“Very,” Livia said. “A specific DNA sequence is sequestered from the blood and then, in a normal investigation, matched against DNA samples taken from the suspect—usually through an oral swab. If the DNA profiles match, it’s as accurate as it gets. Statistically, the science is just about one hundred percent.”

Avery slowly nodded her head as she considered Livia’s words. The fact was that the blood at the crime scene belonged to Victoria. This would be the biggest problem with the theory that someone else had killed Cameron Young, and she could see no way around it.

“The science likely came out at trial,” Livia said. “DNA evidence and the science behind it are challenged when it’s done badly or if there is even a chance that it’s less accurate than normal. If the blood had been contaminated, for instance. Or, if it was not preserved correctly. Was any of the DNA evidence challenged at trial?”

“That’s just it,” Avery said. “The case never went to trial.”

“Why not?”

“Because the chaos of September eleventh marked the unofficial end of the case.”

“So the investigation was closed?”

“Not formally. It just sort of went away because after 9/11 the main suspect was dead and the case was not pursued. America started chasing terrorists.”

Avery’s mind returned again to the previous day when she skimmed through Victoria’s lost manuscripts. Finally, she looked at Livia.

“The other thing I texted you about,” Avery said. “Were you able to find anything out about it?”

“Yes,” Livia said. “I called Arthur Trudeau earlier this morning and he told me where to look. It’s in the bone-processing lab. Grab your coffee.”

Avery followed Livia through the dark hallways until they came to the lab. Livia swiped her card key and the red light on the lock turned green as she opened the door. She flicked on the lights and headed toward a bank of computers lining the far wall. The monitors were dark until Livia sat down at one of the stations and jiggled the mouse. The computer screen woke and brightened with the OCME logo. She logged in and clicked through the screens.

“The identification of Victoria Ford was made on May eighth. It’ll take me a second to get back there.”

Avery stood next to Livia as she scrolled through the screens.

“Okay,” Livia said. “Here we go.”

Avery bent over Livia’s shoulder and scanned the screen.

“It looks like the specimen was collected from North Tower debris on September twenty-second of 2001.”

“Does it tell you more about the original specimen?” Avery asked.

“I’m looking. Let’s see . . .”

A few more screens clicked past and then some more scrolling.

“Yes. Here are the original notes on the specimen. Small fragment measuring just three quarters of an inch long and badly charred at the time of recovery.”

“That’s tiny,” Avery said.