Page 30 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Is everything about the victims’ experiences with military K9 on this flash drive?” she asked. “I know the training facility here in California. Get us the clearance and information we need about the victims so we can talk to them.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“No. That’s not good enough.” She glanced at McGaven, who she knew was on the same page as her. “Get us access and clearance to speak with the master trainer and the commanding officer.” She walked up to the photos of each woman and studied them again. It struck her with angst that she had something of significance in common with them. Emotions were stirred up inside her about these cases and, sensing her anxiety, Cisco stepped up closer to her.

“I’ll make some calls, ask some favors, and get back to you before tomorrow,” he said. His expression changed a bit, showing more respect, as he watched Katie.

Katie looked to McGaven, the investigative wall, and then back to Campbell. “We’re in.”

Chapter Eleven

Wednesday 0900 hours

Once Katie arrived at work, she had a new perspective on the cases they were working. She had received text messages from Dr. Dean and John in forensics—both saying their reports were still delayed a bit due to the backlog. Statements and evidence were swimming through her mind and she needed to take a break. That was okay; for now, she wanted to take another look at the fairgrounds during the daytime and bring Cisco to run some track searches.

McGaven and John approached Katie.

“I just received the entire list of employees and any other person who had worked at the fairgrounds for the past five years and a list of employees at the Community Health Alliance. It’s going to be a day of fun background checks.”

“Wow, you’ve got the rest of your day cut out for you. I want to go back to the Sequoia County Fairgrounds and run some tracks with Cisco.” She turned to John. “Would it be possible to get a small piece of the victim’s clothing so that I can use it for scent work?”

McGaven walked to the office, opening the door. “Let me know if you need me.” He smiled and went inside.

“Sure. I have the key to get in to the fairgrounds, too.” John smiled. “I was going to run out to the county office and return it, but I could be persuaded to give it to you. Under one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“If I could tag along. You might need some documentation and it would be wise to get some overall shots during the daylight.”

“What about the samples you’re running and call-backs?”

“Rob is on top of it. I was going to run the errand to bring the keys back anyway. They also assured me that no one would be there—no security guards until this evening. There aren’t any events scheduled until next month.”

“Cisco and I would love the company.”

* * *

After Katie picked up Cisco at the police kennels, they set off to the fairgrounds.

“So, what’s the story with Lizzy?” he asked abruptly.

“Oh no, I don’t have these conversations. If you want to know something about her, then ask her. I thought you two were dating?”

“We’ve been out for drinks a couple of times.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“She doesn’t live here. She has a new job in Monterey, which is about five or six hours away. I’ve been in a long-distance relationship before and it doesn’t turn out well,” he said, looking out the side window.

Cisco stuck his big head out the back window so the wind could whip through his fur.

It was the first time that John had told her something private. She didn’t know quite how to respond. “As long as you go in with your eyes open.”

“Relationships are difficult enough without five hundred miles between you.”

“Have you talked to Lizzy about this?”

“No. I get the feeling that she’s looking forward to her new life on the coast.”