Page 85 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“We did a preliminary test from several places to confirm that it is human, and the ABO type, which is AB negative. The DNA process will take a couple of weeks, I’m afraid.”

Katie was exhausted thinking about all the possibilities.

“Okay, stop,” he said.

“What?”

“You look frustrated. Sorry, but evidence doesn’t lie. It can be sneaky and hide sometimes, but it can’t be untruthful.”

“It’s just difficult when there are several cases. It’s a juggling act.”

John stood up and faced Katie. He studied her for a moment. “I’ve never seen anyone so committed.”

“It’s my job,” she said, taking a step back.

“That was impressive watching Cisco tracking the killer and victim’s steps at the fairgrounds.”

Katie smiled, still feeling a bit uncomfortable.

“I’m still working on the knots on Darla’s hair and the ribbon holding the size six garnet ring.”

“Anything about the ring?” she asked.

“It’s a high-quality garnet, older facet but there was some trace residue that I’m trying to track down. It’s a type of grease, but I’m not sure yet what its origin is.”

“Could it be from the makeup?”

John went to another computer station and took a moment to pull up the files and clicked on the garnet ring. “It appears to be a type of soap grease with the properties of a simple soap—rather than the anti-bacterial kind. The reason I say grease is because the main thickener used in grease is a metallic soap substance. These metals include lithium, aluminum, sodium and calcium.”

“Did someone try to clean the ring?”

“You know how a ring could get stuck on your finger? Maybe the killer, or someone, could have soaped the finger to get the ring off?”

“More than likely; maybe the killer used a particular soap to clean the cut on their finger.”

“I also found traces of these chemicals on the body, forearms, and her hair.”

“Why would the killer clean the victim?”

“That, Katie, is your job,” he said and smiled. “I’ll have final reports to you tomorrow or the next day, but I wanted you to have the preliminaries.”

“I appreciate that. Thanks, John. Can you email the photos?”

“Of course. You’ll get them later today.” He turned around. “Oh, by the way…”

She walked back toward him.

“I was able to compare the impression evidence at the fairgrounds to the oversized screwdriver. That’s how someone gained access, but there weren’t any fingerprints or anything identifiable on the tool or the lock. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. At least we know how someone, most likely the killer, got into the fairgrounds.”

He nodded.

Katie left and quietly shut the door behind her. She was standing in the hallway when her phone alerted her to a text.

She quickly glanced at the cell phone screen from McGaven.

You’re the bait.