Page 59 of Little Girls Sleeping

“We found organic matter: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, chlorine, boron, and iron mixed with iodide, damascenone, and rose oxide.” He watched her reaction.

Katie thought about what he had told her. “Plants, flowers… oh wait, are you saying roses?”

“Yes. Red roses to be specific. How did you know that?”

“I read about a case that involved roses at the crime scene. Were there any roses in the coffins?”

“No.”

“So that means the clothes or teddy bears came in contact with them. Outdoor roses or from a florist shop?”

“That is a mystery for you, Detective. Like I said, we’re still running tests on some sediment and other organic materials, but don’t hold your breath.”

Katie wrote a few more notes. “I won’t take up any more of your time Mr. Blackburn.”

“Please, Detective, everyone calls me John.”

“Everyone calls me Katie,” she replied. “Though I’m sure my colleagues have more colorful names for me.”

John laughed.

“So I guess I’m looking for an interesting pile of wood, rare silk fabric, and someone who makes custom teddy bears—and of course, all that has been in contact with red roses.” Katie let out a sigh.

“If you have any questions, at any time, day or night, please feel free to call or text.” He handed her a business card.

“Thank you, John.” She took the card and slipped it into her pocket.

Katie left the forensics division with plenty of information, but nothing that she could run with. She was supposed to meet Deputy McGaven in the parking area, and was surprised to see him waiting patiently for her.

“Learned a few things,” she said.

“Good. Update me.”

“Ready?” she asked, and unlocked the vehicle.

“Yep,” he replied. “So what did you think?”

“About what?”

“C’mon, you don’t know?” He was clearly amused.

“I’m not going to play guessing games. I’m still trying to digest everything I’ve just learned.”

McGaven laughed.

Katie hadn’t seen him in such a chipper mood before. She stared at him.

“Okay, I thought, you being a detective and all, you would figure it out.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked again.

“I thought you soldiers could all sniff each other out.”

“What are you saying, that Blackburn was a soldier?”

“Not just any soldier; he was special forces for twelve years—you know, Navy SEALs? He can kill someone before they even take a breath.” McGaven was obviously incredibly impressed by the forensic supervisor’s abilities.

Katie thought back to her immediate sense of Blackburn when she first met him; his attention and self-discipline had been clearly evident. In her mind he was a perfect person to run the forensic division.