sound of this,” he said lightheartedly.

“We need to find out information and backgrounds on people we have so far. We also need to see if there are any security cameras leading into the park area next to Whispering Pines or near Emily Day’s house. Anything we can get. See what you can do.”

McGaven grabbed a yellow notepad and began writing.

“I haven’t been able to get in contact with Amanda’s supervisor, Dr. Jamison. The hospital seems to keep him incredibly busy. I think I want to do some checking on him as well as Emily Day.”