“It should. Now, while we can’t put blinders on and must remain open to all theories, at this stage we should follow the line that the victims knew the killer or killers,” Sloan said.

“Have your people found anything in their emails, phone, credit or bank cards that points anywhere?” Jurek asked.

“Nothing has jumped out yet,” Sloan said. “We’ll continue to focus on those in the Tullocks’ circles who were aware they’d be away, as well as those who might have harbored any ill will against them and where the evidence takes us. As for evidence, that note I received at the case meeting was from our forensic people who’d worked through the night. They’ve collected clear latents and impressions inside and around the property. Once they’re processed they’ll be run through the databanks,” Sloan said. “Until then, let’s interview people who were aware of the family’s movements and those with any grudges. We’ll go to your team on that, Bill.”

Jurek paged through his notes.

“We’ve got Ritchie Hicks, an ex-employee. Roy fired him three months ago for stealing equipment from the Prairie Winds Farm Equipment Center and selling it in Winnipeg and Saskatoon. After Hicks was fired, he was overheard at a bar saying one day he’d come back and get even with Roy Tullock.”

“And where is Hicks? Have you interviewed him?”

“Not yet. Last word put him in British Columbia or Alberta.”

“We need to find Hicks and confirm his movements.” Sloan went to her file folder. “We’re using gas and restaurant receipts to confirm the Tullocks’ route, times and dates to and from Saskatchewan along the Trans-Canada Highway. We’re also working on collecting all possible security camera recordings at all locations visited by the Tullocks.”

“Are you suggesting they were stalked?” Jurek asked.

“Anything’s possible. We’ll put out an alert on CPIC flagging Ritchie Hicks as a person of interest,” Sloan said. “Now, the Tullocks have a daughter, Victoria.” Sloan turned to one of the Mounties on her team. “What do you have, Frank?”

RCMP Corporal Frank Cullen flipped through his notebook.

“They call her Torrie. She’s sixteen. After she experienced several breakdowns, her parents arranged for her to become a resident at the New Dawn Sunrise Wellness Retreat in Winnipeg. She’s been there for five months. Winnipeg police report that Torrie’s under supervision by retreat staff. She can leave the facility but only when escorted. So for the last five months she’s never left Winnipeg.”

“All right. We need you to go there today and interview her for any insights. Go with Lorna,” Sloan said. “Let’s get back to the family’s immediate circle in town and who knew about their plans. Bill?”