Page 34 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Could something like these cause that impression?” she asked, pointing to the tools.

“It’s possible. I’ll go get my portable forensic case.”

Katie nodded in agreement. She took the opportunity to look around, but nothing seemed obvious. But the slight soundproofing was interesting and could account to why the security guard might not have heard the killer and his victim enter. It would also give the killer time to observe the area, making sure that it was entirely vacant. Maybe the killer had entered on several occasions to scope out the area.

John returned and approached the doors and tools as if they were a crime scene. He photographed and collected the potential evidence. He used the dental stone commonly used to retrieve footprint impressions, to make an imprint of the scrape marks around the door.

“I think that’s it,” he said.

They walked back to Katie’s Jeep. She was lost in thought, imagining how the killer entered the fairgrounds and how they had killed and posed the victim. And lastly, adding the ring and ribbon evidence for one last detail.

“I know you and McGaven will find the killer,” said John.

Katie let Cisco back into the Jeep and shut the back door. “What makes you so sure?”

“Because you always do.”

Chapter Twelve

Wednesday 1335 hours

After Katie brought Cisco back to the police kennels and returned to the office, she found McGaven buried in paperwork in front of the computer.

“That looks like fun,” she said.

“Loads.” He turned, his chair creaking underneath him.

Looking up at the board, Katie realized she needed to begin to add their findings. “Any luck on those lists?”

McGaven let out an exhale. “It’s longer than I thought it would be—I have this dreaded feeling that I’m searching blind here. There have been tons of employees at the fairgrounds. Some seasonal. Others just part time. Lots of names.”

“You might want to add burglary or breaking and entering to your search parameter.”

“Because?”

“I’m going to have to extend my list of people to contractors and subcontractors who have worked there in the past year or so.” He keyed in search parameters and sat back. “Oh, I had a thought.”

“And?”

“Well, I thought that the Ferris wheel might be something important. A symbol or of special significance to the killer.”

She nodded. “Meaning?”

“I thought it might give us some insight into him, or her. Why the Ferris wheel? Why not the merry-go-round or one of the other rides?”

“Go on.”

“I did a few searches. And for instance, did you know that the Ferris wheel is the fourth favorite ride at fairs and amusement parks?”

“No, but I’m not surprised.”

“Anyway…”

“What’s the first?” she said interrupting.

“The carousel or merry-go-round.”

“Hm.”