Chapter VIII
Trip to the Zoo
The hours had blurred together, somehow it was night again. The day had passed in a haze of dead ends and empty theories. Sara grimaced at the slightly scorched taste of what had to be Nick's attempt at coffee. She sighed and drank the sludge anyway, happy to have the caffeine pouring into her system. She had showered and changed earlier that afternoon and had stopped around eight for food, but other then that, she'd worked the case. All those hours and she was still no closer to finding out who killed Nadine Winters.
Sofia sighed and graciously accepted the cup of coffee that Vega handed her. They'd pounded the ground all day and into the night and were at a loss. He stretched, "I don't know about you, Curtis, but I am going to catch a nap in the crib." She nodded, "I'll page if something comes up." He nodded, "I do three hours and then you get three." She smiled, "Sounds good." She sipped the coffee and stretched her legs under her desk. She was halfway through a never ending paperwork.
The Homicide Bullpen was mostly dark and deserted. Usually Brass kept late hours too, but he had yet to return to full duty so his office was dark. She watched Vega go back to the small room where all of the detectives had collapsed and caught a few hours of much needed sleep. It wasn't a very appealing option, but Sofia had found herself happy to sleep there on more then one occasion.
The case file in front of her was depressingly thin. Nadine Winters's killer had left nary a clue. Sofia had a gut feeling though that they hadn't seen the last of this killer. He would strike again before they would be able to stop him.
Edwin Franco made his late rounds around the 'Africa' exhibit. He knew that the Hyenas would be up and about, but most of the animals had long ago resigned themselves to being creatures of the day. Vegas was a city made famous for it's show animals and this was where show animals came when their stage days were over. The Vegas Zoo was not the most glamorous one in the nation, but it held its ground rather well. Edwin, Eddie to his friends, was the Night Keeper. It was, he knew, a crap job for the new guy. He could deal with that. During the day he was going to Veterinary School and the night watch gave him plenty of time to study.
A quick check told him that the lions had all bedded down so he headed over to the Zebra and Antelope habitat. There in the middle of the pathway was a white lump. "Shit!" He started to run. One of the zebras must have gotten out. It wasn't supposed to happen and he wasn't even sure it was possible. When he got closer he cursed again. It was not a zebra.
Sara hated Zoos. They'd always crept her out. The fact that a second little girl had been found dead in one of the "humane" animal prisons did not make her like them any more. The zoo was lit up against the dark desert night. The animals, unused to such an uproar in their schedule were pacing in their habitats. Sara sighed and hefted her kit. The yellow tape stood out against the strategically placed greenery and viewing areas. David, the coroner, was frowning down at the body, his face stoic. Greg was behind her and Catherine was on her way. For the moment, though, it was just Sara and the scene. She bent down and began snapping photos, meticulously documenting everything and anything that could be helpful. It was almost identical to the first case. A little girl, a bit younger then the first, was laid on her back. She had blonde hair and was dressed in a white dress. Sara frowned.
From behind her, a familiar voice sounded, "We've either got a serial or a copycat." Sara straightened up and turned to face Sofia. "It could be either. David says she's only been dead a few hours." Sofia nodded, "Zoo keeper found her. He said he thought she was a zebra." Sara shook her head. "Definitely not a zebra." Sofia sighed and gazed down at the body. "No ID yet, and we've not got any more 'Missing Persons' reports." Sara sighed, "I've got Greg on perimeter and Catherine is in route." Sofia nodded, "Vega is questioning the witness."
Sofia massaged the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. "I have a feeling that our day off is going to be canceled." Sara, after checking to see that no one was paying attention, took Sofia's free hand in hers and gave it a quick squeeze. "I'm sorry." Sofia smiled, "Me too...but neither of us would really be able to enjoy The Devil Wears Prada with the case going on." Sara rolled her eyes, "I don't understand why we have to go see it, you've read the book." Sofia's blue eyes danced with amusement, "That's not the point, besides you were the one who just HAD to buy the Directors cut of Ultra Violet last week."
Vega raised his voice, calling for Sofia and Sara could see Catherine making her way to the scene. Sofia sighed and turned away, leaving Sara to her work.
Author's Note: Just in case someone doesn't know: I do not have any legal claim to The Devil Wears Prada in book or movie form. Nor do I own Ultra Violet...well, I have the DVD but have yet to make time to watch it.