“We haven’t established cause of death yet.”

“Can you say if she was murdered?”

“The medical examination is not complete.”

“Was she killed in the park?” someone shouted.

“We don’t know that.”

For a few minutes, questions were called out so quickly from around the room that Mahler lost track of the questioners.

“Is it possible this was a suicide?”

“That hasn’t been ruled out.”

“Was any evidence recovered at the crime scene?”

“I can’t comment.”

“Some of the weblog photos show the victim was wrapped in a blanket. Do you know why?”

“No comment.”

“Is there any connection to the family who donated the bench?”

“Probably not, but it’s part of our investigation.”

“Is there any significance in the location of the body?”

“We don’t know.”

“When was the body discovered?”

“About six this morning.”

“Who discovered it?”

“A member of the public who entered the park and contacted the police.”

“How did the body get there if the park is closed after dark?”

“The exact method is unknown, but it’s possible to enter the park even when the gates are closed.”

“Was more than one person involved?”

“That’s under investigation.”

“Do the circumstances match any other cases?”

“Obviously we’re looking at that.”

“Eddie,” a voice called out, “are there similarities with the killings two years ago?” Mahler recognized Rob Christie, a veteran local crime reporter.

“It’s too early for us to say, Rob. We’re still collecting evidence.”

“Is the same individual you questioned two years ago a suspect this time?”

“We cannot release any information about a suspect at this time.”

“Has anyone been questioned in connection with the case?”

“No comment.”

“Chief Truro, is it safe to use the park?” a woman in the back asked.

“Yes,” the chief said. “With the measures we’ve initiated, we believe the park is safe.”

“What’s your position on the Violence Against Women protest set for tomorrow night in Courthouse Square?” the same woman asked.

“We support the public’s right to freedom of speech.”

“Lieutenant Mahler, do you feel a special urgency to find the suspect this time?” asked a reporter on the far aisle. The voice was new, and Mahler took a moment to locate the questioner. Dressed in a dark suit with an open-collar shirt, the reporter slumped in his seat, his long legs draped over the seat in front of him.

“My team and I feel the same urgency to identify the suspect in every case.”

“Can you assure the public you won’t make the same mistakes as two years ago?”

A sudden silence fell over the chamber. Mahler saw every audience member look up. He faced the reporter. “I’m not aware of any mistakes made two years ago by my team or the department.”

“Really? So the second homicide wasn’t caused by delays in your investigation?”