Val’s ears perked up at the mention of teeth ripped out and listened closely, waiting for Betty to say more. “After two months with no leads, nothing at all, the case was getting cold. And then this happens? Reporters were here most of the day yesterday. All hell broke loose after that.”

Val knew the case Betty was talking about. You could hardly miss the coverage, which had been on every news station. Several months ago, Jeanne Coleman had been found dead in her apartment, the victim of a savage attack. She had been stabbed repeatedly, and then dismembered. The killer photographed the victim throughout the murder and left the pictures behind so that cops, and everyone else, would know exactly what happened to her. Given the brutality, let alone advertisement of the crime, initial speculation focused on the possibility of a gang-related killing. Someone was sending a message. But nothing about Jeanne’s lifestyle fitted with this theory. The fact that she was murdered like that made little sense.

One of the oddest issues of the case was that she’d had her teeth removed and then placed on the bedroom pillow. The rest of the body parts were missing, and so far, none of the pieces had been recovered.

Well, not until now.

Now, murmurs of a serial killer spread across the headlines.

Betty finally glanced up and quickly put the phone down. “Can I help you?”

Val jumped to attention, her pulse quickening. “I’m here about the death investigator position. I have an interview today. I’m afraid I’m a little early, though,” she said, holding her head high, back straight. Then, leaned one elbow on Betty’s counter with as much careless confidence as she could work up.

“Interview? Today?” Betty checked her computer. After a few seconds she smiled, got up from the desk, and pushed a button on the wall. The large metal doors opened. “No kidding about being early—we weren’t expecting you until next week. Please come in.”

Val entered through the doors, confused, correcting Betty immediately. “Next week? No, my interview is today.”

“I wish they’d tell me when these things change. I’m always the last to know.” Betty made her way back to the computer and searched through the schedule again. “I don’t see you listed for today.” Her face focused on the screen. “Your original appointment for next week is still here.”

Val narrowed her eyes, still trying to comprehend what was going on. Did I get the day wrong?