Which led Sam to believe the man they were looking for was young and recovered quickly—or that he’d taken medication.

“Did you see him at any point?”

“No, he was behind me the entire time. I was facedown on the ground.”

“Did he say anything?”

“Not a word.”

“Tell us how you got away from him.”

“I struggled the whole time, kicking and fighting him. At one point, I connected with something, and he grunted and loosened his hold on me. Just for a second, but that was all I needed. I jumped up, pulled the fabric out of my mouth and stumbled away, screaming for help. I was in a state of panic, sure he’d come after me, but he didn’t. Two joggers came to my rescue and called the police. One of them was female, and I recall her helping me get my pants back on while the guy she was with looked away.”

Sam wanted to know where the perp had gone while all that was happening. How had he managed to sneak off with people around? Someone had to have seen something. She made a note to bring in the couple who’d assisted Kaitlyn for another interview.

“Is there anything else you remember? Even something as random as a scent or what color his coat was or anything at all that stood out.”

“I can’t think of anything.”

“Did he have gloves on?”

“He did.”

“Was there any scent you recall from when his glove was over your face?”

She shook her head. “No.”

Sam pushed her business card across the table. “If anything else comes to mind, please call me.”

Kaitlyn took the card. “I’m sorry I can’t give you more to work with.”

“We have more than we had before. Thank you for coming in and reliving it once again.”

“It was really cool to meet you,” Kaitlyn said with a sad smile. “My friends and I are big fans.”

“Thank you.”

Jeannie walked her out, and when she returned to the pit, Sam called her into the office.

“Shut the door.”

“What’s up?”

“I know that had to be hard for you to sit through.”

Jeannie shrugged. “I’m okay.”

“You’re sure?”

“Brings it all back, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. What’s next?”

“I’d like to speak to the couple who assisted Kaitlyn.”

“I’ll call and ask them to come in.”

“Call the other victim, too. Moira. If I’m going to make a compelling case for FDS, I should speak to everyone involved.”

She started for the door. “I’ll make the calls.”

“Jeannie.”

She turned back. “Yes?”

“If this gets to be too much, please say so. I can have Erica help me.”

“I’ve got it, but thanks.”