CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Inside the home of Nathan Randall, Iris and Sara began to work through the house to seek out evidence as Brass assisted. In the bathroom, Sara found blonde hairs in a wastebasket and noting Randall was dark-haired put them into an evidence bag. She continued to sweep with the UV light and while in Randall's bedroom noted several stains which she carefully swabbed and capped. Iris had made her to way to the kitchen to find aloe vera plants in ceramic pots, some showing signs of recent cuttings. Iris carefully photographed and then collected the cut plants. It was possible to compare plant DNA too and the sap held back at the lab might give clues as to if any of these plants had been used. In the den of the house, Iris noted several mounted birds and small neat piles of feathers with 3x5 cards identifying the bird species.
"Iris, Sara, come out back," Brass called into them from the backyard.
The women walked out in the backyard to find a large aviary in which several species of birds resided as they chattered and flew about the structure, including four male bluebirds, one of which showed the loss of breast feathers. Brass told them he was headed back in to check out the garage and attic.
Sara took photos of the aviary and the bluebirds in particular. The birds looked well-fed but when Iris stepped in to carefully capture the bluebird missing its breast feathers, it was apparent the birds were infested with lice and mites. She handled the bird gently as it was placed into a small cage she found inside the aviary. It hopped about inside the cage and gave her a bright-eyed look.
"Western bluebird my foot," Iris muttered.
"You may have a new friend there," grinned Sara to Iris.
"Look what I have here, ladies," Brass commented, as the women returned inside the house. Jim led them to the garage where several sections of clear acrylic were found. He also pointed to a bolt of gauzy blue fabric which had been pushed behind some boxes as if in haste. Sara rapidly took photographs as she had throughout the home and in the aviary.
Brass strode outside to where Nathan Randall. "Mr. Randall, it's my pleasure to tell you that you're being brought in for questioning by these officers for the murder of Heidi Watson, multiple counts of indecency with a child, and anything else we deem fit to charge you with." Brass stepped closer to be nose to nose with Randall as he personally handcuffed him. "You are so busted and I will see to it you never see the light of day as a free man again."
As Iris and Sara exited the home with several items of evidence of potential interest including the little bluebird, Iris stopped by Randall to raise the birdcage up to him.
"Mr. Randall, this is the western bluebird, correct?"
"Yes. Why?" Randall said tight-lipped as he was lead toward the squad car.
"Just wanted to clarify that, and thanks for your cooperation." Iris said neutrally.
"Officer, would you call animal control to come remove these birds from Mr. Randall's, uh, care." Sara requested. The officer nodded and got on his phone.