Page 22 of Pretty Broken Dolls

She surmised that the killer wanted the victim looking straight ahead.

At attention?

Eyes on the killer?

The victim’s throat looked to have been cut with something extremely sharp, judging by the smooth edges of the gaping skin. The knife, or cutting device, was steady and sliced in a straight horizontal line.

Someone with experience in the medical profession?

Katie could ascertain that the blade went deep enough to cut almost through the vertebrae, but Dr. Dean would have to give the expert opinion.

McGaven returned with a heavyset deputy with the name Pendleton on his ID tag.

“Detective Scott,” he said and nodded in respect.

“Deputy Pendleton, can you tell me about the call that got you here and what you saw?” asked Katie.

“We received a call from someone who didn’t identify themselves but stated that there was a missing person found at the fairgrounds.”

“Missing person?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Did they say who?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Any other description, like if it was a man or woman?”

“Negative.”

“Dispatch couldn’t tell if it was a man or woman?”

“The person whispered.”

“Did you enter from the west gate?”

“Yes, it was already open.”

“Unlocked? Or was the gate wide open?” she asked, realizing that the killer wanted the body to be found quickly—leaving the gate open was like an invitation.

“The gate was open.”

“What did you see as you drove in?”

“Nothing at first, but I heard the music. I drove around and flashed the spotlight in every corner.”

“And?”

“I was initially looking for the missing person, but didn’t see anyone. Something didn’t seem right. We didn’t receive any details, whether it was a man, woman, or what they were wearing. Then my concern was that someone might be hiding—especially in the livestock areas. Or maybe that it might possibly be an ambush.”

“Was the music going the entire time?”

“Yes. I’m not sure but it seemed to get louder—and not because I drove closer.”

“Did you see anything unusual?”

“No, so I called in my position and moved toward the music.” He took a breath. “I saw the Ferris wheel in motion with lights flashing.”