A few chuckles ensue, and I resume the briefing. “We were able to tie the two homicides together by way of similar objects found at both scenes.” I hold up a photocopy of the Amish peg doll. “This figurine was found in Dale Michaels’s mouth. A second figurine was found inserted into a knife wound inside Julia Rutledge’s body. Both figurines have been sent to the lab to see if we can come up with latents or other identifying marks. We’re not releasing any of this to the public.” I tap the surface of the podium for emphasis. “The information doesn’t leave this room. Everyone got that?”

Everyone nods. Glock gives me a thumbs-up.

“What are your thoughts on those Amish dolls, Chief?” Pickles asks.

“We believe both dolls were made by a member of the Hochstetler family, back when they had that furniture operation in the 1970s. As most of you know, the Hochstetler family were victims of a crime back in 1979. We don’t know if the dolls left at the scene are in any way related to that incident or if they were left for some other reason.”

“One of the kids survived that night, didn’t they?” Skid asks.

I nod. “Fourteen-year-old William Hochstetler was the only survivor. He was adopted and legally changed his name to Hoch Yoder. He still lives in the area.”

“You talk to him?” Skid asks.

I nod. “He claimed he was home. His wife alibied him. He remains a person of interest.” I let the statement hang and go back to my notes. “Aside from the phone calls and the text, we have nothing concrete that ties Blue Branson or Jerrold McCullough to Dale Michaels, but in the coming days, we’re going to be putting some pressure on them. Hoch Yoder, too.”

I scan the faces of my team, speaking from memory now. “A couple of other interesting developments that are not for public consumption. A search of Julia Rutledge’s gallery netted three threatening notes.” I pull out copies and hand them to Skid to pass around. “Councilman Johnston has also been receiving notes of a similar nature.”

A murmur of surprise goes around the table at the mention of Johnston. Glances are exchanged as I pass a copy of the notes Norm gave me to Skid. “I want patrols stepped up in Norm’s neighborhood. If possible, I’d like for us to keep a presence at his house.”

“Is Councilman Johnston somehow involved in this?” T.J. asks.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “He hasn’t been as forthcoming as I’d like, but I’ll keep some pressure on him and we’ll see what happens.”

When no other questions come, I look at Glock. “I want you to pick up Jerrold McCullough. Bring him in. Let’s sweat him a little.”

“Yes, ma’am.”