Page 9 of Pretty Broken Dolls

Katie looked surprised.

“This case was before you came home,” the sheriff said.

“I see,” she said, handing back the crime scene photos. “I still don’t see what this has to do with me and Gav. I’m sure that Special Agent Campbell has an entire team of investigators to work on these cases.”

Sheriff Scott glanced at Campbell and said, “They’ve exhausted every avenue and have come to us for assistance. He has been impressed by our cold case closure rate and success—”

Campbell interrupted, “I’ve been authorized to recruit who I see fit and you, Detective Scott and Deputy McGaven, are who I’ve chosen to work these cases.”

Katie’s initial anger about how Campbell had presented himself had slowly dissipated, but she was still skeptical about his motives. Something seemed amiss about the entire situation, but she couldn’t pinpoint what bothered her. Glancing at McGaven, he gave her a positive look, meaning that he was game.

“Wait a minute. Please forgive me for a moment. I assume I can speak candidly,” she said.

“Of course,” said the sheriff.

“What are the dates of the murders again? They are a year apart?”

Campbell nodded, watching her closely.

“I see. So you’ve reached the point where you’ve exhausted every avenue, have no new leads and now they are cold cases—but you’re hypothesizing that the killer is going to kill again,” she said. “By my quick calculation it could be anytime now. Is that about right?”

“Yes.”

Katie looked to her uncle and it was difficult to read him. She sighed, making sure her pulse remained steady and calm. “My first loyalty is to the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department working our cold cases. It’s Sheriff Scott’s decision, not mine.”

The sheriff smiled for the first time since the start of the meeting. “I agree with Agent Campbell and I will not stand in the way of these cases. The third victim is in our jurisdiction and isourcold case. That would be where you would start.”

“Who will we be working for?” she asked.

“You will still report to me as usual,” said the sheriff. “And Agent Campbell will be kept up to speed every step of the way. He will give you anything you need.”

“Are we allowed to investigate our way? We will need everything you have on the cases—every note, photo, interview, speculation—everything.”

“Of course.”

“As with any investigation, we cannot guarantee the—”

“Of course, Detective, I’m well aware of that,” he interrupted. “I wouldn’t be here if I had another choice. But I have every confidence in you.”

“Okay, this is settled, then, right?” said Sheriff Scott, looking directly at Katie.

“Can I use Cisco?”

“Of course.”

“Who’s Cisco?” the agent asked.

“My army K9.”

Campbell smiled.

Katie looked to McGaven who subtly nodded. Looking at the photos now scattered across the sheriff’s desk, she captured Campbell’s gaze. “It’s settled.”

Chapter Four

Monday 1045 hours

Katie and McGaven waited while a courier wheeled three loads of boxes on a hand truck into the forensic lab, unloading them along the hallway next to their office.