Page 28 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“And why was there a video camera at the Raven Woods house? Why are you spying on us? You just asked for our help, but this has all been a…” She couldn’t think of the right description. “Scam.”

“Detective, this isn’t a scam or a set-up or whatever you think. Let me explain.”

“No. I’m calling the sheriff to get off this case. This is total BS.”

“Please, let me explain.”

Katie slowly lowered her cell phone against her better judgment. “Go ahead.”

McGaven joined her and waited for the agent to clarify.

“Yes, we’ve been watching you for a while, but it’s not what you think. You need to understand that these cases have been through a thorough investigation by many seasoned detectives, including myself—and I haven’t been able to find any leads for months.” He paused. “I needed to find the right people to work these cases. Someone who had a proven record, who understood more about these killers than most. You have been in several articles and on the news for solving several cold cases. You know how to work a crime scene, but some of your methods are a bit unconventional.”

“What about the FBI? Profilers? I don’t have the experience you need. I’ve only worked a handful of cold homicide cases so far,” she said. “You could have just asked, instead of this shadow operation.”

“This is more information than we’re used to working with,” said McGaven.

“The FBI and most homicide detectives have all been trained the same way—to put serial killers in certain categories. A white male between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five—it makes us jaded, for the most part.”

“Look, I don’t feel comfortable with all of this and how it has transpired. And I haven’t heard how these cases are even linked—with the exception of the way the victims are posed, the heavy makeup and the jewelry left behind.”

“I know. If I were in your shoes, I would probably feel the same way.”

“And, I don’t have to work these cases.”

“Yes, you do,” the agent said. “You know you do because it’s in your spirit—and it’s your job.”

McGaven turned his attention to the special agent.

Katie was annoyed as well as confused. This wasn’t how it was supposed to work. She glanced at her partner and he seemed to be uncomfortable as well.

Katie looked at the video of the house in Raven Woods and realized it was live. “You knew we were there,” she said and gestured to the computer screen. “You lured us to the house where we could have died from gas inhalation.”

“No, that’s not true. I knew you would go there, but I knew nothing about the gas. I swear.”

“Show us the footage of when we were there,” she demanded. “Now.”

Cisco moved to Katie’s side, sensing her mood change.

“Fine. You’re not going to see anything that’s useful or identifiable.” He keyed up a few coordinates and found the correct section of the recording. They watched a person in a hooded sweatshirt approach the house, keeping their face away from the camera. It was unclear if the person continued onto the property or not.

“I had no way of knowing that this person would release gas into the house. It wasn’t until later when I saw the firefighters and ambulances that I knew something was wrong. There was nothing that I could do. We’d put the camera there to protect the area and just in case the killer came back.”

Katie watched the video again and it was true that the person was not identifiable. She turned away from the computer and took a closer look at the three homicides depicted so carefully on the wall. Looking at the faces of the people of interest, she noticed that some of them were in military clothing. Then she saw the close-up photos of her that must have been taken at her home and on her running trail.

“You’ve been following me for a while,” she said, holding her anger in but feeling the creepiness of the entire situation.

“Like I explained, I had to be sure.”

“To make sure that I could be trusted? Really?”

“I don’t recall ever reading anything about stalking a fellow officer being a recognized job interview tactic,” chimed McGaven.

“Look,” said Campbell. “I understand how you both feel. But, I now know more than ever that you both are the perfect detectives for the job.”

“Your flattery is a little too late,” said Katie, as she made to leave.

“Wait,” the agent said and gently took hold of her arm.