CHAPTER TWELVE

Greg met Iris at the lab early that evening. He again went over with Iris what she had called him about. Iris had asked Greg as to whether or not human DNA could be extracted from the bird lice and mites recovered from the bird feathers Heidi was found holding. Greg admitted it was possible. They had done the same with maggots and beetles in past cases, but the lice and mites were so minute in size. He also recalled an article of extracting DNA samples from mosquitoes but from white blood cells. It was more a matter of if they had enough of the lice and mites to collect a sufficient sample.

Iris had collected all possible lice or mites she'd come across and the feathers had been teeming with the little creatures. Greg said he would grind up all the mites and lice on hand to get the DNA process going and subsequently use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) so as to amplify a common gene that could be ribosomal gene. If the process proved successful, they were would be able to get a viable DNA sequence. Iris's theory was the killer handled the same bird feathers and could have had his blood ingested as well by the lice and mites. If this were so, then there would be two DNA sequences – that of the killer and Heidi.

Iris had already sent a few representative feathers to an ornithologist on staff at UNLV and awaited the results of his review.

Further analysis of the clear plant gelatinous material found smeared on Heidi's hands to be aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) but of a species not commonly found in the United States. Iris's brainstorm also considered the possibility of skin cells being present in the sappy liquid, again the idea being the killer was exposed to the same bites and resultant rash, causing him to use the time-proven effectiveness of aloe vera on rashes. Greg exultantly shouted, "Eureka", at this indeed having found epithelial cells present in the aloe vera sap. He rushed on processing the harvested cells for their DNA sequence.

However, Greg had to inform Iris that the testing on the mites and lice was prohibited due to cost. Iris didn't bat an eye and asked Greg what the cost was even though it was a one-shot at best. She said do it and her checkbook would bear the cost out. Greg proceeded with the testing and feeling the confidence Iris had in him emboldened him. He had to admit it was kind of nice to swing a test tube again but just for the special circumstances. Iris remained on hand to help in whatever way possible. Sara also called to check in and was encouraged by what Iris had to say as an update.

It was late into the night at the lab. Greg lay on the couch in the break room with his head pillowed on his arms to catch a few winks of sleep. Iris covered him with a little blanket she kept at work and tousled his hair which was always on the wild side. She felt deep gratitude again for his willingness to help her. She settled into another chair to rest and had just closed her eyes when strong hands began to massage her neck and shoulders.

"Oh, thanks, Warrick, I really needed this," Iris said in a purring voice.

"Very funny!" growled Brass in reply, who had come back to check on his wife.

She stretched back to look up at him and never missing an opportunity to do so, Brass leaned over to lovingly plant a wet kiss on his sweetheart who let him know just how much his presence was appreciated. She pointed to the sleeping Greg and got up to walk with Jim back to his office.

"Any news?" Brass asked as they arrived in his office. As he was off-duty, he poured himself a drink. Iris sipped at some bottled water she'd brought with her.

"The samples are still processing. Greg went all out to get them done on a priority basis." Iris sighed as Brass continued his massage of her neck and shoulders. "Babe, you're hired."

Brass kissed her cheek as he replied, "Twenty-four/seven, full service provided, but tip preferred to be received in the privacy of our home."

"Like you need any encouraging," Iris said with a faint smile that had gone missing of late and Brass envied every chance to see it.

"Hey, you never said anything about what your test results showed," Jim said. "And…"

"You won't believe it but their lab lost my samples, so I have to go back and have a repeat done," Iris replied with a groan.

"Which you will do right away, no questions and no excuses. You shoulda told me, hon," Brass was rarely frustrated with Iris but now was one of those times.

Their talk was interrupted by Greg calling on her phone with news.