This was the only visible blood in the room. The pictures lying on the bed told a different story. They depicted Francine’s murder and dismemberment. According to these, this room and the bathroom should have been a bloody mess.

The first photo was of Francine on the floor. Multiple stab wounds could be seen on her abdomen and chest. Blood spatter covered the wall behind the body. A furious attack must have occurred to cause that much spray. Though the scene in the photos was particularly violent, most notable was that Francine’s mouth was bloody and sunken in. Val couldn’t tell from the pictures if her teeth were removed before she was stabbed to death.

From what the rest of the photos showed, most of the dismemberment took place in the bathtub. Francine was cut up into several parts. Each arm and leg was sectioned in two, dissected at the knee and elbow. Her head was detached and her torso halved. The killer obviously wanted everyone to know what had occurred.

Val pulled on Howie’s arm, trying to get his attention. After the third tug, he finally turned round. “Howie, I might be able to help if I examine the teeth.”

“We can’t touch anything until Dr. Blythe gets here. He’s in charge and it’s his call. If he wants you to examine them, he’ll ask.” Howie’s tone was apologetic. “He should be here soon. We just have to sit tight for a little while.”

Val tried hard to sit tight. This was an area in which she could shine and she wanted desperately to do that. She had lied to get this job. This was the opportunity to get past that—a chance to prove to everyone how valuable she could be as a strong member of this team. She turned her attention to what was going on in the room, the mesmerizing intensity drawing her in.

One of the technicians pulled out the alternate light source and began scouring around the bed, causing something to glimmer under it.

“Hey, I have something here,” the technician called out. He reached for the object and pulled out a small, balled-up, foil chewing-gum wrapper. “Sorry, it’s just garbage.”

“Bag it anyway,” Gavin ordered. He walked away from the officers and came towards the bed and began examining the photos of Francine.

Val stood within inches of him. She glanced at his face, and then at the pictures, trying to read his thoughts. He selected one image and narrowed his eyes. Then pointed to the pillow.