Page 20 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“What is it?” she managed to say, bracing for the worst.

“Homicide. Another woman has been found. Signs indicate the same MO as Jeanine Trenton’s killer.”

“I’m on my way,” she said, getting out of bed.

“See you in fourteen minutes.”

The call disconnected.

Chapter Eight

Tuesday 0255 hours

Katie got ready to go in record time, pulling on a pair of jeans, T-shirt, jacket, and boots. She broke most speed limits all the way to the fairgrounds. Luckily, due to the early morning hour, the traffic was extremely light, making the journey that much faster. She opted to leave Cisco at home this time.

As she drove around to the west gate of the fairgrounds, Katie noted that this would be the entry point for the livestock areas. It was also next to the rides. She remembered the layout of the area based on her visits to the fair. She saw the flashing lights and a myriad of first responders and police cars ahead.

She eased her Jeep up to the gate and stopped where a deputy was stationed. He opened the gate.

Rolling down her window and showing her identification, she said, “Detective Scott.”

The deputy waved her inside and motioned to the area where the other vehicles were parked.

Katie recognized McGaven’s truck, her uncle’s SUV, the forensic van, the medical examiner’s van, fire truck, and several deputy cruisers. There was also another SUV that she didn’t immediately recognize.

Still stunned by yesterday’s events and the news that Chad would be leaving for six months, Katie pushed herself harder, trying to put everything behind her and focus on this victim. Her heart felt attacked but she wasn’t broken.

Pulling up next to McGaven’s truck, Katie cut the engine and quickly got out of the car. The lights she was seeing weren’t from police cars or emergency first responders, but from one of the rides. She spotted her uncle.

The flashing lights were suddenly extinguished.

Katie walked toward the sheriff, but was met by McGaven. “Hey,” he said.

“And again, you beat me here. Have you seen the victim yet?” she asked.

“No. It’s like a closed set or something,” said McGaven.

Katie waited a moment but the sheriff was speaking with officers and a young woman that she didn’t know. She decided to jump ahead and have a look at the crime scene to see what they were in for.

But as she started walking, she was quickly intercepted. “Detective Scott,” said her uncle. “I need to speak with you.”

Katie was beginning to get impatient, but dutifully, she turned back to meet up with him.

“Yes?”

“I want you to meet Agent Dawn Haley,” he said.

“I’m…” she began.

“Yes, I know you’re Detective Katie Scott. Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to meet you,” said the perky agent, nervously moving around. She was petite, with shoulder-length brown hair that moved every time she spoke. She didn’t seem to be dressed appropriately for a crime scene.

Katie studied her for a moment, unable to believe that this young woman, obviously a rookie—maybe thirty?—was at a homicide scene. “Nice to meet you.” She turned to the sheriff. “When can I see the crime scene?”

“Agent Campbell and I have spoken and we’re in agreement that you run the scene with McGaven, and Agents Campbell and Haley are spectators.”

Katie wondered if she had heard him correctly and hesitated a moment before speaking again. “Uh, am I missing something here?”

“Not at all. The crime scene is yours. It appears to be connected to your cold cases.”