Page 102 of Race to Save Her

“I’m sorry, Detective.”

“For what?”

“I failed to keep you safe.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m fine. And you’re going to be fine too,” she said.

SIXTY

Tuesday 0815 hours

Outside the main entrance to the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department, the news media was waiting for a comment from Sheriff Wayne Scott. A few minutes went by before the sheriff, undersheriff, and three of his lieutenants walked through the main entrance to give a press conference.

Sheriff Scott came to the podium dressed in police attire. He was one with his officers—it showed solidarity. His face was solemn, his presence was intense, and he paused until everyone was quiet and had eyes on him. He was a natural leader and remained commanding and strong for all the men and women of the department.

“Thank you for coming out today. This will be brief. We received many inquiries regarding last night’s incident involving one of our deputies, Deputy Samuel Young. He was on an important assignment when he was stalked, attacked, and left for dead. We’ve received confirmation from the hospital that he is stable and will make a full recovery. He will return to duty when he is able.”

“Sheriff Scott,” said a woman in the front. “Who was he protecting?”

“I can’t comment on an active investigation.”

“Isn’t it one of your own? Hasn’t the killer made threats against one of your detectives?”

“No comment,” he said.

“Does it have to do with recent murders and the discovery of dismembered body parts?”

“Again, it’s an active investigation. We can’t report on it—as of yet. But what I can tell you is that we have the best detectives and officers working on the case, and we will bring the perpetrator to justice. Thank you all for coming.”

The crowed began firing more questions.

Katie and McGaven watched the brief press conference on one of the televisions in the forensic division. With a case this big, there were a lot of reporters with questions. The sheriff making an appearance due to Deputy Young’s attack helped to deflate some of the media angst—at least for now.

“He always looks so handsome and professional. He has this way of showing how much he really cares about his officers,” said Katie, feeling proud of her uncle.

“Can’t argue that,” said McGaven.

“You ready?” said John, calling from the hallway.

The detectives followed the forensic specialist into the main examination room. For some reason, Katie always felt energized when there was something for John to show them about one of their cases. It was an opportunity to find out another potential clue about the killer.

“Okay,” began John, “this is one of those cases where there’s not a lot of forensic evidence to examine. But let’s start with the finger found in Katie’s car.”

Katie waited in expectation.

“The medical examiner’s office has just recently identified it as Shelby’s finger; the arm is hers too.” He pulled up photos of each. “It was assumed, but both have been officially identified as belonging to the body of Shelby Roberts.”

The detectives studied the screen, waiting for what else John had to say.

“The cut marks are definitely neat and in a fairly straight line. I’ve searched for and tested the type of tools suggested by the medical examiner—such as a bone saw or specific cutters used in autopsies—and I have to conclude that a bone saw was most likely used.”

“How would someone outside the medical profession obtain one of these?” asked Katie.

“It’s easier to obtain than you would think. Besides medical and veterinary practices having them for various reasons, like amputation and different types of joint replacements, someone could order one through a medical supply company. There are also meat saw bands used by butchers, or abattoirs to cut pieces of meat for grocery stores.”

“I see,” Katie managed to say. This didn’t exactly narrow down things.

John continued. “The arm found in the shower at the cabin hasn’t been identified yet.”