“We found no other significant deficiencies in the areas of leadership or command and recommended that the new deputy chief be hired from within the ranks of the current department. If you have any questions, I’m happy to take them.”

“Thank you, Agent Hill, for taking on this project and for your fairness and open-mindedness,” Farnsworth said. “As with any agency made up of thousands of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, we have our strengths and weaknesses. We’re more than willing to address the weaknesses to improve our track record in the areas of concern identified by your team. I speak for everyone in this room when I assure you that your recommendations will be received in the spirit in which they’re intended and will be taken seriously by all levels of command.”

The meeting ended a short time later with the chief vowing to implement enhanced training for all personnel and to take a hard look at unsolved cold cases.

“Could’ve been much worse, I suppose,” Archie said as he and Sam walked toward the pit.

“I was thinking the same thing. It’s a relief that they backed the brass, which seems to protect the chief.”

“Yeah, for sure. We’ve had enough upheaval around here without them giving him the boot.”

“I wouldn’t want to do the job without his support.”

“Me either. Heard you caught another homicide-SA.”

“We did, and if the DNA matches the earlier cases, we’re going to make a plea for an exception to the FDS policy.”

“Let me know how I can help. That technology is fascinating.”

“Will do.”

“By the way, I never laughed so hard in my life as I did at that SNL sketch.”

“That topic is firmly off-limits in this building.”

“Haha,” Archie said. “You wish.” He walked away humming the “My Humps” tune.

Freddie and Gonzo entered the pit from the other side as Sam came in with Archie. Both men still wore winter coats, their expressions grim.

“As always, notifying friends and relatives that a loved one has been murdered ruins a perfectly good day.” Freddie unzipped his coat. “We talked to Ling’s roommates, who are shocked and devastated. She’s the first of her family to go to college, and her parents are in China. We’re going to need to arrange for a translator before we call them. According to the roommates, the parents don’t speak any English.”

Sam thought of people half a world away, going about their business, not knowing their daughter had been raped and murdered in Washington. Her heart broke for them and for the hopes and dreams that had died along with Ling.