Morgan looked out the window of the conference room. The sun lowered in the sky. Trees cast long shadows across the sidewalk. All the adrenaline rush of bringing Cole Hutton in had fled his system.

Danielle sat on the edge of the conference room table, gazing at the boards, as if something there might jump out at her. There has to be something more, something more specific that connects these two. Hutton was the only case where Lexa was in charge and Michelle did the lab work. So what else is there? Do they go to the same gym? Shop at the same grocery store? Belong to the same club?

Morgan walked over to perch next to her. I cant find anything like that in these files. Weve been over them three times already. We need more information, something that will help us see what the pattern is.

Danielles phone buzzed and she pulled it out of her pocket. Hernandez.

She stood straight up. Where? She grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down an address. Were on our way.

On our way where? Morgan asked after shed hung up.

I think were about to get more information. Theres a third victim.

***

Morgan stood out of the way and watched as the crime scene investigators crawled over the area, taking samples and marking locations. The light was fading fast, and a sense of urgency buzzed through the atmosphere.

Another set of techs were working on Brianna Olsons car where it sat on the other side of the road, headlights still on, drivers side door open, keys still in the ignition.

Whatever the reason shed had for getting out of her car, she hadnt intended on being gone long.

The car had been what prompted the older gentleman who had called in the situation to stop in the first place. Hed seen the car pulled over on the side of the road and had slowed to see if someone was in trouble and needed help. Hed probably expected to help someone change a tire or call for help. Instead, hed seen Briannas body on the opposite side of the road and had realized that she needed much more than he could offer.

Briannas body was now mercifully covered with a sheet, but Morgan had seen her up close before theyd covered her. He recognized her. Hed seen her around the hospital and he thought she might have been the nurse on one or more of his cases. He probably wouldnt have been able to come up with her name if hed been asked. He zipped his jacket against the chill that had come into the air.

The poor girl was splayed on the side of the road as if she was a piece of garbage someone had tossed out a window. Images of Lexas body by the Dumpster filled his brain. Was that part of this madmans message? Was he somehow implying these women were trash?