Page 27 of The Whispering Girls

“Detective,” said Clark, “lights are in place.”

“Thank you. Do you have crime scene tape?”

“Yes.”

“Please rope off the area as far as the two big trees.”

“You got it,” he said and turned to leave.

“Oh…I know it’s late, but can you update the chief or at least leave a text on what’s going on?” said Katie.

“Of course.”

“Where’s Officer Banning?” she said.

“He’s patrolling and had a couple of prowler calls.”

“I see.”

“Do you need him here?”

“No, I think we have it covered for now. But we are going to need some legwork of canvassing, interviewing people, and making phone calls.” Reality hit Katie hard that they were in a really tiny town with little assistance, which would make everything much more tedious. Navigating this investigation would be a big learning curve for her and McGaven. Her biggest fear: more victims.

The officer nodded as he returned to his vehicle.

“I have something,” said McGaven.

Katie turned and saw that her partner had been searching the surrounding area, the entrance to the hiking trail. The area was definitely unmaintained and looked long forgotten. She jogged up to her partner, who had searched an old, dented, rusted trash can. “What do you have?”

McGaven carefully pulled out a large clear plastic bag. Inside were some articles of clothing.

“Wait.” She looked closer and saw faux-fur-lined boots. “Those clothes and boots look like what TJ was wearing when I met her. Jack, we need this documented when you get a chance,” she called. “Is there anything else in the can?” she asked McGaven.

“It’s pretty battered and I don’t think anyone has used it in years…” He turned the trash can on its side and reached in farther. He shook his head. “Nothing. Not even an old soda can or bottle.”

“What do you have?” said Jack.

“This bag of clothes that I believe TJ was wearing.”

Jack took the appropriate photographs.

“We’ll wait to take them out,” she said.

“How can we do this without forensics?” McGaven asked.

“We have the best forensic person,” she said.

“But John isn’t here.”

John Blackburn was Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department’s forensic supervisor and part of Katie’s team. His help was integral to their solving of cases.

“That’s where technology comes in,” Katie said.

“Oh, I get it. We’ll get him in a conference call.”

Katie smiled. It was becoming more obvious that they had a bigger task than the average homicide or cold case. They would have to wear other hats in order to get the investigation moving in the right direction; otherwise, the case would be taken over by state or federal law enforcement.

“I think the doc is done with his work,” said McGaven, looking over to the body.