How do we know this case is big? By the concentration of network and cable press lining the lane outside Dr. Justman’s townhouse, even eighteen hours after the murder. An ABC satellite van is parked directly opposite the entry. Up and down the block sit others from CNN, Al Jazeera, and RT, Russia Today.

“Which one of you is Manning?”

“Are you guys DivSix?”

Correspondents call out aggressively as our group dismounts from its vehicles and starts up the sidewalk. Reporters are scanning Manning and Uribe with the new FaceRec apps that’ll pull up your name, shield number, and base pay in less than ten seconds. Judging from their shouted questions, the newshounds have somehow put U.S. Victims #2 and #1 together. The prominence of the decedents has the journos betting this story holds national or even international significance.

YOUNG WOMAN AMONG CROWD

Detective Manning! Is this victim imprinted with the “LV” sign? Does he have the “LV” like the other victims?

Manning’s eyes swing instantly to this female. I see his anger even behind his dark glasses. His glance to me says, ID this woman right now! Find out how she knows about “LV.”

Before I can take two steps toward the woman, who is dressed more like a street person than a journalist, she has ducked away into the rear of the crowd. When she sees me pressing after her, she glances back momentarily, then turns and breaks into a run. I get an on-the-move video of her with my phone. But she screens her face skillfully.

She vanishes.

Manning pushes ahead, up the steps and into the townhouse. Uribe, Stellabotte, and I follow. Amid the professional introductions and expressions of gratitude and cooperation, Manning grills his colleagues. “Who let the word out about the ‘LV’ mark?”

Denials all around.

MANNING

How did that woman outside know?

No one has an answer.

As for the video I shot, it turns out to be too low-resolution to support a FaceRec search. The mystery woman is smoke. All attempts at ID come up goose eggs.

We’re in the townhouse now. The place, like every other elite crib from Alexandria to Anacostia, is decorated in faux-Colonial style. West Wing–type curtains, antique sofa and chairs, Alexander Hamilton wallpaper. The oil painting above the mantel is of the sea fight between the Serapis and the Bonnehomme Richard.

The kitchen is modern, however. A Wolf stove, open and blood-striped. A stainless-steel Sub-Zero with a dent that looks like a body was flung against it.

Stellabotte hands Manning CSU photos of the room in its crime scene state.

DETECTIVE STELLABOTTE

Dog was a ninety-pounder. Army-trained.

MANNING

What killed it?

DETECTIVE STELLABOTTE

Heart stopped.

Stellabotte hands Manning the necropsy report.

MANNING

What killed Justman?

DETECTIVE STELLABOTTE

Let’s find out.