“I agree,” Larkin said. “His clothing likely had some sort of company brand or logo that’d have otherwise made him more easily identifiable. It also appears that due to the state of decomposition, Dr. Baxter was unable to collect fingerprints and so had to utilize thanatopractical processing. That’s interesting.”

Doyle sighed before saying, “I know I’m going to regret asking what thanato-whatever processing is.”

“Thanatopractical. It’s a process which involves extracting fluids from the body’s tissues, allowing the volume to return to antemortem tenseness. It yields a seventy-five percent accuracy rate with fingerprints applicable for AFIS entry.”

“Gross.”

“He sent the prints in to be run. Results are pending.” Larkin set the report aside, stood, and leaned over the keyboard as Doyle scooted back to make space. He minimized the Google results Doyle had been searching, checked his inbox again, and this time, downloaded and printed a report from Detective Millett.

Doyle, meanwhile, had punched in a number on the desk phone, and receiver to ear, said, “First one to get a lead drives.”

“Are you making a bet during a homicide investigation.”

“It’s only driving.”

“No one drives the Audi but me.”

“I’ve driven it,” Doyle corrected.

“Extenuating circumstances,” Larkin said in a clipped tone.

“Afraid you’ll lose?”

“I’m not going to lose—”

Larkin was cut off when Doyle grinned and said into the phone, “Hello, ma’am, my name is Ira Doyle. I’m a detective with the NYPD’s Forensic Artists Unit. I’m working in conjunction with the Cold Case Squad and was hoping to speak with Principal Widalski? … That’d be great, thank you.”

Larkin didn’t run to the printer, but he was very conscious of walking quicker than usual.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“It’s illegal to drive and use a cell phone anyway,” Larkin was saying from the passenger seat of his Audi while scrolling through his list of contacts.

“And you’ve got calls to make,” Doyle said by way of suggestion.

“Yes,” Larkin answered, only a touch defensively. He caught a quick, there-and-gone smile flicker across Doyle’s face. “NHTSA no longer recommends hands at the 10 and 2 position.”

“No?”

“Due to the dangers certain airbags present, 9 and 3 is now advisable. I bring this up because you currently have only one hand on the wheel.”