Page 67 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Why wasn’t she arrested at the time?”

“Her possible involvement wasn’t brought to our attention until after her murder.”

“Theoretically, the only way that could happen is if the women knew each other. But why the copycat? Who would do that? Someone following the cases?” Katie felt like she was on an amusement park ride with all of the information spinning around her at breakneck speed.

“I knew you’d understand what I’m talking about.”

“I think, Agent Campbell, that you are grasping at straws without any solid evidence or link. So now what you’re telling me is that Nancy Day’s murder is solved because Gwen Sanderson did it. But her murder, as well as Jeanine Trenton’s, and the Jane Doe at the fairgrounds are all the work of a copycat?” Katie shook her head in disbelief.

“Look closer at the crime scenes,” he urged. “We’re close.”

“What was the reason or motive for Sanderson to kill Day?” she said.

Taking a sip of coffee, a little too loud for Katie’s taste, he said simply, “I don’t think we’ll ever really know. But, for the other murders…”

“Yes?”

“My theory? And it’s a theory, don’t forget.”

“Please…keep going.”

“Someone who is trying to make themselves a household one. Someone who read about Nancy’s case and wanted to continue for whatever reason—fame, revenge, or out of hatred.”

“I see.”

“Look, Detective, I know that you are a by-the-book investigator. And you’ve proven how good you really are in a short period of time.”

Katie still couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being set up and was being fed disinformation—her instincts told her to keep to her investigation.

“We’re relying on you and your partner to find the killer. The copycat killer.”

“I’m working the two cases now in my jurisdiction; however, that’s not to say I’m not going to look over the first two.”

“Of course not.”

Katie slowly digested the information. Her head spun. She needed to verify the new information about Sanderson. “When did you come to this theory?” she said.

“When my entire team couldn’t go any further, it pushed me to look outside of the box.”

“I see.” Although Katie didn’t see.

“I can tell you’re not completely on board with us.”

“I need to see for myself,” was all that she could say. She needed to talk to McGaven.

“Absolutely. I know you want the training videos from the military K9 facility and I’ll also get you the list of recruits who made the cut—and the ones that didn’t.”

“I have one question and I really need for you to be transparent—and give me an honest answer. There are many detectives and investigators you could have gone to and you obviously have in the past.” She took a breath and felt she needed to brace herself. “Why did you choose me?”

Special Agent Campbell leaned forward and lowered his voice. “That’s easy. And that’s why we’re keeping such close tabs on you. Your proven skills. Haven’t you and McGaven solved every case—so far? Well, there’s also your military background in K9 explosives training and your above average investigative skills…of course.” He watched her closely.

“It almost sounds to me that you’re using me as bait because I have the military K9 background similar to the victims.”

"That's one possible way."

Chapter Twenty-Five

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