Page 105 of Race to Save Her

“Would these wounds be consistent with the knife found?” said Katie.

Dr. Dean opened a close-up photo of the hunting knife showing its jagged serrated edges. “Absolutely. This could have been the murder weapon.”

“Was there anything in his autopsy that seemed unusual?” she said.

“Nothing. He was aged twenty-eight, all organs were normal. He had a rare blood type, AB negative; no drugs, illegal or otherwise; he was a healthy young man.”

Katie thought about that and wondered why he’d chosen to work with the killer. What did he have over Tyler? Or was it all about money like it was with Scott Day and Timothy Archer?

“I’ve sent you my preliminary report of massive hemorrhaging causing death and I’m ruling it a homicide.” The doctor looked at the detectives, waiting to see if they had any questions.

“Thank you, Dr. Dean. All this information is extremely helpful,” said Katie.

Katie stopped at one of their favorite diners for lunch, The Day Café. The retro red booths and the old-timey diner feel were a draw when people wanted home-style food like burgers, chili, sandwiches, homemade soups, and of course the amazing burritos that McGaven enjoyed. She felt better and could eat now. Since they had a bit of time to relax, they chatted about things other than the obvious that was nagging at each of them. McGaven was enjoying his food and would take a French fry from Katie every once in a while.

“You want to order a side of fries?” she said.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Quit eating mine,” she joked.

The small diner was beginning to thin out and it became safer to discuss work. McGaven seemed to be gathering his words. Katie had a feeling she knew what he was going to say, but that was okay. It was important to put things on the table and talk them out.

“Looks like you have something weighing on you,” she said.

“I think John had a point.”

“Meaning?”

“That you should sit this one out or work on another case.”

“Another case? No way.”

“I know you, Katie. You get so invested, and that’s what makes you such a force, but⁠—”

“I can handle this. If the killer is fixated on me, then that’s where he’s going to make a mistake.”

McGaven leaned back, drinking the rest of his iced tea. “So let me get this straight… are you saying you want to be bait?”

“No.”

“Really? Because that’s what I’m hearing. You want to use the killer’s weird attraction to you to tempt him out, and hope he makes a mistake in his rush.”

“All killers make mistakes. The key is to control them so they will.”

“So what are you suggesting?” His eyes were on his partner trying to figure her out.

“I’m just suggesting⁠—”

“Explain it to me. I’m sure John will be interested as well.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it like?”

“I think we need to check out the last two properties Sills owned. If the killer is tracking us, and I think he is, then that’s where we’ll get the upper hand.” She leaned forward waiting for her partner to respond.

“You’re probably right, but⁠—”